Covid-19 Vaccine

Effective, Monday, January 11, New York State has expanded the list of people eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccination to Group 1B. This group includes first responders, public safety and transit workers, education workers, and individuals 65 years and older. According to the New York State Department of Health, as of February 15, 2021 patients with specific documented medical conditions may also be eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. To find out if you are eligible, visit the New York State Vaccination website.

COVID-19 can cause severe medical complications and lead to death in some people. Getting a vaccine can help protect you by creating an antibody response in your body without your having to become infected with the virus. The vaccine might prevent you from getting COVID-19 or keep you from becoming seriously ill if you do get the virus.

While there are several COVID-19 vaccines in clinical trials, the three that are currently approved for emergency use are the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine, the Moderna vaccine, and the Johnson & Johnson/Janssen vaccine.

The Pfizer vaccine requires two injections given 21 days apart. Data has shown that this vaccine is safe and starts working soon after the first dose and has an efficacy rate of 95% seven days after the second dose.

The Moderna vaccine also requires two injections given 28 days apart and data has shown that the vaccine is also safe and has an efficacy rate of 94%.

The Johnson & Johnson/Janssen vaccine requires only one injection. Data has shown that this vaccine is safe and was approximately 67% effective in preventing moderate to severe/critical COVID-19 disease occurring at least 14 days after vaccination and 66% effective in preventing moderate to severe/critical disease at least 28 days after vaccination. Additionally, the vaccine was approximately 85% effective in preventing severe/critical COVID-19 occurring at least 28 days after vaccination

The studies for all three vaccines showed no serious adverse effects. Since the introduction of the vaccine, rare serious allergic reactions have occurred, which can be managed by the vaccination team. Vaccine recipients have reported mild to moderate symptoms, most commonly, pain, redness or swelling where the shot was given. In addition, fever, fatigue, headache, muscle pain, chills and joint pain may occur

Most reactions happen within the first few days after vaccination and last no more than three days. If you have a reaction that prevents you from being able to eat, sleep or work, contact your physician.

No. None of the COVID-19 vaccines contain the live virus that causes COVID-19 – so you cannot catch COVID-19 from these vaccines. With this type of vaccine, your body is in a sense “tricked” into thinking it has the virus. Your immune system will recognize that the protein created by the vaccine doesn’t belong there and will begin building an immune response and making antibodies. Keep in mind that it will take a few weeks for your body to build immunity after getting a COVID-19 vaccination. As a result, it’s possible that you could become infected with the virus that causes COVID-19 just before or after being vaccinated.

The COVID-19 vaccine is not being offered to children under 16. Also, if you are allergic to any component of the vaccine, you should not get vaccinated. Please ask your doctor about the ingredients in each vaccine to make sure you are not allergic. Additionally, it is important to note that researchers excluded pregnant women from their studies so there is little information on how the COVID-19 vaccination can affect pregnant women or their babies. Pregnant women may be offered the vaccine; however, they should first discuss it with their doctor.

Getting COVID-19 might offer some natural protection or immunity from reinfection, but it’s not clear how long this protection lasts. Because reinfection is possible and COVID-19 can cause severe medical complications, it is recommended that people who have already had COVID-19 get vaccinated. However, the CDC advises that you wait 90 days after your initial COVID-19 symptoms before being vaccinated.

Yes. If you have a history of significant allergies (i.e. someone who carries an epi pen), let the person providing the vaccine know and have them observe you an extended period of time once you have received the vaccine. If you are allergic to any component of the vaccine, do not get vaccinated.

Yes. There are no indications that the vaccine has a negative impact on cancer patients.

No. Experts want to learn more about the protection that a COVID-19 vaccine provides and how long immunity lasts before changing safety recommendations. The CDC continues to recommend that you avoid close contact with others, wear masks in public places and wash your hands frequently.

When you receive your vaccination, you will receive a vaccination card or printout that tells you which COVID-19 vaccine you received, the date you received it, and where you received it.

Federal health officials have said that there will be no out-of-pocket costs when receiving the vaccine.