schedule your cOVID-19 vaccine
COVID-19 Vaccines Are Safe
Health professionals continue to monitor the safety of COVID-19 vaccines for people with certain health conditions. Talk to your doctor to determine if getting vaccinated is safe for you if you are:
- Breastfeeding
- Immunocompromised
- Pregnant or planning to become pregnant
- Under 18
Allergic Reactions
Anyone with a history of allergic reactions to a vaccine or injectable medication should not get the COVID-19 vaccine. Allergies to food, insect stings, or oral medications are not a cause for concern. Rest assured that before vaccination a health professional will review your allergies and potential for serious reaction before you receive the vaccine.
COVID-19 Vaccines Do Not Cause COVID-19
You cannot get COVID-19 from the vaccines. The COVID-19 mRNA vaccines do not contain “live” COVID-19. After receiving the vaccine, you may experience side effects as a sign that the COVID-19 vaccine is working to protect you.
Common Side Effects
Your arm may be sore or warm to the touch after you receive the vaccine. Other common side effects include:
- Chills
- Fever
- Headache
- Muscle aches
These symptoms usually go away within a week.
COVID-19 Vaccine Protects Against New Variants
Many viruses mutate over time, so it is not surprising that mutations have been detected in coronavirus strains isolated in Connecticut. At this time, we have no reason to believe these variants will "outsmart" the COVID-19 vaccine, and Stamford Health's vaccination plans remain the same. Our health professionals are in close contact with both the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the state regarding these mutations' characteristics. Trust that our team is vigilant and sees no cause for immediate concern regarding the new vaccines' usefulness.
Continue to Follow All Safety Guidelines
It is unknown how long the vaccines will protect people from becoming sick with COVID-19. Infectious disease experts at Stamford Health recommend you:
- Enroll in v-safe, the after-vaccination health checker from the CDC
- Continue to practice the four W’s:
- Wear a mask
- Wash your hands
- Watch your distance
- Wipe down surfaces
- Follow all CDC and state guidelines on travel and gatherings
- Plan to see loved ones virtually whenever possible
- Don’t assume the vaccine prevents the spread of the virus to others
- Encourage others to get a COVID-19 vaccine when they are eligible
*As of April 13 as per guidance from the CDC and FDA, we have paused administration of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine out of an abundance of caution.