COVID-19 Vaccine Frequently Asked Questions
Aren't lots of people getting COVID-19 even after they are vaccinated?
No. Actually the percentage of breakthrough cases is much lower for those whoare fully vaccinated against the virus that causes COVID-19.
Nationwide, depending on the variant, vaccine effectiveness has been proven to be as high as 92% at preventing hospitalization or death. For more effectiveness specifics by variant, please visit the CDCs website.
The vaccine is very effective at preventing severe illness and death as well as overall infection.
Links and Resources
Will a COVID-19 vaccine alter my DNA?
No. COVID-19 vaccines do not change or interact with your DNA in any way. Both mRNA and viral vector COVID-19 vaccine deliver instructions (genetic material) to our cells to start building protection against the virus that causes COVID-19. However, the material never enters the nucleus of the cell, which is where our DNA is stored.
Learn more about mRNA and viral vector COVID-19 vaccines.
Will getting a COVID-19 vaccine cause me to test positive for COVID-19 on a viral test?
No. None of the authorized and recommended COVID-19 vaccines cause you to test positive on viral tests, which are used to see if you have a current infection.
If your body develops an immune response to vaccination, which is the goal, you may test positive on some antibody tests. Antibody tests indicate you had a previous infection and that you may have some level of protection against the virus.
Learn more about the possibility of COVID-19 illness after vaccination
Can a COVID-19 vaccine make me sick with COVID-19?
No. None of the authorized COVID-19 vaccines in the United States contain the live virus that causes COVID-19. This means that a COVID-19 vaccine cannot make you sick with COVID-19.
COVID-19 vaccines teach our immune system how to recognize and fight the virus that causes COVID-19. Sometimes this process can cause symptoms such as a fever. These symptoms are normal and are signs that the body is building protection against the virus that causes COVID-19.
Is it safe for me to get a COVID-19 vaccine if I would like to have a baby one day?
Yes. If you are trying to become pregnant now or want to get pregnant in the future, you may get a COVID-19 vaccine when one is available to you.
There is currently no evidence that COVID-19 vaccination causes any problems with pregnancy, including the development of the placenta. In addition, there is no evidence that female or male fertility problems are a side effect of any vaccine, including COVID-19 vaccines.
