This is not a complete list and will be updated as more information is presented. Go to CDC COVID-19 Vaccine, FDA COVID-19 Vaccine FAQ, and COVID-19 Vaccine in MA for more information.

About Pfizer vaccine Fact Sheet for Recipients and Caregivers

• Contains genetic material (mRNA) of SARS-CoV-2 virus to trigger the immune system’s defenses 
• 16yrs+
• Not specifically studied in those pregnant/breastfeeding, but there are no noticeable health concerns (ask PCP)
• Take two doses three weeks apart, 0.3 mL each
• 95% effective in clinical trials
• Previously infected people could benefit from vaccination to prevent reinfection

Common side effects are; pain at the injection site, tiredness, headache, muscle pain, chills, joint pain, and fever. These were more so experienced after the 2nd dose than the first

About Moderna vaccine Vaccine Recipient Overview

• Contains genetic material (mRNA) of SARS-CoV-2 virus to trigger the immune system’s defenses 
• 18yrs+
• For those pregnant/breastfeeding ask PCP
• take two doses given one month apart
• 94.1% effective in clinical trials

Common side effects are; pain, tenderness, and swelling of the lymph nodes in the same arm of the injection, swelling, and redness, fatigue, headache, chills, nausea, and fever

• A small chance of vaccine could cause a severe allergic reaction occurring within a few minutes to one hour after getting a dose. So you may be asked to stay in one place for monitoring.
  • Signs of a severe allergic reaction: difficulty breathing, swelling of your face and throat, a fast heartbeat, a bad rash all over your body, dizziness, and weakness

Most vaccines are used to reduce transmission, but data is inconclusive for Covid-19

Even if you got the vaccine, you would still need to follow the health measures while it is administered to the rest of the population.

Additional Information

Operation Warp Speed is a US Department of Health and Human Services project to deliver the safest and most effective vaccine for Covid-19 by January 2021. 

Timeline of Vaccine So Far:

March 30

• First vaccine candidate by Johnson & Johnson (Janssen) funded by the Health and Human Services (HHS). 

April 16 

• HHS supported up to $483 million for Moderna’s vaccine candidate

July 22

• HHS funded up to $1.95 billion to Pfizer’s vaccine candidate. 

August 11

• Moderna’s vaccine candidate is called mRNA-1273 and is the first government-funded for the Covid-19 vaccine in the United States.

December 11

• Total doses of Moderna vaccine owned by the US govt is 200 million. Federal funding is brought to $4.1 billion. 
• FDA issued emergency use authorization (EUA) to Pfizer vaccine. Meaning it can be distributed in the US. The data is shown to have more benefits than risks and is available for anyone 16 yrs+, including healthy people.