Q: How can I get a new COVID-19 vaccination card?

If you need a new vaccination card , contact the vaccination provider site where you received your vaccine. Your provider should give you a new card with up-to-date information about the vaccinations you have received. If the location where you received your COVID-19 vaccine is no longer operating, contact your state or local health department’s immunization information system (IIS) for assistance. CDC does not maintain vaccination records or determine how vaccination records are used, and CDC does not provide the CDC-labeled, white COVID-19 vaccination record card to people. These cards are distributed to vaccination providers by state and local health departments. Please contact your state or local health department if you have additional questions about vaccination cards or vaccination records.

Question 1

What should I know about keeping my child safe from COVID-19 variants?

Accepted Answer

Vaccines in the US are highly effective, including against the Delta variant. Given what we know about the Delta variant, and until vaccines are approved for children under age 12, experts recommend having your child wear a mask to help protect them.

Question 2

Can COVID-19 vaccines lead to heart inflammation in children and teens?

Accepted Answer

There have been a small number of reported cases of heart inflammation following a COVID-19 vaccine. Myocarditis is inflammation of the heart muscle. Pericarditis is inflammation of the outer lining of the heart. Incidents have mostly been reported among mostly male adolescents and young adults who have received an mRNA vaccine. Among the hundreds of millions of vaccine doses given, these reports are rare.

Symptoms of these rare cases included chest pain, shortness of breath, or feelings of having a fast-beating, fluttering, or pounding heart. Most patients with myocarditis who received care responded well to treatment and rest and quickly felt better.

CDC and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) continue to recommend that everyone 12 years of age and older be vaccinated against COVID-19. If you have questions or concerns, talk to a healthcare professional.

Question 3

How do COVID-19 vaccines work for kids?

Accepted Answer

The COVID-19 vaccine works similarly to other vaccines your child or teen may have had. Germs such as SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, invade and multiply inside the body. The vaccine stops this by teaching the immune system to recognize and make antibodies to fight the virus. After vaccination, your child or teen has less of a chance of getting COVID-19. If they do get infected with the virus, they may not be as sick as they would without the vaccine.

Question 4

Why should my child get vaccinated against COVID-19?

Accepted Answer

COVID-19 vaccination can help protect your child from getting COVID-19. Although fewer children have been sick with COVID-19 compared to adults, children can be infected with the virus that causes COVID-19, can get sick from COVID-19, and can spread the virus that causes COVID-19 to others. Getting your child vaccinated helps to protect your child and your family. Vaccination is now recommended for everyone 12 years and older. Currently, the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine is the only one available to children 12 years and older.

COVID-19 vaccines have been used under the most intensive safety monitoring in U.S. history, including studies in children 12 years and older. Your child cannot get COVID-19 from any COVID-19 vaccine. Like adults, children may have some side effects after COVID-19 vaccination. These side effects may affect their ability to do daily activities, but they should go away in a few days.

Question 5

If I have an underlying condition, can I get a COVID-19 vaccine?

Accepted Answer

People with underlying medical conditions can receive a COVID-19 vaccine as long as they have not had an immediate or severe allergic reaction to a COVID-19 vaccine or to any of the ingredients in the vaccine. Learn more about vaccination considerations for people with underlying medical conditions. Vaccination is an important consideration for adults of any age with certain underlying medical conditions because they are at increased risk for severe illness from COVID-19.

Question 6

Do I need to wear a mask and avoid close contact with others if I am fully vaccinated?

Accepted Answer

After you are fully vaccinated for COVID-19, take these steps to protect yourself and others:

- In general, you do not need to wear a mask in outdoor settings.
- If you are in an area with high numbers of COVID-19 cases, consider wearing a mask in crowded outdoor settings and when you are in close contact with others who are not fully vaccinated.
- If you have a condition or taking medications that weaken your immune system, you may not be fully protected even if you are fully vaccinated. You should continue to take all precautions recommended for unvaccinated people, including wearing a well-fitted mask, until advised otherwise by their healthcare provider.
- If you are fully vaccinated, to maximize protection from the Delta variant and prevent possibly spreading it to others, wear a mask indoors in public if you are in an area of substantial or high transmission.

