+ Why should I get the COVID-19 vaccine?

While we have made some progress in the fight against COVID-19 with public health measures like masking and social distancing, widespread vaccination is the only way that we can stop the pandemic. Not only does getting the vaccine protect you against COVID-19, it also reduces the chances that you will spread it to others, including your family and friends.

+ What are the side effects for the vaccine?

People may have some side effects from a COVID-19 vaccine, including pain, redness or swelling at the injection site, tiredness, headache, muscle pain, chills, fever, and nausea. These side effects typically resolve after a few days. Serious side effects are rare but may occur.

+ If I had Covid-19 should I get the vaccine?

Yes. People who have tested positive for COVID-19 produce antibodies that offer some protection against the virus, but current research shows that this protection only lasts about 3 months after the infection. We recommend that everyone get the vaccine.

+ Will COVID-19 testing still happen at People's Center?

We have COVID-19 At Home test kits for your use that are available at the clinic. If you arrive for an appointment with symptoms, you may be asked to weare a face mask and take a COVID-19 test before the appointment.

+ Which vaccine is People's Center carrying?

People's Center Is currently giving both Moderna and Pfizer COVID-19 vaccines.

+ Is it safe to receive the vaccine? How effective are they?

Two COVID-19 vaccines produced by Pfizer/BioNTech and Moderna are both safe and more than 94% effective, according to the results of two large clinical trials. The Pfizer/BioNTech and Moderna vaccines were approved by the Food nd Drug Administration (FDA) allowing them to be used in the United States.

The vaccine is safe. It does not contain preservatives, microchips or fetal cells. It cannot interact with your DNA, and does not cause infertility. There have been very few life threatening side effects with millions of doses given. Conversely, we know that infections from the COVID-19 virus are causing significant death and long-term disability; COVID-19 infection has caused over 1 million deaths in the United States, with over 10,000 Minnesotan deaths ranging from ages 4 months to 109 years old.

+ Is it possible to have an allergic reaction to the COVID-19 vaccine?

There is a very small chance that the COVID-19 vaccine may cause a severe allergic reaction. This has occurred in only 2.5 people out of every 1 million vaccinated. Signs of a reaction include: difficulty breathing, swelling of the face and throat, a fast heartbeat, a rash on your body, or dizziness and weakness. We will monitor all patients immediately following the immunization. If you think you are having an allergic reaction, seek immediate medical care by calling #911.

+ Can I get COVID-19 from the vaccine? Does it contain a live virus?

No, it is not possible to get COVID-19 from the vaccine. The Pfizer and Moderna vaccines use only genetic material from the virus while other vaccines being studied use inactivated versions of the virus. None of these can cause COVID-19.

+ Does the vaccine contain any animal products?

No, the COVID-19 vaccines that have been developed contain NO animal products. Neither were fetal cells used in the development or production of the vaccine. The vaccine contains a total of 10 ingredients, and contains no preservatives. The ingredients are the mRNA that triggers your immune response, 4 fats to make a protective bubble around the mRNA to keep it from being destroyed before it can trigger that immune response, 1 sugar, and 4 salts to keep it the same as your body's salt content.

+ Do I have to continue wearing a mask after I receive the vaccine?

Mask mandates have lessened in some areas, but it is still reccommended to wear masks for certain individuals in crowded situations. We know that the vaccine protects us from getting sick from COVID-19. But we are not certain on its ability to prevent us from spreading the virus to others. Everyone should remember to wash their hands frequently, practice social distancing, and take other safety precautions.