COVID-19 Vaccine

COVID shots are free to all people in Erie County aged 6 months and older. The CDC also suggests boosters for all people 5 years and older, if eligible, and it has been at least two months since your last dose. To find clinics, see https://eriecountypa.gov/COVID/COVID-shot.

The COVID shots work by teaching your body to know what the virus looks like and how to fight it. This keeps you from getting very sick with COVID.

No. The COVID shots do not have any live virus in them, so there is no way for it to make you sick with COVID.

No shot works all the time, and this is also true for COVID shots. Getting the COVID shot will help you fight the virus better, which may keep you from getting very sick and needing to go to the hospital.

The CDC says you have full protection when you get the minimum number of doses for each vaccine. If getting Pfizer, Moderna, or Novavax you need at least two doses plus a booster.

It takes about two weeks after you are done with the first series of shots for them to work.

Efficacy tells us how likely a vaccine is to protect you from getting sick with a disease.

No, they are free to all people who live in the United States, no matter what insurance you have or where you are from.

Yes. Please bring your vaccine card with you. Clinical staff will ask to see it.

No. You may get each dose at a different place. Please take your vaccine card with you.

Go to vaccines.gov to locate a vaccine clinic near you, then call or visit their website to make an appointment.

Go to vaccines.gov to locate a vaccine clinic near you, then call or visit their website to make an appointment.

The CDC recommends that all people aged 6 months and older should get their COVID vaccine.

They also recommend one updated (bivalent) booster dose for:
- Everyone aged 5 years and older if it has been at least 2 months since your last dose.
- Children aged 6 months–4 years who completed the Moderna primary series and if it has been at least 2 months since their last dose.

Do not take pain medicine such as Tylenol, Motrin, or Ibuprofen before getting your shot. Please talk to your doctor if you have any questions or concerns.

No, they do not usually affect other drugs that you take. If you have worries about a drug you are taking, please talk to your doctor.

Do not stop or wait to take any drugs given to you by your doctor before getting the shot, unless your doctor tells you to.

Yes, you can get the COVID shot at the same time as other shots.

You should wait for 15 minutes in case you have side effects. Medical staff will check to make sure you do not have any bad reactions. If you have had bad allergic reactions in the past, you may have to wait longer than 15 minutes.

You may take a mild pain or fever medicine like Ibuprofen, aspirin, or Tylenol after getting your shot, but not before. Please talk to a doctor if you have any questions or worries.

You may feel sick for a short time after getting the shot, but this will go away in a few days. This is normal and means your body is building up what it needs to fight the virus. You may have some mild pain, redness, or swelling in your arm where you got the shot. You may also be very tired, have a fever, chills, muscle pain, an upset stomach, or headache. It is also normal if you do not feel sick after getting the shot.

No, you can get your second dose at any time after the date that you are eligible.

The length of protection offered by COVID-19 vaccines varies based on several factors, including the type of vaccine and the person's age, immune status, and overall health. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), data from clinical trials and real-world studies suggest that the mRNA vaccines (Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna) provide strong protection against COVID-19 for at least six months, and likely much longer. (https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/recommendations/pregnancy.html)

If you get the shots, you do not get as sick and you are less likely to die.

People who get the shot after getting better from COVID are less likely to get sick again.

No, not until after your isolation period ends. You may wait up to three months from when your symptoms started. If you had no symptoms, the three-month period starts when you received a positive test.

If you lost your vaccine card or do not have a copy of it, contact your vaccine provider directly to get a new card. If you got your vaccine through the Erie County Department of Health, please call 814-451-6700 for help.

In Pennsylvania, you can call 877-774-4748. You can also visit  https://www.health.pa.gov/topics/Reporting-Registries/PA-SIIS/Pages/PA-SIIS.aspx

Yes. The virus enters your body through your nose or throat, and when you cough or sneeze, you may still spread the virus to others in the community.

1. Contact your doctor, or
2. Call the Erie County Department of Health at 814-451-6700.

If you are not able to get a shot through one of these, you can:
• Call The Aging Network at 1-800-677-1116
• Search the Eldercare Locator using your zip code at https://eldercare.acl.gov/Public/index.aspx
• Contact the Disability Information and Access Line (DIAL) at 1-888-677-1199 or,
• Call the hotline for Medicare recipients at 1-800-633-4227 (TTY 1-877-486-2048).

The science for these vaccines has been around for many years, so it is not new. Since COVID is a worldwide issue, researchers had access to more money to use for development. Researchers working together all over the world also made it faster. They were able to do steps at the same time that, in the past, they did one after the other.