Question 7

How can I get a new COVID-19 vaccination card?

Accepted Answer

If you need a new vaccination card, contact the vaccination provider site where you received your vaccine. Your provider should give you a new card with up-to-date information about the vaccinations you have received. If the location where you received your COVID-19 vaccine is no longer operating, contact your state or local health department’s immunization information system (IIS) for assistance. CDC does not maintain vaccination records or determine how vaccination records are used, and CDC does not provide the CDC-labeled, white COVID-19 vaccination record card to people. These cards are distributed to vaccination providers by state and local health departments. Please contact your state or local health department if you have additional questions about vaccination cards or vaccination records.

Question 8

Can I get vaccinated against COVID-19 while I’m currently sick with COVID-19?

Accepted Answer

No. People with COVID-19 who have symptoms should wait to be vaccinated until they have recovered from their illness and have met the criteria for discontinuing isolation; those without symptoms should also wait until they meet the criteria before getting vaccinated. This guidance also applies to people who get COVID-19 before getting their second dose of vaccine.

People who have had a known COVID-19 exposure should not seek vaccination until their quarantine period has ended to avoid potentially exposing healthcare personnel and others during the vaccination visit. This recommendation also applies to people with a known COVID-19 exposure who have received their first dose of an mRNA vaccine but not their second.

Question 9

If I already had COVID-19 and recovered, do I still need to get vaccinated with a COVID-19 vaccine?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you should be vaccinated regardless of whether you already had COVID-19 because:

- - - Research has not yet shown how long you are protected from getting COVID-19 again after you recover from COVID-19.
    - Vaccination helps protect you even if you’ve already had COVID-19.

Evidence is emerging that people get better protection by being fully vaccinated compared with having had COVID-19. One study showed that unvaccinated people who already had COVID-19 are more than 2 times as likely than fully vaccinated people to get COVID-19 again. If you were treated for COVID-19 with monoclonal antibodies or convalescent plasma, you should wait 90 days before getting a COVID-19 vaccine. Talk to your doctor if you are unsure what treatments you received or if you have more questions about getting a COVID-19 vaccine. If you or your child has a history of multisystem inflammatory syndrome in adults or children (MIS-A or MIS-C), consider delaying vaccination until you or your child have recovered from being sick and for 90 days after the date of diagnosis of MIS-A or MIS-C. Learn more about the clinical considerations for people with a history of multisystem MIS-C or MIS-A. Experts are still learning more about how long vaccines protect against COVID-19. CDC will keep the public informed as new evidence becomes available.

Question 10

How long do I need to wait after getting a flu vaccine or another vaccine before getting a COVID-19 vaccine?

Accepted Answer

You can get a COVID-19 vaccine and other vaccines, including a flu vaccine, at the same visit. You no longer need to wait 14 days between vaccinations. Experience with other vaccines has shown that the way our bodies develop protection, known as an immune response, and possible side effects after getting vaccinated are generally the same when given alone or with other vaccines.

Question 11

WHY WOULD MY DAUGHTER OR SON NEED AN HPV VACCINE?

Accepted Answer

HPV is a vaccine to prevent cancer. Girls vaccinated against HPV have a 90% decreased risk of developing cervical cancer as compared to unvaccinated girls. We now know that the HPV vaccine can prevent almost 70% of throat cancers. The vaccine also can almost entirely eliminate the risk of genital warts. While not deadly, genital warts cause great emotional distress and are very difficult and painful to treat. The recommended schedule is for both girls and boys by vaccinated against HPV starting at age 11 or 12 but vaccine as young as 9 is allowable. For anyone not previously immunized against HPV, vaccine is recommended up to 26 years of age and in certain cases, after consultation with your health care provider, up to 45 years of age.

Question 12

COVID VACCINES WERE DEVELOPED AND APPROVED SO QUICKLY. WERE APPROPRIATE SAFE CHECKS DONE?

