Will the vaccine make me sick with Covid-19?

No, the Covid-19 vaccines will not make you sick with the virus. None of the Covid-19 vaccines authorized by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) or currently under consideration for approval contain the live virus. Instead, these vaccines teach our immune systems how to identify and fight off the virus.

Learn more about how vaccines help strengthen our immune system here.


Vaccine Side Effects

Some people report sore arms, slight fevers, headaches, and other minor symptoms after being vaccinated. But that's normal -- so there's no need to worry. In fact, these symptoms are a sign that the vaccine is working and triggering an immune response that protects you from the virus. Any routine symptoms should go away in one or two days.

Learn more about potential Covid-19 vaccine side effects here.


It Takes Time

It can take a few weeks for the vaccine to do its job and build up protection. During that time, it is still possible to contract and test positive for Covid-19, even though the vaccine itself will not give you the virus.

Related Questions
Are children eligible to receive the Covid-19 vaccine?
The FDA has authorized the Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna vaccines for use in children older than 6 months based on strong safety and effectiveness data. Learn more. To find a vaccine near you, you can search vaccines.gov, text your ZIP code to 438829, or call 1-800-232-0233.  You can also schedule an appointment with your child’s physician or healthcare provider. Alternatively, you can visit your local pharmacy's website to see if vaccination walk-ins or appointments are…
Can I mix Covid vaccines and/or booster shots?
The FDA has authorized mixing booster doses of the Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna, and Johnson & Johnson vaccines. Following the completion of primary (two shots for Pfizer and Moderna and one shot for J&J) vaccination, eligible individuals may choose to use the same or a different available Covid-19 vaccine as their booster dose.
Who is eligible for a booster shot?
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-term care facilities, such as nursing homes or assisted living People at increased risk of the virus due to their working or living situations -- including first responders, teachers and school…
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