Vaccines support our immune system’s complex and robust defense mechanisms by preemptively exposing the body to a weakened or dead version of a germ, bacterium, or virus.

Once administered, vaccines don’t harm your body. Instead, they trigger the production of a vital protein known as an antibody.

There has been a lot of discussion about whether the FDA should use its authority to grant what is known as “emergency use authorization” for a Covid-19 vaccine and what this might mean for patient safety.

When enough people are vaccinated, vaccines can also protect communities from diseases through “herd immunity.” Herd immunity -- also known as “community immunity” -- is achieved when enough people in a given area develop immunity to a disease thereby making further spread unlikely.

Public health officials and scientific experts are responsible for deciding who should receive a vaccine and when they should receive it. The biopharmaceutical research companies developing vaccines for Covid-19 have no role in the review and recommendation processes.

Booster shots are available free of charge -- regardless of insurance or immigration status -- at most pharmacies, as well as many community health clinics and doctor's offices. Many people choose to receive their booster shots at the same place they got their previous doses. To find a Covid-19…

The federal government is delivering vaccine shipments in bulk to states, which are then responsible for distributing the doses to different vaccination sites, such as pharmacies and clinics. Therefore, the vaccine is available in different places in different states.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has great information on the Covid-19 vaccines, including a FAQ page. Another CDC resource will direct you to state Department of Health websites. Those sites will help you determine when you can get the vaccine in your area.

There are still a relatively limited number of vaccines available. As a result, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued guidelines to states on who should receive the vaccine first, based on the most high-risk populations. States are tailoring these guidelines to…

The FDA has authorized booster shots for tens of millions of people who previously received two Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna doses, including: Seniors ages 65 and older Adults ages 18+ who have underlying medical conditions that put them at increased risk of the virus Adults ages 18+ in long…