So many questions have been raised during the last couple of years about Covid. Unfortunately some of the answers to these questions have been very misleading, to say the least. Today I want to share with you some key questions and the best scientific answers to respond them.
QUESTION: Can the COVID-19 vaccine make me sick with COVID-19?
ANSWER: No. COVID-19 vaccines in the United States do not contain the live virus that causes COVID-19, the vaccine cannot make you sick with COVID-19. COVID-19 vaccines teach our immune systems how to recognize and fight the virus that causes the desease.
Sometimes this process can cause symptoms, such as fever. These symptoms are normal and are signs that the body is building protection against the virus that causes COVID-19.
QUESTION: Is the natural immunity I get from being sick with COVID-19 better than the immunity I get from COVID-19 vaccination?
ANSWER: The vaccine causes a more predictable immune response than the infection. Getting it gives most people a high level of protection against COVID-19 and can provide added protection for people who already had COVID-19.
One study showed that, for people who already had COVID-19, those who do not get vaccinated after their recovery are more than 2 times as likely to get COVID-19 again than those who are fully vaccinated.
QUESTION: Getting a COVID-19 vaccine will cause a positive on a viral test?
ANSWER: None of the authorized and recommended COVID-19 vaccines can cause you to test positive on viral tests, which are used to see if you have a current infection.
If your body develops an immune response to vaccination, which is the goal, you may test positive on some antibody tests. Antibody tests indicate you had a previous infection and that you may have some level of protection against the virus.
QUESTION: Can COVID-19 vaccines affect my ability to become pregnant?
ANSWER: There is currently no evidence that shows that any vaccines, including COVID-19 vaccines, cause fertility problems (problems trying to get pregnant) in both women or men.
QUESTION: Can everyone ages 16 years and older get a booster shot?
ANSWER: Yes they can. Pfizer or Moderna (mRNA COVID-19 vaccines) are preferred in most situations. J&J/Janssen COVID-19 vaccine may be considered in some situations.
QUESTION: Can people get a COVID-19 vaccine and other vaccines?
ANSWER: Yes they surely can. Including the flu vaccine, at the same time.