Vaccine Database
Latest News: CDC COVID-19 Study Shows mRNA Vaccines Reduce Risk of Infection by 91 Percent for Fully Vaccinated People
Vaccination Makes Illness Milder, Shorter for the Few Vaccinated People Who Do Get COVID-19
A new CDC study finds the mRNA COVID-19 vaccines authorized by the Food and Drug Administration (Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna) reduce the risk of infection by 91 percent for fully vaccinated people. This adds to the growing body of real-world evidence of their effectiveness. Importantly, this study also is among the first to show that mRNA vaccination benefits people who get COVID-19 despite being fully vaccinated (14 or more days after dose 2) or partially vaccinated (14 or more days after dose 1 to 13 days after dose 2).
“COVID-19 vaccines are a critical tool in overcoming this pandemic,” said CDC Director Rochelle P. Walensky, MD, MPH. “Findings from the extended timeframe of this study add to accumulating evidence that mRNA COVID-19 vaccines are effective and should prevent most infections — but that fully vaccinated people who still get COVID-19 are likely to have milder, shorter illness and appear to be less likely to spread the virus to others. These benefits are another important reason to get vaccinated.”
The findings come from four weeks of additional data collected in CDC’s HEROES-RECOVER study of health care workers, first responders, frontline workers, and other essential workers. These groups are more likely to be exposed to the virus that causes COVID-19 because of their occupations. Preliminary results from this study were first announced in March 2021.
To determine whether COVID-19 illness was milder, study participants who became infected with SARS-CoV-2 were combined into a single group and compared to unvaccinated, infected participants. Several findings indicated that those who became infected after being fully or partially vaccinated were more likely to have a milder and shorter illness compared to those who were unvaccinated. For example, fully or partially vaccinated people who developed COVID-19 spent on average six fewer total days sick and two fewer days sick in bed. They also had about a 60 percent lower risk of developing symptoms, like fever or chills, compared to those who were unvaccinated. Some study participants infected with SARS-CoV-2 did not develop symptoms.
Read the full article on the CDC Website using the link below.
Page last reviewed: June 7th, 2021
Content source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
COVID-19 Vaccine Information for Children & Teens
Although fewer children have been infected with COVID-19 compared to adults, children can:
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Be infected with the virus that causes COVID-19
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Get sick from COVID-19
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Spread COVID-19 to others.
CDC recommends everyone 12 years and older should get a COVID-19 vaccination.
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Widespread vaccination is a critical tool to help stop the pandemic.
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Getting vaccinated can bring you one step closer to enjoying the activities you miss.
Find a COVID-19 Vaccine
General Outlets for the COVID-19 Vaccine:
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Your Local Pharmacy's Website (Links to Major Pharmacy's Available Below)
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Your Healthcare Provider
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State or Local Government Department (Links Available Below for U.S. States & Links to international resources below)
Major Pharmacy Websites
U.S State COVID-19 Information
National COVID-19 Vaccine Locator
Use Vaccines.gov to find a location near you, then call or visit their website to make an appointment.
Information about COVID-19 Vaccines for Children and Teens
Get a COVID-19 vaccine as soon as you can:
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COVID-19 vaccines have been used under the most intensive safety monitoring in U.S. history, which includes studies in adolescents.
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You will need a second shot of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine 3 weeks after your first shot.
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You can’t get COVID-19 from any COVID-19 vaccine, including the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine.
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You may get a COVID-19 vaccine and other vaccines at the same visit or without waiting 14 days between vaccines.
Prepare for your vaccination visit.
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Get tips for how to support yourself before, during, and after the visit.
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Learn more about what to expect.
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Tell the doctor or nurse about any allergies you may have.
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To prevent fainting and injuries related to fainting, you should be seated or lying down during vaccination and for 15 minutes after the vaccine is given.
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After your COVID-19 vaccination, you will be asked to stay for 15–30 minutes so you can be observed in case you have a severe allergic reaction and need immediate treatment.
Possible Side Effects
On the arm where you got the shot:
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Pain
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Redness
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Swelling
Throughout the rest of your body:
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Tiredness
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Headache
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Muscle pain
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Chills
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Fever
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Nausea
Helpful Tips to Relieve Side Effects
To reduce pain and discomfort where you got the shot:
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Apply a clean, cool, wet washcloth over the area.
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Use or exercise your arm.
To reduce discomfort from fever:
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Drink plenty of fluids.
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Dress lightly.
Visit the link below from the CDC to explore over the counter medication options and advice from the CDC regarding their use.
Cost of COVID-19 Vaccines
You will not be charged for a COVID-19 vaccine.
COVID-19 vaccination providers cannot:
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Charge you for the vaccine.
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Charge you any administration fees, copays, coinsurance, or the balance of the bill after appropriate reimbursement.
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Deny vaccination to anyone who does not have health insurance coverage, is underinsured, or is out of network.
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Charge an office visit or other fee to the recipient if the only service provided is a COVID-19 vaccination.
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Require additional services in order for a person to receive a COVID-19 vaccine; however, additional healthcare services can be provided at the same time and billed as appropriate.
SCAM ALERT: If anyone asks you to pay for access to vaccine, you can bet it’s a scam. Don’t share your personal or financial information if someone calls, texts, or emails you promising access to the vaccine for an extra fee.
Information Source: CDC.gov (Updated June 25th, 2021)
International Resources for the COVID-19 Vaccine
The World Health Organization (WHO) provides the most accurate and reliable information about the COVID-19 Virus and Vaccine efforts.
Information on progress and development on WHO's efforts on the COVID-19 Vaccine and their work with partners.
For country-specific information, visit the World Health Organization's partner site locator.