Even though the shots came quickly, the technology for shots like these has been around for decades. They completed all the normal steps to create a shot and to ensure they work and are safe.

Common side effects include:
• Pain, redness, or swelling where you got your shot
• Tiredness
• Headache
• Muscle pain
• Chills
• Fever
• Nausea
These side effects are normal and may last for a couple of days after vaccination.

Common side effects include:
• Pain, redness, or swelling where you got your shot
• Tiredness
• Headache
• Muscle pain
• Chills
• Fever
• Nausea
These side effects are normal and may last for a couple of days after vaccination.

No, these are different things.
• Side effects are usually expected and are things to look out for after vaccination, such as high temperature, muscle pain, joint pain, etc.
• Adverse effects, also known as "Adverse Events" are usually not expected and are often dangerous reactions that need be reported immediately.

Contact your doctor, let them know you recently got the shot, and tell them about your side effects. We learn more about side effects all the time, so what you are going through might be more common now.

If you are having a serious reaction, call 911 and contact a doctor. The CDC and the FDA ask that anyone who feels very ill after getting the shot should report their symptoms using the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS) at https://vaers.hhs.gov/data.html.

The CDC also uses a smartphone app called "V-safe" to check in on people's health after they get a COVID shot. You can use this app to report any problems or bad reactions you have after getting a shot. Learn more at https://vsafe.cdc.gov/en/.

A severe allergic reaction can cause:
• difficulty breathing or wheezing,
• a drop in blood pressure,
• swelling of the tongue or throat, or
• a rash or hives

No. Do not get the second dose if you have had a reaction to your first dose of the shot. Ask a doctor if you should get a different type of COVID shot.

If you have an allergy to something in the shot, talk to a doctor before getting the shot.

When public health emergencies happen, the FDA may declare that an emergency use authorization is needed. This means the FDA may allow unapproved medical products or unapproved uses of approved medical products to be used.

No. At this time, there is no test to show that the shot is working.

COVID vaccines do not contain latex, eggs, or gelatin. You do not have to worry if you have allergies to food, medicine, or pollen or animals. If you have any questions, please talk to a doctor.

The vaccines are safe for people who have these problems. Check with a doctor to know if the COVID vaccine is safe for you.

If you have an autoimmune disease, ask a doctor if the vaccine is safe for you.

Yes, and it is even more important for these people to be up to date on their shots. People with these medical conditions are more likely to:
• Go to the hospital with COVID
• Have to stay in an ICU, and
• Die because of the virus

If you have a transplant, ask a doctor if the COVID vaccine is safe for you.

No. There is no data to show the vaccine causes fertility problems.

Yes. The Erie County Department of Health has a consent form that parents must fill out and sign before their child can get a shot. If you have questions about the policies of our health partners, like LECOM and AHN, you can call them directly.

We are not sure yet, but it looks like yearly COVID shots and boosters will likely be needed in the same way that we get a flu shot each year.

No, it does not mean they aren't working. Vaccines and boosters only last for a period of time in our bodies before they become less effective. This time period is different for all vaccines.

Yes. The bivalent boosters are made to protect us from both the original COVID virus as well as new variants.

A booster is just another dose of a vaccine after your primary series. It helps you fight the virus after other things like natural immunity or vaccines no longer keep you from getting sick.

Bivalent means that it is a mix of two versions of the vaccine. The booster targets both the original COVID strain and the BA.4/BA.5 Omicron variants.

Vaccines only last for a period of time in our bodies before they become less effective. This time period is different for all vaccines. Boosters help build protection when the vaccines don't work as well as they did.

A couple of examples of other common vaccines that require boosters are tetanus and diphtheria.

CDC recommends one updated (bivalent) booster dose for everyone aged 5 years and older if it has been at least 2 months since your last dose, whether that was:
• Their final primary series dose, or
• An original (monovalent) booster.

CDC also recommends one updated (bivalent) booster dose for children aged 6 months–4 years who completed the Moderna primary series and if it has been at least 2 months since their last dose.

There is no booster recommendation for children aged 6 months–4 years who got the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine primary series.

People who have had more than one original (monovalent) booster are also recommended to get an updated (bivalent) booster.

See https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/stay-up-to-date.html

We are not sure yet, but it looks like yearly COVID shots and boosters will likely be needed in the same way that we get a flu shot each year.

No, it does not mean they aren't working. Vaccines and boosters only last for a period of time in our bodies before they become less effective. This time period is different for all vaccines.

Yes. The bivalent boosters are made to protect us from both the original COVID virus as well as new variants.

Some adults and children may have mild side effects. These include pain, redness or swelling at the spot you got your shot, tiredness, headache, muscle pain, chills, high temperature, and nausea. Serious side effects are rare, but can happen.

