How do I get vaccinated against COVID-19?
Vaccine Finder is the most up-to-date national database of locations that offer COVID-19 vaccines. When you use the tool, make sure to note:
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As of February 27, 2021, large-scale (Phase 3) clinical trials are in progress or being planned for two COVID-19 vaccines in the United States:
In large clinical trials, most side effects have been minor. When side effects occur, they typically last just a few days. For the authorized vaccines, common side effects include:
While supplies are limited, if you are in one of the groups recommended to take the vaccine, you will need to get whichever vaccine is available in your area. It’s possible that in the coming months, as production increases and more vaccines get approved for use, that people will have options for which shot to get.
The bottom line is that every vaccine that is recommended by FDA and CDC has been thoroughly tested and found to be effective and safe.
You’ll get a card or fact sheet at your vaccination site that will tell you about the vaccine and help you understand the details. Your card will tell you which kind of vaccine you get and when to get the second dose, if applicable.
Vaccine manufacturers; the federal government; state, local, and territorial jurisdictions; and other partners are working to make sure safe and effective vaccines are getting to you as quickly as possible.
COVID-19 vaccine is provided at 100% no cost to recipients. The federal government is providing the vaccine free of charge to all people living in the United States, regardless of their immigration or health insurance status. No one can be denied a vaccine if they are unable to pay a vaccine administration fee.
All COVID-19 vaccines currently available in the United States have been shown to be highly effective at preventing COVID-19.
Both the Moderna and Pfizer vaccines are given in two shots, one at a time and spaced apart. The second shot of the Moderna vaccine should be given 28 days after your t shot, and the second shot of the Pfizer vaccine should be given 21 days after your first shot. If you are told you need two shots, make sure that you get both of them. The different types of vaccine are not interchangeable, so your doctor or pharmacist will help make sure you get the same type of vaccine for both shots if applicable.
The Johnson & Johnson/Janssen vaccine only requires one shot. As of April 13, CDC and FDA have recommended a pause in the use of the Johnson and Johnson’s Janssen COVID-19 Vaccine in the United States out of an abundance of caution. Doctors and other health experts are reviewing the specifics and will continue to provide the latest information.
The vaccines may work in slightly different ways, but all types of the vaccines will help protect you. It takes time for your body to build immunity after vaccination, so you might not get full protection until two weeks after your final shot for two-dose vaccines, and your single shot for a single-dose vaccine. Ask your healthcare provider about tools (like V-safe) that can send you automated reminders about getting your first and second shots at the appropriate time.
CDC does not require United States citizenship for individuals to receive a COVID-19 vaccine.