COVID-19 Vaccine FAQs
06/24/2021
Is the COVID-19 vaccine safe?
Yes, the vaccine is safe. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has a process for ensuring that all vaccines are safe before they can be used in the United States. This process includes clinical trials and approval for both safety and effectiveness.
Can children get the vaccine?
The vaccine is now available for children ages 12 and older. Studies are ongoing for children under the age of 12.
Where can I get a vaccine?
These websites have helpful info and tools to help find a vaccine:
• www.vaccines.gov/get-vaccinated/where
You can also learn more from healthcare providers, state and local health agencies, pharmacies, through public announcements, and traditional and social media sources.
How many doses are needed to be effective?
When you get your vaccine, ask the person giving it to you which manufacturer you received and how many doses you need. Make sure you keep the COVID-19 vaccination record card for your personal records. This will have the details of your vaccine (i.e. vaccine manufacturer, lot number, date of first dose administration, and second dose due date).
How much does the vaccine cost?
There will be no cost for the COVID-19 vaccine.
What are the side effects of receiving the vaccine?
During the FDA’s review and approval process, safety and effectiveness are evaluated.
After getting vaccinated, you may have some side effects, which are normal signs that your body is building protection. The most common side effects are pain and swelling in the arm where you received the shot. In addition, you may have fever, chills, tiredness, and headache. Most side effects are generally mild and last a few days.
Can I get COVID-19 as a result of receiving the vaccine?
No. The live COVID-19 virus is not present in any vaccine currently available and there is no risk of becoming infected as a direct result of receiving the vaccine.
After getting vaccinated, you may have some side effects, which are normal signs that your body is building protection. The most common side effects are pain and swelling in the arm where you received the shot. In addition, you may have fever, chills, tiredness, and headache. Most side effects are generally mild and last a few days.
Will I still need to wear a mask, practice social distancing, wash my hands, and limit my exposure to others after I get a vaccine?
The CDC has issued guidance on what you can do once you become fully vaccinated. For more info, visit https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/vaccine-benefits.html
The CDC also generally recommends everyday preventive actions to help prevent the spread of respiratory diseases. They include:
- Wash your hands often with plain soap and water. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60 percent alcohol.
- Cover your mouth and nose with a cloth face covering or non-surgical mask when around others.
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Avoid crowds and practice social distancing (stay at least 6 feet apart from others).
I already had COVID-19 and recovered. Do I still need to get a vaccine?
Yes. Due to the severe health risks associated with COVID-19 and the possibility of reinfection, you should be vaccinated even if you have had COVID-19. This is because experts don’t yet know how long you are protected from getting sick again after recovering from COVID-19.
If you have COVID-19 you should wait to get vaccinated until you are no longer sick and are not in isolation. Talk to your doctor if you have more questions about getting a COVID-19 vaccine.
Safeguards to Staying Healthy
- Get your Annual Wellness Exam.
- Ask your Healthcare Provider about telehealth before visiting a doctor’s office or an urgent care facility.
- Use our coronavirus chatbot on MolinaHealthcare.com to get general information on COVID-19.
- Visit MSDH.MS.gov for COVID-19 testing sites.
- Protect yourself when going out by wearing a mask, washing your hands, and practicing social distancing.
- Stay home or seek medical care if you’re sick.
- Look for emergency warning signs* for COVID-19. If you are showing any of
these signs, seek emergency medical care immediately:
• Trouble breathing
• Persistent pain or pressure in the chest
• New confusion
• Inability to wake or stay awake
• Bluish lips or face
*This list is not all possible symptoms. Please call your medical provider for
any other symptoms that are severe or concerning to you.
Questions? Call us.
Members Services:
(844) 809-8438, TTY: 711
Molina 24-Hour Nurse Advice Line:
(844) 794-3638 TTY:711