What is the Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine?

The Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine is an unapproved vaccine that may prevent COVID-19. There

is no FDA-approved vaccine to prevent COVID-19

Who Can Get The Vaccine?

Moderna COVID-19 vaccine is authorized and recommended for persons 18 years of age and older.

 Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine

Who Should Not Get The COVID-19 vaccine?

Anyone who has had a severe allergic reaction to the first dose should not get the second dose. Children under 18, should not get the vaccine at this time. Clinical trials are currently being conducted for children and more information will be available later. 

According to the CDC, you should talk with a doctor first before getting a COVID-19 shot if you:

• Have severe allergies or carry an epinephrine (Epi-Pen, Auvi-Q, etc.) injector

• Have had a severe allergic reaction to other vaccines or injections

• Are immunocompromised, such as if you are HIV-positive

• Have a moderate to severe illness or are feeling sick (in which case, you should likely wait to get vaccinated)

What Are The Benefits of The Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine?

The Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine has been shown to prevent COVID-19 following 2 doses given 1 month apart. The duration of protection against COVID-19 is currently unknown.

What Are The Side Effects?

Side effects that have been reported with the Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine include:

• Injection site reactions: pain, tenderness and swelling of the lymph nodes in the same arm of the injection, swelling (hardness), and redness

• General side effects: fatigue, headache, muscle pain, joint pain, chills, nausea and vomiting, and fever

There is a chance that the Vaccine could cause a severe allergic reaction. A severe allergic reaction would usually occur within a few minutes to one hour after getting a dose of the Vaccine. For this reason, your vaccination provider may ask you to stay at the place where you received your vaccine for monitoring after vaccination. Signs of a severe allergic reaction can include:

• Difficulty breathing

• Swelling of your face and throat

• A fast heartbeat

• A bad rash all over your body

• Dizziness and weakness

These may not be all the possible side effects of the Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine. Serious and unexpected side effects may occur. The Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine is still being studied in clinical trials.

How Is The Vaccine Given?

The Vaccine will be given to you as an injection into the muscle in a series of 2 doses given 1 month apart. If you receive one dose of the Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine, you should receive a second dose of the same vaccine 1 month later to complete the vaccination series.

Can pregnant or breastfeeding women be vaccinated against COVID-19?

Yes. Pregnant women have a higher risk for complications from COVID-19 disease. There are no study results available yet on the safety of COVID-19 vaccines in pregnant women. However, experts believe that the vaccines are unlikely to pose a risk to the woman or the fetus.

Pregnant women can talk with a doctor about their risk of COVID-19 disease and how they might benefit from vaccination.

How many COVID-19 vaccine shots are needed?

Two doses for the Moderna vaccine, 28 days apart.

You should get your second shot as close to the recommended 3-week or 1-month interval as possible. However, there is no maximum interval between the first and second doses for either vaccine. You should not get the second dose earlier than the recommended interval.

I’ve had COVID-19. Should I still get a vaccine?

 Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine

Yes. At this time, we do not know how long someone is protected from getting sick again after recovering from COVID-19.

It is important to remember that even with a vaccine you may still be able to spread COVID-19. Even after vaccination, you should continue to follow all of the guidelines from the State and the County. Stay home as much as possible, self-isolate if you’re sick or have been exposed to COVID-19, wear a mask, and wash your hands frequently. If you have any further questions, please visit the CDC’s website.