Accepted Answer

Things have moved faster than normal, but we have done everything correctly. The FDA was able to approve an Emergency Use Authorization for Pfizer based on its good safety and efficacy profile. We have been very careful in monitoring safety and have taken no short cuts in evaluating the vaccines at Cincinnati Children’s. Almost 40,000 people enrolled in Pfizer nationwide, over 30,000 enrolled in Moderna and close to 30,000 for both Janssen and AstraZeneca. Thus, we will have a lot of safety data before the other vaccines are licensed.

Question 13

WILL MILLIONS OF AMERICANS DIE OF COVID WE DON'T GET VACCINATED?

Accepted Answer

The overall fatality rate for COVID is 2 percent to 3 percent. That rate might sound small, but if you apply it to the entire population it would equate to about 5 million to 10 million people who would die from COVID. That would entail a lot of human suffering and exact a huge emotional toll on families faced with losing loved ones.

Question 14

DOES EVERYONE WHO RECEIVES A COVID VACCINE HAVE SERIOUS SIDE EFFECTS?

Accepted Answer

No. Many people have no symptoms at all. If people are going to have symptoms, the most common have been soreness at the site of vaccination, headaches and fatigue. Some people have had body aches and rarely (less than 10%) people have had chills and/or a fever. If people are going to have side effects, they typically start 1-2 days after vaccination and last for 1-2 days. Some people have had more side effects with the second dose of vaccine but again the side effects are short lasting. One could think of the symptoms described above are a good thing as it is a sign that the vaccine is working. While we would prefer that no one who received the vaccine had any side effects, we think the benefit of protection against a potentially lethal virus FAR outweighs the possible risks of the vaccine. 

Question 15

CAN IMMUNOCOMPROMISED INDIVIDUALS GET VACCINATED?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The mRNA vaccines (Pfizer and Moderna) are not “live” vaccines and thus immunocompromised individuals are at no greater risk from these vaccines than any other person. While neither the Astra Zeneca nor Janssen vaccines use adenoviruses that can grow in our body, they are “live”. Thus, while we have no reason to think either the Astra Zeneca or Janssen vaccines are of increased risk to people with immunocompromising conditions, it would be best to discuss with you doctor if one type of the COVID-19 vaccine may be better for you.

Question 16

DO COVID VACCINES CAUSE INFERTILITY?

Accepted Answer

This is a hoax. It is absolutely untrue.

Question 17

DO COVID VACCINES CONTAIN HUMAN STEM CELLS?

Accepted Answer

None of the vaccines contain human cells. The Pfizer and Moderna vaccines are pure mRNA that was made in the lab. This process does not use any cells at all. The AstraZeneca and Janssen vaccines use an adenovirus to bring the spike protein gene to our cells. Viruses need to grow in cells. After the adenovirus used in the AstraZeneca and Janssen vaccines are grown, the virus is collected from the cells and purified. So there ONLY is virus, NO human cells, in the AstraZeneca and Janssen vaccine. The initial cell line for the AstraZeneca vaccine came from human embryonic kidney cells. However, those cells were obtained over 60 years ago. There are NO human cells in the finished product of either the AstraZeneca or Janssen vaccine.

Question 18

COULD COVID VACCINES HELP REOPEN THE US ECONOMY?

Accepted Answer

While masks, social distancing and hand hygiene can prevent 85 percent of COVID cases, vaccines are key to returning to the lifestyles and workplaces we enjoyed before the pandemic.

Question 19

CAN THE COVID VACCINE GIVE ME COVID-19?

Accepted Answer

No. The vaccines only contain a piece of the virus. Depending on the vaccine, it either contains the piece of the virus that tells our body to make the spike protein or it contains the spike protein itself. The spike protein is what the virus uses to attach to our cells and start an infection. The body then makes antibodies to the spike protein, which protect people against COVID-19 should they be exposed to the virus. The vaccine does not contain the whole virus, so it is impossible to get COVID-19 by getting vaccinated. 

