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Board of Health - COVID VACCINE FAQ's

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1. When can I get a vaccine?

In Carlisle, we will begin clinics in late January/ early February pending vaccine delivery from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.  An general overview of the different phases:

• Phase 1 - healthcare providers, emergency responders, home health care workers
• Phase 2 - individuals 65 years +, early education and K-12 education workers, people with comorbid conditions, essential workers
• Phase 3 - general public

For more information on the different phases under the State’s vaccine timeline:  LINK HERE

Mass.gov information: "When can I get the COVID-19 vaccine? LINK HERE

2. What is considered a co-morbid condition?

Adults of any age with the following conditions are at increased risk of severe illness from COVID-19.  NOTE:  We are learning more about COVID-19 every day. The below list of underlying medical conditions is not exhaustive and only includes conditions with sufficient evidence to draw conclusions; it is a living document that may be updated at any time, subject to potentially rapid change as the science evolves.  

• Cancer
• Chronic Kidney Disease
• COPD (Congestive Obstructive Pulmonary Disease)
• Down Syndrome
• Heart conditions: such as heart failure, Coronary Artery Disease or Cardiomyopathies
• Immunocompromised state (weakened immune system) from solid organ transplant 
• Obesity (BMI >30, but <40)
• Severe obesity (BMI 40+) 
• Pregnancy
• Sickle-cell Disease
• Smoking
• Type -2 Diabetes

For more information for people with certain medical conditions and the need for extra precautions, refer to the CDC guide: LINK HERE

3. Do I need documentation that I have a comorbid condition?

Currently, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts requires that you digitally sign an attestation form confirming that you are in the group currently eligible for vaccine. No specific documentation is otherwise required.

4. If I am identified as a close contact of someone with COVID-19, can I still get a vaccine?

Yes, if you do not have a fever or other COVID-related symptoms.

5. Do both doses have to be from the same pharmaceutical company?

The Moderna COVID-19 vaccine is not interchangeable with other COVID-19 vaccines to complete the vaccination series. The safety and efficacy of a mixed-product series have not been evaluated. Both doses of the series should be completed with the Moderna vaccine. However, if two doses of different mRNA COVID-19 vaccine products are inadvertently administered, no additional doses of either product are recommended at this time.

6. Are there any side effects to receiving the vaccine?

All vaccines can cause side effects.  People have reported redness, pain, swelling at the injection site and chills, fever, fatigue, headache, joint and muscle aches (more common after 2nd shot). You may experience flu- like symptoms within 1-2 days of the vaccine, which resolve within a few days.

7. Can I take a pain medication if I have side effects from the vaccine?

You can use over-the-counter medication for fever or pain (such as Tylenol), but it is generally recommended to avoid NSAIDS (like Advil or ibuprofen) as they may reduce the immune response to the vaccine.

8. How do I know if I have COVID or a reaction to the vaccine?

The following symptoms are NOT associated with the vaccine: shortness of breath, cough, loss of smell/taste, runny nose, sore throat. IF you experience these type of symptoms you should contact your primary physician.  The vaccine does NOT cause a positive PCR test.

9. How long will protection from a 2-dose vaccination last?

We do not know. Antibody responses have been documented for 4 months after the vaccine has been administered, and it is thought that immunity may last greater than 1 year. 

LINK HERE to correspondence to The New England Journal of Medicine regarding "Durability of Responses after SARS-CoV-2 mRNA-1273 Vaccination".

10. Do I need a prescription from my doctor for the vaccine?

No.

11. Is the vaccine safe for pregnant or lactating women?

We do not know yet. These groups were not included in the clinical trials. If you are in this category you should discuss the vaccine with your OB/GYN.

12. Could a vaccine for COVID-19 be required?

In the past, people could refuse a vaccine available under EUA (emergency use authorization), since it is not FDA approved. In the near future, a COVID vaccine may be required for air travel, work, school or international travel, but the specifics of this are not yet clear.

13. Should I get the vaccine if I've already had COVID?

Most experts recommend getting the vaccine even if you’ve already had COVID, since we don’t know how long immunity lasts. If you’ve recently had COVID, you can wait about 90 days.

14. Is the COVID-19 vaccine free?

Yes.

Vaccines purchased with US Taxpayer money will be given to the American people at no cost. However, vaccination providers will be allowed to charge an administration fee for giving the shot to someone. Vaccine providers can get this fee reimbursed by the patient’s public or private insurance company or, for uninsured patients, by the Health Resources and Services Administration’s Provider Relief Fund.

15. Will I be provided with documentation that I've been vaccinated?

Yes.  Participants will receive a vaccination card (CDC COVID-19 Vaccination Record Card).  On this card will be the vaccine information you received and the date you received it for both doses.  It may be a good idea to take a picture of this card.  There is a place on the back of the card to put a reminder date for the second shot.

16. Do I need to wear a mask and avoid close contact with others if I have been vaccinated?

Yes. 

While experts learn more about the protection that COVID-19 vaccines provide under real-life conditions, it will be important for everyone to continue using all the tools available to us to help stop this pandemic, like covering your mouth and nose with a mask, washing hands often, and staying at least 6 feet away from others. Together, COVID-19 vaccination and following CDC’s recommendations for: How to Protect Yourself and Others will offer the best protection from getting and spreading COVID-19. Experts need to understand more about the protection that COVID-19 vaccines provide before deciding to change recommendations on steps everyone should take to slow the spread of the virus that causes COVID-19. Other factors, including how many people get vaccinated and how the virus is spreading in communities, will also affect this decision. (source: Frequently Asked Questions about COVID-19 Vaccination | CDC)

17. How will vaccines work against new COVID-19 variants, like the one that appeared in the United Kingdom?

It is normal for viruses to change as they spread, and for new variants to appear. Scientists are working to learn more about new COVID-19 variants to understand how easily they might spread, and whether the vaccines we already have will protect people against them. The Janssen (Johnson & Johnson) vaccine was studied in multiple countries, including South Africa and Brazil, both places where COVID-19 variants have appeared. So far, studies suggest that currently authorized vaccines provide protection from the variants.  

