Getting fully vaccinated against COVID-19 is one of the best ways to protect yourself against severe illness. All vaccines authorized by the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) go through testing to make sure they work and are safe.
We encourage everyone to get fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and stay up-to-date with COVID-19 boosters.
Although the COVID-19 vaccines help to lower your chance of getting very sick, no vaccine will give you 100% protection. You may also be able to spread the virus to others even after getting the vaccine. Until we know more, you can still use SAFER COVID-19 to make a plan with other strategies that protect you and the people around you.
How vaccines work
Vaccines are like practice for your immune system, the part of your body that protects you from viruses and other germs. The vaccines give your body instructions to build a special protein, which looks like the COVID-19 virus but cannot hurt you. Then your immune system fights against it. This trains your body to beat the real COVID-19 virus, if it meets it in the future.
Getting the vaccine
After getting a vaccine, it’s normal to feel a bit sick for a few days. It’s even a good sign that your body is doing the right thing! If you’re a sports fan, think of vaccines like pre-season training for your immune system. Pre-season training can make an athlete’s body sore and tired, but it also makes them stronger and faster. The COVID-19 vaccine does the same thing for your immune system.
Even if you have already had COVID-19, you could get it again in the future. The vaccine would still be helpful for you. Just like an athlete with natural talent can get better with a professional coach, a person who already had COVID-19 can be better protected by getting the vaccine.
Make sure you get all of the vaccine doses you need, including boosters.
Find out about COVID-19 vaccines in your state. If you have more questions about the COVID-19 vaccine, talk to a healthcare provider.