The COVID-19 vaccines: What you need to know

Vaccines work by instructing your body’s immune procedure to realize and struggle again against germs, this sort of as a virus, that can induce severe sickness. By finding vaccinated, you develop safety against a risky sickness without having obtaining to get sick.

What is an mRNA vaccine?

The Moderna and Pfizer vaccines are messenger RNA vaccines, also referred to as mRNA vaccines. They contain genetic material or “directions” that train cells in your human body to make a harmless piece of spike protein. That piece of protein, in convert, tells your immune process to develop the antibodies wanted to secure you. Following the piece of protein is built, the mobile breaks down the recommendations and receives rid of them.

How extended have researchers been studying mRNA vaccines?

The three COVID-19 vaccines currently accessible in the U.S. use technology that scientists at the National Institutes of Health and fitness have been finding out for many years. This engineering can fight the spike proteins that stick out from the area of the COVID-19 virus.

What is a viral vector vaccine?

The Johnson & Johnson vaccine, which is a viral vector vaccine, performs in a comparable way. Alternatively of RNA, it carries a a little bit various model of an additional virus than the 1 that triggers COVID-19. This different virus, named a “viral vector,” carries the same form of significant instructions that mRNA vaccines do. As soon as the guidance are within your cells, they notify them to make a harmless piece of spike protein, which then triggers your immune technique to make protective antibodies.

Can the COVID-19 vaccines give you COVID-19?

The COVID-19 vaccines can’t give you COVID-19. The signs and symptoms that at times arrive after you’ve had a vaccine shot are standard and a signal that your immune method is doing the job. Simply call your health treatment provider or 911 if you are concerned about an allergic or other response, which is very unusual.

How do I know if I am totally vaccinated?

Men and women are regarded absolutely vaccinated two weeks immediately after their second shot in a two-dose sequence, like the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines, or two months soon after a one-shot vaccine, like the Johnson & Johnson vaccine.

In which can I study additional about acquiring a COVID-19 vaccine?

Take a look at vaccines.gov or your community point out well being site to learn wherever and when you can get a COVID-19 vaccine. If you have additional inquiries about the COVID-19 vaccine, stop by the Facilities for Condition Command and Avoidance web site and communicate to your wellness treatment service provider.