COVID-19 is caused by a coronavirus, which is a type of virus. There are other types of coronaviruses, and people were already working on vaccines for other coronaviruses, which gave them a head start. With millions of lives at stake, companies, governments, and universities from every country worked together and used the most advanced technology to quickly develop a vaccine.

Different companies took different approaches to creating the COVID-19 vaccine, which is good because this increased the chance that at least one of the vaccines would end up working. If multiple companies make COVID-19 vaccines, this means there will be more vaccines to give to people.

A COVID-19 vaccine is currently available to anyone age 5 and older. At this time, children aged 5-12 are only eligible to receive the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine. However, anyone at or above the age of 18 can receive any of the three COVID-19 vaccines (Pfizer, Moderna, or J&J).

Tens of thousands of people volunteered for clinical trials to find out whether the vaccines are safe and effective at protecting people from COVID-19. These trials included racially and ethnically diverse people. Volunteers are followed closely for at least two months after receiving the vaccine to monitor their health before the vaccine can be used for the general public. Any negative reactions to a vaccine would most likely happen within that period. The volunteers are also observed long-term to monitor for any other problems. The results of the trials were reviewed by experts, companies that are making the vaccine, and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Clinical trials began earlier this year, and the vaccine is reported to be about 90% effective in both children and adults.

The most common side effect is soreness where the shot was given, which goes away quickly on its own. Other mild side effects are muscle pain, fever, fatigue, headache, and joint pain. Minor side effects are a sign that your body is starting to build immunity (protection) against a disease. Severe side effects are rare.

Mild fever is a common side effect of many vaccinations, like the flu vaccine. It does not mean you will have COVID-19. A mild fever, along with muscle soreness, fatigue, and other symptoms, are often a part of your body’s training to fight off COVID-19.

The government has promised the vaccine will be provided to people in the United States for free. Providers giving the vaccine can charge an administration fee, but these fees can be reimbursed by the patient’s insurance or Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) if they do not have insurance.

Yes, you can! The CDC guidelines currently state that both vaccines can be administered at the same visit. However, it is important that vaccine scheduling guidelines are followed for each vaccine type. If you have not gotten your recommended doses of the COVID-19 vaccine, get one as soon as possible, and aim to get your flu vaccine by the end of October.

If you don’t trust the vaccine right away, it is understandable. To protect yourself, wear a mask, continue to maintain social distancing from those you don’t live with, and wash your hands often!