18. Does the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine provide as much protection as the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines?

All three approved COVID-19 vaccines are safe and highly effective against serious illness, hospitalization, and death. The Janssen (Johnson & Johnson) vaccine provided 93% protection against hospitalization from COVID-19. It was also shown to be effective against the new COVID-19 variants, with research conducted in countries with these more infectious variants including South Africa and Brazil. An added benefit is that the Janssen (Johnson & Johnson) vaccine requires only a single shot – so if you are offered it, you are “one and done” and don’t need to make a second appointment.  

19. Can I choose which vaccine I receive?

No. Recipients will receive the vaccine offered to them when they attend a vaccination clinic. All of the vaccines are highly effective and safe. The best vaccine is the one that is available to you.  Residents are urged to take whatever shot they can, as soon as it’s available.

20. How long after getting the COVID-19 vaccine does it take to be effective?

It usually takes a few weeks for the body to build immunity after vaccination. That means it’s possible a person could be infected with the virus that causes COVID-19 just before or just after vaccination and get sick. This is because the vaccine has not had enough time to provide protection.

21. How long do I have to wait between the first and second dose of the COVID-19 vaccine for Pfizer and Moderna?

Your second shot is recommended at 21 days for Pfizer and 28 days for Moderna, but any time up to 6 weeks (42 days) after the first dose is in line with CDC guidance. You should not get the second dose earlier than 21 days for Pfizer or 28 days for Moderna. The Janssen (Johnson & Johnson) vaccine is only one dose.

22. What should I do if I experience symptoms after receiving a COVID-19 vaccine?

Some people have side effects after being vaccinated (such as tiredness, headache, and pain at the injection site), which are normal signs that your body is building protection. These side effects may affect your ability to do daily activities, but they should go away in a few days. If you develop respiratory symptoms like runny nose, cough, or loss of sense of smell or taste, these are not side effects of the vaccine and you should consider getting tested for COVID-19 or talk to your healthcare provider. It is possible to get COVID-19 even after you get the vaccine. Stay home if you are sick and avoid close contact with others.  You may wish to check with your employer about how this will impact your work.

If you have any significant pain or discomfort, talk to your healthcare provider, who may recommend over-the-counter medicine, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen. To reduce pain and discomfort where you got the shot apply a clean, cool, wet washcloth over the area, and use or exercise your arm.  To reduce discomfort from fever, drink plenty of fluids and dress lightly. In most cases, discomfort from fever or pain is normal, but contact your healthcare provider if:

• the redness or tenderness where you got the shot increases after 24 hours
• your side effects are worrying you or do not seem to be going away after a few days

23. How do I report if I have any side effects after getting the COVID-19 vaccine?

V-safe is a smartphone-based tool that uses text messaging and web surveys to provide personalized health check-ins after you receive a COVID-19 vaccination. Through v-safe, you can quickly tell CDC if you have any side effects after getting the COVID-19 vaccine. Depending on your answers, someone from CDC may call to check on you and get more information. And v-safe will remind you to get your second COVID-19 vaccine dose if you need one. To sign up for v-safe, please visit V-safe After Vaccination Health Checker | CDC.

If you have any concerns, you can also call your healthcare provider.  You or your provider can report any side effects to the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS), which is a national system run by the federal government.

24. How long after getting the COVID-19 vaccine does it take to be effective?

It usually takes a few weeks for the body to build immunity after vaccination. That means it’s possible a person could be infected with the virus that causes COVID-19 just before or just after vaccination and get sick. This is because the vaccine has not had enough time to provide protection.

25. How effective is one dose of a Pfizer or Moderna COVID-19 vaccine compared to two doses?

The Pfizer and Moderna COVID-19 vaccines were not studied for use as a single dose. People should get both doses of the vaccine to be fully vaccinated in order to be effective.

26. What should I do if I test positive for COVID-19 after getting my first dose of Pfizer or Moderna?

If you test positive, you should follow general ISOLATION GUIDELINES. You may get your second dose if you have completed isolation and no longer have symptoms. The second dose should be given at least 21 days (Pfizer) or 28 days (Moderna) after the first dose. Talk with your healthcare provider if the second dose needs to be delayed because of isolation or other reasons.

27. Do I have to follow the Travel Order if I have received a COVID-19 vaccine?

f you have gotten two doses of the Moderna or Pfizer COVID-19 vaccines or one dose of the Janssen (Johnson & Johnson) vaccine more than 14 days ago and do not have symptoms, you do not need to have a negative test before traveling to Massachusetts or quarantine when you arrive. If asked, you must show documentation of your vaccination, including the date(s) given.

If you are vaccinated and have symptoms of COVID-19, you must continue to follow the Governor’s Travel Order and related testing and quarantine requirements.

28. Do I still have to quarantine after I’ve been vaccinated if I am identified as a close contact to someone with COVID-19?

If you have gotten two doses of the Moderna or Pfizer COVID-19 vaccines or one dose of the Janssen (Johnson & Johnson) COVID-19 vaccine more than 14 days ago, you are not required to quarantine following an exposure.