Question 1

How were the vaccines developed so quickly?

Accepted Answer

Developing a drug is expensive and drug companies typically wait for phase 2 studies to be complete before investing in phase 3 trials. Because of the pandemic, the United States and other countries provided funding to vaccine developers to start planning and enrolling patients in phase 3 trials at the same time that phase 2 trials were being performed. This greatly accelerated the drug development timeline without compromising the typical trial standards. Typically it takes a long time to enroll patients into a clinical study but during a pandemic enrollment was much easier. In order to prove efficacy you need enough positive results in the control group and since the prevalence of COVID-19 was so high they were able to achieve statistical significance early on.

Question 2

Will I have immunity from COVID-19 after my first shot?

Accepted Answer

The first shot of the mRNA vaccine can help reduce the chance of getting symptomatic COVID-19 by 52%. It is 95% effective one week after receiving the second injection of the vaccine.

Question 3

How long does the vaccine take to work?

Accepted Answer

The vaccine is most effective 1 week after your second dose. You still may get some protection 2-3 weeks after your first dose but you really need that second dose to get the most protection from COVID-19.

Question 4

Will I feel fine the next day?

Accepted Answer

A common side effect of the first shot is local injection site soreness of the muscle. With the second dose, about 20% of patients may develop side effects like body aches, chills, and feverishness which typically last a day or less and are treated with acetaminophen or ibuprofen. This is a sign the immune system is revving up and doing what it is supposed to be doing.

Question 5

Can I still spread the virus after being vaccinated?

Accepted Answer

At this point, we don't know if patients can spread the virus even after being vaccinated. We do know some individuals who still got COVID-19 after being vaccinated had a much milder form of it. Therefore, we recommend typical virus prevention precautions (wearing a mask, washing hands regularly, maintaining social distance) continue to be followed even in those who are vaccinated.

Question 6

What happens if a patient gets infected in between the first and second dose?

Accepted Answer

Although the first dose provides some protection against the virus, there is a very real chance patients can become infected in between the first and second dose. The first dose provides a 52% reduction in risk of becoming sick with COVID-19. Starting one week after the second dose of the vaccine, patients are 95% less likely to become sick with COVID-19.

Question 7

How much will the vaccine cost?

Accepted Answer

According to the CDC,   vaccine doses purchased with U.S. taxpayer dollars   will be given to the American people at no cost. However, vaccination providers will be able to charge an administration fee for giving the shot to someone. Vaccine providers can get this fee reimbursed by the patient's public or private insurance company or, for uninsured patients, by the Health Resources and Services Administration's Provider Relief Fund.

Question 8

What demographics has the vaccine been tested in?

Accepted Answer

The overall number of patients in these demographic categories were low but still a significant portion of the study population. In a larger study with more patients of color, the numbers may be slightly different than these but would likely be similar in magnitude. It was 95% effective at preventing cases of COVID-19 in both Latinos and non-Latinos. It was 100% effective in Black people. It was 94% effective in people who were at least 56 years old. (The older you get, the greater the risk of a serious case of COVID-19.) It was 95% effective in those who had at least one medical condition that made them more likely to develop a serious case of COVID-19. It was 96% effective for people who were obese, another condition that makes people more vulnerable to COVID-19.

Question 9

What happens if I lose my vaccination card?

Accepted Answer

Your vaccination card is not the only existing record of your vaccinations. State providers will report all vaccinations to the immunization registries to ensure patients are getting the correct dosages at the right times with the same vaccine manufacturer.

Question 10

Should I still get vaccinated if I already had the coronavirus?

Accepted Answer

Yes, it is recommended you do get vaccinated even if you have already been infected. However, you should wait until your body has been cleared of active COVID-19 symptoms before getting vaccinated.

Question 11

How can I update my digital Health Pass?

Accepted Answer

For missing vaccination doses that were administered by a Carbon-operated site before September 25th, 2021, a request may be submitted through in-app messaging or by emailing   support@carbonhealth.com . All other inquiries should be directed to   https://chat.myturn.ca.gov/ . OR    Patients who are missing a vaccination dose from their digital Health Pass record that was administered by a Carbon-operated site before September 25th, 2021 can submit a request through in-app messaging or by emailing   support@carbonhealth.com . All other inquiries should be directed to   https://chat.myturn.ca.gov/ .

Question 12

How can I update my CAIR record?

Accepted Answer

If your California State vaccination record is missing or incomplete, CAIR has recommended you take the following actions.  1) Complete this web form:   https://chat.myturn.ca.gov/?id=17   2) Call 833-422-4255 ext 1

Question 13

Where can I find a copy of my official vaccination records in CAIR?

Accepted Answer

A copy of your vaccination record may be requested by completing the following web form:   https://cairforms.cairweb.org/AuthorizationToRelease/AuthorizationToRelease If you were vaccinated at a Carbon Health site, you can also request a copy by emailing   vax-replacement-record@carbonhealth.com .

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