About Vaccine Science
How are the vaccines administered?
All four vaccines (Moderna, Pfizer, Johnson & Johnson, and Novavax) require the patient to receive a shot in the arm.
How long until the vaccines are effective?
A typical vaccine takes about two weeks to be fully effective in our bodies. That's why, for example, it's often recommended to wait until October to get a flu vaccine, so you have the most potent vaccine working during the most critical time.
How long will immunity last from the vaccines?
There are two types of immunity to consider. One is against transmission and infection. And one is against severe infection that results in hospitalizations and deaths. They are both important, but it's the second one we want the most.
At this point, immunity against transmission and infection from the mRNA vaccines (Pfizer and Moderna) begins to wane after about six months. This is why booster shots are now recommended.
However, it does appear like protection against severe infection that results in hospitalization or death is holding strong.
What are the side effects of the vaccines?
The Pfizer and Moderna vaccines have not indicated any significant safety concerns to date.
Both mRNA vaccines report similar side effects: pain at the injection site, fatigue, cold/flu-like symptoms, and fever.
Side effects usually subside within a day or two.
Johnson & Johnson's vaccine has been shown to cause a risk of "thrombosis with thrombocytopenia syndrome (TTS), a syndrome of rare and potentially life-threatening blood clots in combination with low levels of blood platelets."
What qualifies as immunocompromised?
Immunocompromised includes “people with medical conditions or people receiving treatments that are associated with moderate to severe immune compromise.”
- Active or recent treatment for any cancer
- Organ or bone marrow transplant recipient
- Severe primary immunodeficiency
- Uncontrolled HIV infection
- Active treatment with immune-suppressing drugs (steroids, biologics, cancer treatments)
- Specific chronic medical conditions that your doctor has indicated may impact your immune system
When are boosters recommended?
- Boosters are recommended for individuals 12+ that have either completed the primary series (2 doses of Moderna or Pfizer) and/or are at least two months out from your last booster.
- View the CDC website for complete recommendations based on your age group.
What is an mRNA vaccine?
Vaccines developed using messenger RNA technology differ from traditional vaccines.
Traditional vaccines rely on the body's natural defense reactions when a small quantity of live or dead virus is introduced to the body.
A vaccine made from mRNA uses a snippet of DNA from the virus to elicit a similar defense reaction in the body.
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