COVID-19 Disease Response

Getting Vaccinated for Coronavirus COVID-19
Questions and Answers:

Does the vaccine give me coronavirus?

No, you cannot get COVID-19 from the vaccine. The vaccine works with your immune system so that your body can recognize the COVID-19 coronavirus if you are exposed to it.

How is the COVID-19 vaccine given?

The COIVD-19 vaccine is administered as an injection into your arm in 2 doses either 21 or 28 days apart depending on which vaccine you receive. The first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine helps your body recognize the coronavirus. The second dose optimizes your body’s ability to fight the COVID-19 coronavirus. You need both doses of the vaccine to be most effective.

Why does the COVID-19 vaccine make some people feel sick?

Some people may feel sick after receiving the vaccine. This is not COVID-19. It is your body’s immune system working to respond to the virus. These symptoms are normal and are a sign that your body is building immunity.

Do I still need to take precautions even after I have received both doses of the COVID-19 vaccine?

Yes, to stop the spread, you do need to take precautions like wearing a mask, social distancing, washing your hands and keeping surfaces clean even after you have received both doses of your COVID vaccine.

While the vaccine protects you, the social distancing, mask wearing, and handwashing protects those in your family and community who have not been vaccinated yet. Remember, after you get the vaccine, keep wearing your mask, stay six feet (two meters) apart, and keep gatherings small to protect those who have not yet been vaccinated.

Together, following the CDC guidelines, we can help protect our whole community. Even if you have recovered from COVID-19, there is a benefit to being vaccinated. We do not know how long immunity lasts after recovering from COVID-19. Getting the vaccine after you have recovered can help protect you from getting COVID-19 in the future. So, even if you have been previously infected with COVID-19, you should still get the vaccine.

For our Elders, for your community and for yourself, please get the vaccine.
The COVID-19 vaccine is safe and effective.
Protect our people, our knowledge keepers, and our ways of life.

For more information, please visit: www.CDC.GOV/COVID-19

Source: Association of American Indian Physicians, Northwest Native American Center of Excellence, and the Northwest Washington Indian Health Board.