This means that you got all of the vaccine shots required for your age and health, but no boosters.

This means you got all of the vaccine shots required for your age and health including all recommended boosters.

Yes. CDC says that people ages 12 years and older should get one updated (bivalent) booster if it has been at least 2 months since their last COVID-19 vaccine dose, whether that was:
• Their final primary series dose, or
• An original (monovalent) booster

People who have had more than one original (monovalent) booster are also recommended to get an updated (bivalent) booster.

It depends. The CDC says that people aged 5 and older should get one of the bivalent boosters, no matter which shot you chose for your first doses.

Children aged 6 months–4 years who completed the Moderna primary series should get the bivalent booster if it has been at least 2 months since their last dose.

There is no booster recommendation for children aged 6 months–4 years who got the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine primary series.

Yes, you can get the COVID shot at the same time as other shots.

The shots work very well to prevent severe sickness, hospital stays, and death. But, we know that they do not work as well after a few months, and we know that other variants are forming. As other variants emerge, booster doses will help protect you.

No. Some people with certain medical conditions have a hard time creating the cells they need to fight COVID with their first doses. Another dose helps them build more cells to fight the virus from the start. Boosters help people who have built enough cells to fight the virus, but over time have lost strength and they need a "boost."

The CDC urges all who are eligible to get an updated booster at least 2 months after their last dose. The timing can depend on your age and health.

Novavax is made from protein in the virus. This is the same way other vaccines have been made for years. Novavax uses the spike protein found on the surface of the virus. After getting the shot, the immune system causes an immune response against the virus.

Yes. On July 13, 2022, the FDA gave Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) for the two-dose Novavax vaccine for people 18 and over.

Many of the other vaccines we have all had for years were made in this way. These include the vaccines for Tetanus and Diphtheria.

The most common side effects are pain, tenderness, redness and swelling where you get the shot, as well as fatigue, muscle pain, headache, joint pain, nausea/vomiting, and fever.

Myocarditis and pericarditis may be rare side effects of Novavax. More data needs to be collected to know for sure.

No. While each of the shots has a small risk of giving you Myocarditis, the COVID virus itself is far more harmful to your heart. The risk of Myocarditis from the virus is much higher than the risk of getting it from one of the shots.

There were some delays in making the vaccine. At first, the company did not have the ability to make the amount of vaccine needed. There were also a few delays in getting approvals, which is normal when making vaccines.

Anyone aged 12 or older can use Novavax for their first and second doses.

Novavax requires 2 doses, 3 to 8 weeks apart in individuals 12 years of age and older. It cannot be used as a booster.

Yes. Novavax is safe for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding.

CDC does not recommend mixing products for your first doses. If you received Pfizer, Moderna, or Novavax for the first dose of your primary series, you should get the same product for the 2nd dose in the primary series.

People who have low immunity and need a 3-dose primary series should also get the same vaccine brand for all 3 doses.

Yes. Over time, viruses learn how to make more people sick and to do it more quickly. The Omicron variant spreads more easily than any others and it is now the one making the most people sick.

COVID vaccines help to keep you from getting severely ill or being hospitalized from COVID. While Omicron is more likely to get past your immune system, getting the shot will make you less likely to have severe illness.

Make sure that you and your loved ones are up to date on COVID shots and boosters. Also, wear a mask when around others and when you are not able to distance yourself. Avoid crowds when possible. Wash your hands often.

Yes. Vaccines and boosters are still the best way to protect yourself. It may not prevent you from getting sick, but you will be much less sick if you are up to date on your shots.

No. Tests that we have will only tell you if you have the virus. They cannot tell you which variant you have.

The vaccines we have had until now were made to prevent sickness from the original COVID virus. Since then, there have been many changes (mutations) to the virus. While the original vaccines work very well, they do not work as well with the changes in the virus.
The new booster targets the Omicron variants, as well as the original strain of COVID.

The shot is the best way to protect children from getting very ill or having long-term health problems from COVID.

Even if your child does not get very sick, a COVID infection could still cause health problems in the future. Your child can also spread the virus to someone who is at risk for severe illness—like a grandparent, someone at church, a teacher at school, or anyone in your community.

Studies were not started in children until after the adult trials showed they were safe and they worked. It also took time to figure out which ones work safely for children and how much to give them.

The COVID shot for children has been fully tested and reviewed by the FDA and CDC. It was shown to be safe and worked well at keeping kids safe from COVID. The FDA and CDC will keep tracking shot safety, including among children.

Yes. The Erie County Department of Health has a consent form that parents must complete and sign before their child can get a shot.

