Answering your COVID-19 vaccine questions
We’ve answered the most common questions about COVID-19 vaccines so you can be informed before and after you receive one.
Stay informed and up to date
Review the latest guidelines and recommendations from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
COVID-19 vaccine questions and answers
The COVID-19 vaccine helps your body develop immunity and protects you from the coronavirus that causes COVID-19. It is important to note that you cannot catch COVID-19 from the vaccine itself. The vaccines are safe and effective, and we encourage you to get vaccinated.
After you receive any vaccine, your body starts building immunity, which can sometimes cause mild side effects. This is normal and a sign that the vaccine is working. COVID-19 vaccine side effects are similar to those that other common vaccines can cause, such as temporary soreness in your arm, fever, chills, tiredness and headache.
If you have questions about getting the vaccine, we encourage you to speak to your health care provider.
The FDA and CDC recommend COVID-19 vaccines for everyone ages six months and older. According to the CDC, the vaccine can help protect your child from getting infected with COVID-19, reducing their risk of severe disease and hospitalization.
Please review the CDC’s recommendations for staying up to date with COVID-19 vaccines for children and teens and contact your family’s pediatrician on whether your child should receive the COVID-19 vaccine.
The COVID-19 vaccine is available through select retail pharmacies, certain hospitals, medical practices and local boards of health. Visit www.vaccines.gov to find out where the COVID-19 vaccine is available in your area.
Please review the CDC’s recommendations for staying up to date with COVID-19 vaccines.
Please review the CDC’s recommendations for staying up to date with COVID-19 vaccines, including boosters.
Several COVID-19 vaccines have been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) pursuant to their emergency use authorization. Visit the CDC’s website for the most up to date information on the available vaccines and how to stay up to date with your vaccination. Vaccines are required to be covered with no member cost sharing. Please see coverage details.
We understand that you may have concerns about receiving the COVID-19 vaccine. A safety review was part of the FDA emergency use authorization process, and the FDA continues to actively monitor for safety. We encourage you to visit the CDC website for information about COVID-19 vaccine safety and benefits, frequently asked questions and more.
If you have questions about getting the vaccine while pregnant or breastfeeding, we encourage you to speak to your health care provider.
At your vaccine appointment, you may receive a COVID-19 vaccination record card. The card will show your name and date of birth, as well as which COVID-19 vaccine you received, where you received it and the date of your vaccination. NOTE: The clinic or pharmacy that administered your vaccine may keep an electronic record, so if you need proof of vaccination, you may request it from them directly.
Please do not post pictures of your vaccination record card on social media or share proof of your immunization publicly. This is considered sensitive information that may put you at risk for vaccine scammers and identity theft.
We encourage you to hold on to your vaccine card and keep it with your personal records. The CDC offers tools to help you keep your vaccine records up to date.