Question 20

CAN THE COVID-19 VACCINE HELP END THE PANDEMIC?

Accepted Answer

Vaccines are going to be critical to get rid of the pandemic. It’s much safer to get a vaccine than to contract COVID-19.

Question 21

IF KIDS DON'T GET THAT SICK FROM COVID, WHY DO THEY NEED TO BE VACCINATED?

Accepted Answer

As of May 6 2021, over 3.85 million children have tested positive for COVID-19 since the onset of the pandemic. At least 180 previously healthy kids have died of COVID.  The vaccine is important for the health and safety of children, but also to prevent them from spreading the disease to adults such as parents, grandparents, and teachers. Vaccines are going to be critical to get rid of the pandemic. It’s much safer to get the vaccine than to contract the disease.

Question 22

IS IT SAFE FOR PREGNANT WOMEN TO GET THE COVID-19 VACCINE?

Accepted Answer

While we have not yet specifically tested COVID-19 vaccines in pregnant women, there is no reason to suspect that the COVID-19 vaccines currently being tested would be of risk to the mother or her baby. The American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology (ACOG) has recommended; “that COVID-19 vaccines should not be withheld from pregnant individuals who meet criteria for vaccination based on ACIP-recommended priority groups”. Additionally; “COVID-19 vaccines should be offered to lactating individuals similar to non-lactating individuals”. COVID-19 vaccine testing in pregnant women is planned and likely will start in the spring of this year.

Question 23

ARE VACCINES IMPORTANT?

Accepted Answer

Vaccination is the single most important thing you can do to protect your child’s health – not just today, but for many years to come.  Just because a disease is not common doesn’t mean that it doesn’t exist.  The disease is still a threat, and often the only thing preventing it is the vaccine.  Outbreaks of vaccine-preventable disease have occurred both here and in other countries where children have not been immunized.

Question 24

ARE VACCINES DANGEROUS?

Accepted Answer

The most common risks include pain and redness at the site of injection and low-grade fevers. The vast majority of risks are not severe and resolve within one to two days.

Question 25

WHO DETERMINES THE CHILDHOOD VACCINATION SCHEDULE MOST COMMONLY FOLLOWED BY PEDIATRICIANS?

Accepted Answer

Vaccine schedules in the U.S. are developed by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. This group of vaccine experts receives input from the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Academy of Family Physicians. This schedule is published yearly in January.

Question 26

THERE HAS BEEN A LOT OF TALK LINKING VACCINES TO AUTISM, PARTICULARLY THE MEASLES MUMPS-RUBELLA VACCINE. DOES THE MMR VACCINE CAUSE AUTISM?

Accepted Answer

No. More than a dozen studies have been published showing that autism is not associated with receiving vaccines. We have more than sufficient information to say that vaccines, including MMR, do not cause autism. Autism, now more commonly referred to as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), is a collection of several disorders that have common areas of abnormality. The main areas are social skills, communication skills and repetitive or obsessive traits. These abnormalities are typically noted between the first and second year of life. The MMR is also typically administered at this time. It is understandable that people noted the events occurring about the same time and concluded that the vaccine may be causing ASD. This belief was boosted by a study published by a British physician who said the MMR, and specifically the measles vaccine, caused autism. This study has been discredited, and the co-authors of the study subsequently published a formal retraction. While we still do not know exactly what does cause autism, it is likely caused by many factors, including genetics, abnormal brain growth, environmental triggers, and prematurity. Further studies to evaluate a link between vaccines and ASD is not beneficial and actually spend precious resources that could be redirected toward research critical to understanding and hopefully preventing ASD.

Question 27

HOW IMPORTANT IS IT FOR A CHILD, PARTICULARLY AN INFANT, TO RECEIVE A THIMEROSAL-FREE FLU SHOT?