If you have questions about the policies for our health system partners, like LECOM and AHN, you can call them directly.

Yes. You should get your child a COVID shot even if they have already had COVID.

A past COVID infection does not protect you against getting COVID again. Data shows that people who did not get a shot after being sick are twice as likely to get COVID again.

Getting a shot can be scary for kids. For some tips to help you comfort your child before, during, and after their shot, see https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/parents/visit/before-during-after-shots.html.

Mild side effects are common and go away in one to two days. Your child may have a sore arm, tiredness, headaches, or a slightly high temperature. Other symptoms include chills, muscle/joint pain, nausea/vomiting, and swollen lymph nodes.

Yes. It is safe for eligible children to get a COVID shot and other routine vaccines during the same visit.

Yes, as long as you follow the proper guidance. In-person learning is critical for children and remains a priority.

To make in-person learning safer, get your child vaccinated and teach them to protect themselves by:
• Wearing a well-fitting mask
• Washing their hands
• Social distancing
• Staying home if they are feeling sick
• Getting tested if they were exposed to the virus or they have symptoms.

Yes, if you have questions talk to your doctor first.

Yes. All people who are pregnant, want to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding should be up to date on their COVID shots.

Yes. Data shows that the COVID shot does not cause problems during pregnancy. Getting sick with COVID itself can be very risky during pregnancy.

Having COVID increases the risk of severe illness in pregnant people and for the early birth of the baby. It might increase risks for other problems during pregnancy.

A shot can protect you against severe illness and help keep your baby safe.

It is urgent for people who are or were recently pregnant, and those who live or visit with them, to protect themselves and others from getting COVID.

Follow the basics of getting vaccinated, masking when around others, and avoiding crowds. You should also limit time in person with people who might have been around COVID. This includes people in your household, as much as possible.

If you or someone in your household is sick with COVID-19, follow guidance for isolation.

See https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/if-you-are-sick/isolation.html

Call your doctor if you have any worries about your pregnancy, if you get sick, or if you think that you may have COVID-19.

The CDC recommends you:

• Stay home to separate yourself from others outside your home
• Isolate (stay away) from other household members who are not infected, and wear a mask in shared spaces
• Have a healthy caregiver who is up to date with their COVID-19 vaccines and not at higher risk for severe illness provide care for your newborn (see recommendations below)
• Follow recommended precautions if you must care for your newborn before your isolation period has ended

Yes. Current evidence suggests that breast milk is not likely to spread the virus to babies.

Experts urge that you:
• Use your own breast pump and properly clean it after every use.
• Be sure you are up to date on your vaccines and boosters.
• Wear a mask when breastfeeding or expressing breast milk.
• Wash your hands with soap and water for 20 seconds before breastfeeding or expressing breast milk.
• If you do not have soap and water, use a hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.

Yes. If you are currently pregnant or breastfeeding, there is no evidence that the shot causes issues. In fact, their breastmilk will have antibodies that could help protect their babies. You do not have to pump and throw away your breastmilk after getting the COVID shot.

No. There is no data to show the shot causes fertility problems.

Yes. Novavax is safe for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Yes. Anyone 12 or older can get the Novavax shots.

Yes. Findings from a Johns Hopkins Medicine research study show that people who are pregnant and have been infected with COVID can safely take the antiviral drug Paxlovid to reduce the possibility of severe disease.

Lagevrio has not been studied in pregnant people yet.

Do not take Lagevrio:
• If you are pregnant, can get pregnant during treatment, or are breastfeeding.
• If you could become pregnant, be sure to use an effective barrier type of contraception. Or, do not have sex while taking it.

This means that you have a weak immune system, which makes it harder to fight infections and other illnesses.

Low immunity can be caused by:
• Some illnesses, such as AIDS, cancer, diabetes, and some genetic disorders.
• Some drugs and therapy for cancer, and stem cell or organ transplant
• Age and smoking history

Yes. Novavax can be used as one of the 3 primary doses for people who have low immunity.

In people with low immunity, the first two doses may not be enough to fight the virus. A third dose raises immunity to prevent you from getting sick or becoming seriously ill.

For people with low immunity, the third dose provides them extra protection from getting sick or becoming seriously ill. For people who do not have low immunity, the third dose is considered a booster to rebuild immunity after the shots have worn off.

If you have low immunity, being up to date means you have gotten all doses in the primary series, plus any booster(s) for which you are eligible.

No.  Simply tell the staff that you have low immunity when you arrive.

No. If you have kidney disease or are on dialysis, do not take Paxlovid. Levels of the drug can become too high and could cause increased side effects.