Frequently Asked Questions
General Questions
It is highly recommended to take the vaccine even if the country you are currently in does not require vaccination.
Yes, we are still unaware how long the antibodies last if you have any. Also, there is the potential of getting COVID 19 again.
Currently, it is uncertain. But generally expected to last six months or more. However, the WHO does not recommend self-medication in any way to prevent or cure COVID-19.
No, you cannot get COVID-19 from the vaccine. The vaccine does not contain the live virus.
Ability to take Vaccine
If you have an immediate allergic reaction to the first dose, then you should not get the second dose. An immediate allergic reaction would be within 4 hours of getting the vaccine. Symptoms of an immediate allergic reaction are having trouble breathing, hives and/or swelling and redness around the eyes, cheeks, or lips with pain. Other symptoms include weak and rapid pulse, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, dizziness, or fainting. Please see a doctor.
If you are pregnant or trying to become pregnant you may take the vaccine. There is currently no evidence of the vaccine affecting fertility or pregnancy.
No, if you are currently taking remdesivir, then you have COVID-19. You must wait until you have recovered and met the criteria.
If you have underlying medical conditions, then you can become vaccinated. If you have a regular sickness, then it is recommended to wait until you have recovered (CDC).
No, you must wait until you have recovered and have met the criteria to receive a vaccine.
You must have recovered from COVID-19 and meet the criteria for discontinuing isolation. Also, everyone must test negative for COVID-19. People infected with COVID-19 with no symptoms can discontinue isolation after 10 days. For someone severely immunocompromised with symptoms, it may be beyond 20 days. For those severely immunocompromised that are asymptomatic it may be 10 to 20 days.
No, there is not enough information to safely do this. The COVID-19 vaccine should be the only vaccine you are receiving. You should wait at least 14 days before receiving a vaccine for another disease.
Wait 14 days after you have received your flu vaccine to get a COVID 19 vaccine. If you have already received a COVID 19 vaccine within 14 days of a flu vaccine, then you do not need to have a dose of the COVID-19 vaccine repeated.
After the Vaccine
You are considered fully vaccinated after 2 weeks of your last or only dose. Side effects should only last a few days.
It depends on the individual. For some people, rest, staying hydrated, medications to relieve fever, aches, and pains can help. If you are having severe symptoms please see a doctor.
You can gather indoors with other people fully vaccinated without a mask on. According to the CDC, you can also gather indoors without a mask with relatives unless they are considered an increased risk for severe illness from COVID-19.
Yes, it is unknown if a vaccinated person can still spread the virus even if you do not get sick.
Large to medium-sized gatherings should still be avoided. There are still variant strains of COVID-19 that we do not know how effective the vaccine is against.
Travel
Possibly, although it is not recommended. There is no guarantee traveling to another country that you will get a COVID-19 vaccine.
You will still have to quarantine and test negative for COVID-19 before and after traveling because of variant strains. The COVID-19 vaccine you received may not cover all variant strains.
Yes, travelers should test negative for COVID-19 before traveling to prevent the spread of variant strains. The COVID-19 vaccine you received may not cover all variant strains. International travelers must test negative for COVID-19 regardless of vaccination or antibody status. Documentation of negative results or recovery is required for international travel.
Yes, travelers should quarantine before and after travel to prevent the spread of variant strains. The COVID-19 vaccine you receive may not cover all strains.
Work and Schools
Employers should access options and risks when considering a vaccination program. Different department branches should include an input for hosting a vaccination program. Other important considerations for the planning process may include: the number of employees, ability to enroll in your jurisdiction as a provider, space for a stand-up clinic, obtaining senior management support, identifying a vaccine coordinator, vaccine confidence, staggering employee vaccination, sick days, and potential barriers unique to your workforce.
Human resource policies should become more flexible to accommodate paid leave for vaccinations in the community. Also, support transportation to off-site vaccination clinics.
Masks, sanitize surfaces, social distancing, and temperature checks will most likely still be required for the workplace. Most predictions are that the workplace is going to be hybrid at home and in the office. Others claim companies are planning to stay virtual.
Masks, sanitize surfaces, social distancing, and temperature checks will most likely still be required for the classroom. It is suggested that K-12 should be prioritized for reopening when safe, but a continuation of blended learning is being considered in some schools. However, some close contact sports, extracurriculars, and school events may still be canceled. Expanded screen testing and contact tracing may be considered for sports and extracurriculars to occur.
Masks, sanitize surfaces, social distancing, and temperature checks will most likely still be required for the classroom. Most colleges and universities are planning to have more in-person classes or be completed in person this upcoming semester (NPR; BBC; UWN)