Accepted Answer

Thimerosal, composed of ethyl mercury, is a compound used as a preservative in vaccines. Ethyl mercury is quickly eliminated by the body and DOES NOT cause mercury poisoning. Mercury poisoning is caused by methyl mercury, a compound that does build up in the body and can result in damage to the nervous system and brain. So, while the two types of mercury sound similar, they are very different. Thimerosal has not been shown to be toxic. But thimerosal has been removed from vaccines whenever possible. Currently, flu vaccine is the only childhood vaccine that contains thimerosal, and there are typically more than an adequate number of thimerosal-free doses of flu vaccine produced for children each year. Also, even when it was present in vaccines, the total amount of thimerosal containing mercury received by an infant was less than half the amount of mercury a baby receives from its mother if breast fed for six months. When looking only at flu shots, breastfed babies receive 25 times more mercury in the breast milk than they would from a flu shot. As of 2019, approximately 85% of the flu vaccine produced is thimerosal-free.

Question 28

WHAT VACCINES CONTAIN ALUMINUM, AND ARE THE AMOUNTS HARMFUL? IS IT POSSIBLE TO GET VACCINES WITHOUT ALUMINUM?

Accepted Answer

Many vaccines contain alum, which has been used in vaccines for over 75 years and has been found to be safe. Alum is an adjuvant. Adjuvants are used to help our bodies create a better immune response to vaccines, making the vaccines more effective. Without an adjuvant, children may need more shots or have lower immunity to the infections. We routinely ingest aluminum. For example, a quart of infant formula contains about the same amount of aluminum as the entire schedule of recommended pediatric vaccines.

Question 29

SOME PARENTS ARE OPTING NOT TO HAVE THEIR CHILD VACCINATED? WHAT ARE THE RISKS OR BENEFITS?

Accepted Answer

Cases of measles, mumps and whooping cough have increased in the U.S., occurring overwhelmingly in unimmunized children. In most outbreaks of measles, it has been found that unimmunized children were 20 times more likely to contract measles than vaccinated children. So, parents choosing not to immunize their children are putting their children at risk of getting infections that are far more serious than the risks associated with the vaccines.

Question 30

SOME PARENTS ARE OPTING TO DELAY THEIR CHILD'S VACCINATIONS (SUCH AS HEPATITIS B). WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OR RISKS OF THIS?

Accepted Answer

There is no known benefit from delaying vaccination – and no increased risk of receiving multiple vaccines at one time. Also, it has been proven that children who use an alternative vaccine schedule are significantly more likely of never completing the recommended vaccine schedule.

Question 31

ISN'T THE US SAFE FROM DISEASES SUCH AS POLIO? WHY VACCINATE A CHILD FOR THAT?

Accepted Answer

Airplane travel – and our ability to cross the globe in under a day – means anyone could be exposed to any infection before the contagious person even begins to show symptoms. Immunizations are needed to keep our children safe. To date, throughout the world, smallpox is the only infectious disease that has been eradicated. Vaccines can safeguard our children against many others.

Question 32

DO VACCINES CONTAIN GELATIN FROM PIGS?

Accepted Answer

Yes, some viral vaccines contain gelatin to stabilize vaccines so that they remain effective after manufacture. All gelatin contained in vaccines is porcine in origin. However, both leaders of the Jewish and Muslim faiths have declared that pork derived additives in medicines are permitted for those observant of these religions. Rabbi Abraham Adler, from the Kashrus and Medicines Information Service in the United Kingdom has advised that “according to Jewish laws, there is no problem with porcine or other animal derived ingredients in non-oral products. This includes vaccines, injections, suppositories, creams and ointments”. Scholars of the Islamic Organization for Medical Sciences have also determined that the process by which the original pork product is transformed into gluten, alters it enough whereby it is permitted for observers of Muslim faith to receive vaccines.

Question 33

DO VACCINES CONTAIN FETAL TISSUE?

Accepted Answer

No. While some vaccines against viruses (chickenpox, rubella and hepatitis A) use fetal cells grow the vaccine viruses; once the vaccine virus is grown, it is purified, so that no human cells or human genetic material (DNA) remain in the vaccine.

