In the clinical trials, the vaccines manufactured by Pfizer, Moderna, and Johnson & Johnson Janssen were well-tolerated by study participants. We consider all three vaccines to be safe at this time given the scientific evidence.

In the clinical trials, both the vaccines from Pfizer and Moderna were found to be ~90-95% effective. The Johnson & Johnson Janssen vaccine was found to be 66.3% effective in clinical trials.

After receiving the vaccine, you may experience discomfort at the location you received the vaccine, fatigue, headache, chills fever, joint pain, and muscle pain. These side effects are all described as temporary, or transient. They may be more prevalent after the second dose of the vaccine and seem to be less prevalent in older individuals.

Both the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines work through mRNA technology. The vaccine contains mRNA molecules that are instructions to your body to build a specific protein. The mRNA is encased in lipids – a type of fat. Once the vaccine is injected, your body uses the mRNA to create a specific protein inside the cell but not in the nucleus where your DNA lives. This cell-made protein elicits an immune response from your body so that if your body ever comes in contact with the actual COVID-19 virus, your immune system should be ready. This is immunity.

The Johnson & Johnson Janssen vaccine is a viral vector vaccine.

No, it is impossible to get COVID-19 from the vaccines. The virus is not in the vaccines. While side effects have been reported from the vaccines, they are not from the COVID-19 virus.

Everyone over age 18 should plan to get the vaccine in the future. Getting the vaccine helps protects you, your loved ones, and your community. The Pfizer vaccine is now available for people ages 12 and over.

The vaccine is free. Administration of the vaccine is covered by commercial insurance and Medicare plans. If you do not have insurance coverage, we will administer the vaccine at no cost to our patients at Healthcare Associates of Texas.