How can I get help to submit a report to VAERS (Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System) during the COVID-19 pandemic?

If you need additional help submitting a report, you may call the VAERS toll-free information line at 1-800-822-7967 or send an email to [email protected].

Who regulates the COVID-19 vaccine?

The FDA regulates vaccines. Vaccines undergo a rigorous review of laboratory, clinical and manufacturing data to ensure the safety, effectiveness, and quality of these products.

Has there been any serious adverse events as a result of taking the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine?

Serious adverse events, while uncommon (<1.0%), were observed at slightly higher numerical rates in the vaccine study group compared to the saline placebo study group, both overall and for certain specific adverse events occurring in very small numbers.

What happens if you don’t take the second shot of the COVID-19 vaccine?

Put simply: Not receiving the second vaccine increases your risk of contracting COVID-19.

Can the FDA help me get the COVID-19 vaccine?

No. The FDA’s authority includes authorizing or approving COVID-19 vaccines for use in the United States, but the FDA is not responsible for vaccine distribution. Go to the CDC website to find your state and local health departments who are responsible for COVID-19 vaccine distribution.

Who is the scientist that developed the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine?

Katalin Kariko, PhD, a senior vice president at BioNTech, and Drew Weissman, MD, PhD, a professor in vaccine research at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, made a breakthrough discovery by modifying messenger RNA (mRNA), which provides instructions to cells to make proteins.

Should the booster shot be the same as the first two shots?

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The FDA has authorized three vaccine boosters — Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna and Janssen/Johnson & Johnson — and determined that it is safe for individuals to receive a COVID-19 vaccine booster or additional dose that is a different brand than the initial dose or doses.

Why are Moderna and Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine side effects worse after the second shot?

Side effects from both the Moderna and Pfizer COVID-19 vaccines are more common after the second dose. This is because your immune system recognizes the virus spike protein from the first dose of the vaccine and mounts a stronger response.

How long does it take for immunity to start after receiving the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine?

Data released by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) show that COVID-19 protection from the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine was demonstrated in the clinical trials at about 14 days after the first shot. The FDA said some level of immunity may start sooner, but how much is not certain.

Can you mix COVID-19 vaccines?

CDC does not recommend mixing products for a two-dose primary series or additional primary doses. For a booster dose, adults ages 18 years and older may choose which vaccine product they get. CDC recommends either Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna (mRNA COVID-19 vaccines) in most circumstances.

When should you take the COVID-19 booster shot?

Everyone is considered up to date until the time they are eligible for a booster – which is 5 months after the second dose in a two-shot series, (Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna vaccines), or two months after the J&J/Janssen vaccine.

What is the difference between a booster shot and a regular COVID-19 shot?

Booster shots are given to people who are likely to have developed a strong immune response with prior vaccination, in order to help increase, or boost, the immunity they already have. This is because there is some evidence from clinical trials that antibodies produced after the first two shots decline over time.

Can you get Pfizer or Moderna vaccine after the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine?

If you got J & J as your initial vaccine and are 18 or older, you are eligible for a booster shot two months later, regardless of which one you choose (you’re eligible six months later if you had Moderna or Pfizer-BioNTech as your primary series).

Can I choose which COVID-19 vaccine I get?

Currently, the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine is the only COVID-19 vaccine available to children ages 5 through 17 years old. For adults ages 18 years and older, the mRNA COVID-19 vaccines (Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna) are preferred over Johnson & Johnson’s Janssen (J&J/Janssen) COVID-19 vaccine. All COVID-19 vaccines currently authorized and recommended for use in the U.S. are safe and effective. However, mRNA COVID-19 vaccines are preferred based on an updated risk-benefit analysis.

Who should not take the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine?

If you have had a severe allergic reaction to any ingredient in the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine (such as polyethylene glycol), you should not get this vaccine. If you had a severe allergic reaction after getting a dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine, you should not get another dose of an mRNA vaccine.

When to get a booster after a J&J COVID-19 vaccine?

People who received Johnson & Johnson’s Janssen COVID-19 vaccine should get a booster shot at least 2 months after getting their first shot. At this time, CDC recommends getting only one COVID-19 booster shot. CDC continues to review evidence and will update guidance as more information is available.

What are the common side effects of the Janssen COVID-19 vaccine?

The most commonly reported side effects were pain at the injection site, headache, fatigue, muscle aches and nausea. Most of these side effects occurred within 1-2 days following vaccination and were mild to moderate in severity and lasted 1-2 days.

How long to wait after Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 booster?

Booster Shot: Everyone ages 18 years and older should get a booster dose of either Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna (mRNA COVID-19 vaccines) at least 2 months after receiving the Johnson & Johnson’s Janssen (J&J/Janssen) vaccine in most situations.

Is it recommended to take booster shot after primary J&J COVID-19 vaccine?

If you are age 18 or older, have been given one dose of the Janssen/Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine and it’s been at least 2 months, you should get a single booster dose. The Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna COVID-19 vaccine boosters are preferred in most situations.

How long can symptoms last after the Johnson and Johnson COVID-19 vaccine?

These side effects happen within a day or two of getting the vaccine. They are normal signs that your body is building protection and should go away within a few days.

Is it recommended to get a booster shot at 5 months during the COVID-19 pandemic?

CDC is adjusting our recommendation for when people can receive a booster shot, shortening the interval from 6 months to 5 months.

Is Janssen COVID-19 vaccine effective?

A: Yes. The FDA has determined the totality of available data provides clear evidence that Janssen COVID-19 Vaccine may be effective in preventing COVID-19. The data also show the known and potential benefits outweigh the known and potential risks of the vaccine.