Question 34

Are there concerns in the medical community about how polarized the public is about all science especially prevention including vaccines?

Accepted Answer

We are concerned about the general breakdown in the trust of science and how Public Health measures are being viewed as political issues instead of safety issues. However, we need to keep up the fight and continue to be strong advocates for the health of children, particularly preventive medicine such as vaccines. If we don’t keep up the campaign to educate and inform parents, we will be putting the health of children at risk.

Question 35

How do you discuss the potential long term risks that can't be known yet due to the vaccine creation timeline?

Accepted Answer

All the vaccines are targeting the spike protein. The mRNA vaccines are using mRNA that is degraded soon after it is translated into spike protein. So, there should not be any long term effects of the mRNA. The Astra Zeneca vaccine is using an adenovirus that is replication incompetent, meaning that the virus can’t live and grow in us. The Sanofi and NovaVax vaccines are protein vaccines, very similar to the flu vaccine. The end result is that while the technology is new, there is no evidence to indicate there is long term harm from the vaccine candidates.

Question 36

What temperatures are needed to store vaccines?

Accepted Answer

Currently, Pfizer is listed as -70C while Moderna is -20C. Astra Zeneca is refrigerated. But, I think companies will be looking at the ability to safely store the mRNA vaccines at warmer temps. I think there will be a workable solution as to the storage requirements.

Question 37

What about the very low temperatures that are needed to keep the vaccines stable?

Accepted Answer

Pfizer said they are currently looking at the stability of the vaccine at warmer temps. My guess is that we will find that the Pfizer vaccine will have storage requirements similar to Moderna. However, we need to test to be sure.

Question 38

What is the youngest age that will be able to receive any of the COVID vaccines?

Accepted Answer

Currently, the youngest is 12 years of age. However, we have been sent protocols from 2 different sponsors with the age going down to 5 years of age. Some companies have talked about going down to 12 months or less but we have not seen those protocols yet.

Question 39

HOW MANY PEOPLE NEED TO BE VACCINATED TO ACHIEVE HERD IMMUNITY?

Accepted Answer

Experts believe about 60% of the population will need to be vaccinated. Be a part of the solution!

Question 40

HOW EFFECTIVE IS THE VACCINE?

Accepted Answer

It is amazingly effective! The trials started in July 2020, and have shown the vaccine to be 94-95% effective in preventing COVID-19 disease. The first to hit the market will be 2 injections, likely 1 month apart. The Pfizer vaccine demonstrated 54.4% efficacy after the first dose!

Question 41

I'D PREFER TO GET IMMUNITY FROM A NATURAL COVID INFECTION. IS THAT A GOOD OPTION?

Accepted Answer

No. We know COVID can have a terrible, unpredictable course (short-term and long-term) in both healthy individuals and those with pre-existing conditions. If we forgo the vaccine and try for natural herd immunity at our current pace, 1.4-1.7 million Americans will die due to COVID-19 before we achieve adequate herd immunity.

Question 42

WHAT KIND OF SIDE EFFECTS CAN WE EXPECT?

Accepted Answer

As far as vaccine trials go in general, the major side effects are expected to surface in the first 4-8 weeks (which we've passed). The most common effects noted in the Pfizer and Moderna trials were soreness at the injection site (4-11% of recipients), muscle soreness (4-9%), fatigue (5-9%), and fever (6%). All resolved in 1-2 days.

Question 43

WAS THIS VACCINE TESTED ON ENOUGH PEOPLE?

Accepted Answer

Yes! The Pfizer vaccine, for example, enrolled 45,000+ people, of whom 25,000+ people got the actual vaccine. This is on par with all other non-COVID vaccine trials, who usually enroll 30,000+ people.

Also keep in mind that other medicines (pills) are approved after only being tested in much fewer people (~1500 people, for example. Vaccines are the most rigorously tested therapies, including the COVID vaccine.

Question 44

HOW CAN WE TRUST THIS IS SAFE GIVEN THE RUSHED PROCESS?

Accepted Answer

The science itself was not rushed – the only parts bypassed were the time usually required to fundraise and the time usually spent waiting in line for the papers to be reviewed by the FDA and other regulatory administrations.

Question 45

HOW DO MRNA VACCINES WORK? WILL IT ALTER MY DNA?

Accepted Answer

No. The mRNA enters the cell but NOT the nucleus, were your DNA lives. It gives our cells instructions for how to make a harmless protein that is unique to SARS-CoV-2. It lasts just long enough to teach the cell how to encode the protein, and then the mRNA is destroyed. Then, if you’re subsequently infected, your body recognizes the virus should not be there and the immune response is triggered to fight it off effectively.

This is an amazing technology that has been in development for many years, but was able to be accelerated due to everyone’s focus during the pandemic.

Question 46

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE FLU AND COVID-19?

Accepted Answer

Influenza (Flu) and COVID-19 are both contagious respiratory illnesses, but they are caused by different viruses. COVID-19 is caused by infection with a new coronavirus (called SARS-CoV-2) and flu is caused by infection with influenza viruses. Because some of the symptoms of flu and COVID-19 are similar, it may be hard to tell the difference between them based on symptoms alone, and testing may be needed to help confirm a diagnosis. Flu and COVID-19 share many characteristics, but there are some key differences between the two.

Question 47

Does a flu vaccine increase your risk of getting COVID-19?

Accepted Answer

There is no evidence that getting a flu vaccine increases your risk of getting sick from a coronavirus, like the one that causes COVID-19. You may have heard about a study published in January 2020 that reported an association between flu vaccination and risk of four commonly circulating seasonal coronaviruses, but not the one that causes COVID-19. This report was later found to be incorrect.

Question 48

When is someone contagious with the flu?

Accepted Answer

An individual is contagious with the flu 24 hours before symptoms develop and until they are fever-free for 24 hours without the use of medication.

Question 49

Why do I need to get a flu shot every year?

Accepted Answer

A flu vaccine is needed every season for two reasons. First, a person’s immune protection from vaccination declines over time, so an annual vaccine is needed for optimal protection. Second, because flu viruses are constantly changing, flu vaccines may be updated from one season to the next to protect against the viruses that research suggests may be most common during the upcoming flu season. For the best protection, everyone 6 months and older should get vaccinated annually. This flu season, the AAP recommends everyone receives the vaccine by October 31, 2020.

Question 50

What are the benefits of flu vaccination?

Accepted Answer

The flu vaccine can keep you from getting sick from the flu and can reduce the risk of flu-associated hospitalization for children, working age adults, and older adults. Flu vaccination is an important preventive tool for people with chronic health conditions. Flu vaccination has been shown in several studies to reduce severity of illness in people who get vaccinated but still get sick. Getting vaccinated yourself may also protect people around you.

Question 51

How effective is the flu vaccine?

Accepted Answer

CDC conducts studies each year to determine how well the influenza (flu) vaccine protects against flu illness. While vaccine effectiveness can vary, recent studies show that flu vaccination reduces the risk of flu illness by between 40% and 60% among the overall population during seasons when most circulating flu viruses are well-matched to the flu vaccine.

Question 52

Can the flu shot give you the flu?

Accepted Answer

While a flu vaccine cannot give you flu illness, there are different side effects that may be associated with getting a flu shot or a nasal spray flu vaccine. These side effects are mild and short-lasting, especially when compared to symptoms of bad case of flu. The AAP has stated no preference this year between the nasal spray flu vaccine and flu shot.

Question 53

What type of mercury is found in vaccines?

Accepted Answer

Thimerosal, which is used in some flu vaccine formulations, contains ethyl mercury. This is readily excreted from the body. The accumulative, toxic form of mercury found in certain kinds of fish, is methyl mercury.

Question 54

Is the flu shot expensive?

Accepted Answer

The flu shot is very affordable. Most insurances pay for the vaccine without a co-pay. Ask your doctor about the Vaccines for Children (VFC) program, which provides vaccines for children ages 18 and younger who are uninsured and Medicaid-eligible.

Question 55

Should my son or daughter get the shot in the arm or nasal spray for their flu vaccine?

Accepted Answer

Both types of flu shot have been studied carefully and are safe. The CDC and FDA continue to monitor the safety of vaccines including all the influenza vaccinations available annually (as with each year the prevalence of different strains change). The CDC uses 3 systems to monitor the safety of vaccines including the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS), Vaccines Safety Datalink (VSD), and the Clinical Immunization Safety Assessment Project (CISA).   Talk to your doctor about which one is best for your child. Children, preteens and teens with chronic health conditions, like asthma, diabetes, or heart disease should NOT get the nasal spray vaccine and instead get the injectable (shot).

Question 56

Is the flu shot safe?

Accepted Answer

The flu vaccine has been studied very carefully and is safe. The CDC and FDA continue to monitor the safety of vaccines including all the influenza vaccinations available annually (as with each year the prevalence of different strains change). The CDC uses 3 systems to monitor the safety of vaccines including the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS), Vaccines Safety Datalink (VSD), and the Clinical Immunization Safety Assessment Project (CISA).  The immunization may cause mild symptoms, like soreness and a low fever, but that is not influenza. These symptoms usually go away a day or two after vaccination. You cannot get the flu from the flu shot.

Question 57

Will the flu shot give my son or daughter the flu?

Accepted Answer

You cannot get the flu from the flu shot. The immunization may cause mild symptoms, like soreness and a low fever, but that is not influenza. These symptoms usually go away a day or two after vaccination.

Question 58

Why does my son or daughter need the flu vaccine every year?

Accepted Answer

Because different strains of the flu circulate every year, it’s important to get a new vaccine each year

Question 59

Why does my son or daughter need the flu vaccine?

Accepted Answer

Influenza is an illness that infects the nose, throat and lungs. It spreads easily and quickly when infected people cough or sneeze. The flu can be mild or severe and, in some cases, cause death. It’s important for children to receive the flu vaccine not only to protect themselves, but to protect others whose bodies may not be able to fight the virus, including infants, the elderly and people with chronic health problems.

Question 60

Is the meningococcal vaccine expensive?

Accepted Answer

Most insurance companies cover the meningococcal ACWY vaccine. Ask your doctor about the Vaccines for Children (VFC) program, which provides vaccines for children ages 18 and younger who are uninsured and Medicaid-eligible.

Question 61

Is the meningococcal vaccine safe?

Accepted Answer

The meningoccal vaccine has been studied very carefully and is safe. The CDC and FDA continue to monitor the safety of vaccines including all the meningococcal vaccinations available. The CDC uses 3 systems to monitor the safety of vaccines including the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS), Vaccines Safety Datalink (VSD), and the Clinical Immunization Safety Assessment Project (CISA).  The vaccine can cause mild side effects like redness and soreness where the shot was given.

Question 62

Is my son or daughter risk of getting meningococcal disease?

Accepted Answer

Meningococcal bacteria can be spread from person to person through saliva, most commonly through coughing or kissing. It can spread quickly when people are living in close quarters like college dorms. Vaccination is needed before exposure.

Question 63

Why does my son or daughter need a meningococcal vaccine and a booster shot?

Accepted Answer

All 11 to 12 year olds should be vaccinated with a single dose of a meningococcal ACWY vaccine. Older teens need a second shot when they are 16 years old so they stay protected when their risk is the highest. Meningococcal B is given to anyone 16 through 23 years old to provide short term protection against most strains of serogroup B meningococcal disease; 16 through 18 years are the preferred ages for vaccination.

Question 64

Why are there two different meningococcal vaccines (Meningococcal ACWY and Meningococcal B)?

Accepted Answer

The Meningococcal ACWY immunization protects against four groups of bacteria (A, C, W, and Y) that commonly cause disease. The Meningococcal B vaccine protects against the B group of bacteria that commonly causes disease. It is completely safe to receive both immunizations during the same visit.