MSU Extension Vaccine Education

It’s normal to have questions about vaccination and it can be difficult to know what resources will provide accurate guidance. To help inform your vaccine decision-making, we’ve created a list of commonly asked questions about the COVID-19 vaccine with links to trusted resources. As a reminder it is always best to discuss any vaccine related questions you have with your primary care physician. 

Is the COVID-19 vaccine safe? 

Safety matters. COVID-19 vaccines are rigorously tested for safety and efficacy before approval.  To date, over 10 billion doses of the COVID-19 vaccine have been administered around the world. There is a lot of factual, trusted information about safety here: Safety of COVID-19 Vaccines | CDC. 

Is the COVID-19 vaccine new? 

The COVID-19 vaccine is newer, but the technology that made it possible has been in development for over a decade. COVID-19 vaccines are a safe solution developed at a high speed due to the public health need and unprecedented levels of scientific collaboration. For a trusted source of more information on the available COVID-19 vaccines and how they work visit the following link Understanding How COVID-19 Vaccines Work | CDC. 

Does the COVID-19 vaccine work? 

Vaccines are proven and effective. Unvaccinated individuals are more likely to be hospitalized for treatment of COVID-19 and more likely to die from COVID-19 and its complications. You can find trusted information about vaccine effectiveness here: COVID-19 Vaccines Work | CDC. 

Is it better to get the vaccine or develop immunity after an infection? 

Unvaccinated individuals are more likely to be hospitalized for treatment of COVID-19 and more likely to die from COVID-19 and its complications. Getting a COVID-19 vaccination is a safer and more dependable way to build immunity to COVID-19 than getting sick with COVID-19.  You can learn more about the advantages of building immunity through vaccination here: Myths and Facts about COVID-19 Vaccines | CDC. 

If I’ve already had COVID-19, do I still need to get vaccinated? 

Even if you have already had COVID-19 you can get it again.  Getting vaccinated will strengthen your immune response to COVID-19 and will provide heightened protection for a longer period than COVID-19 infection. You can learn more about the advantages of building immunity through vaccination here: Myths and Facts about COVID-19 Vaccines | CDC. 

Do I need to get a COVID-19 vaccine booster? 

The CDC recommends booster shots for all individuals 12 years old and up who have been fully vaccinated (i.e., they have received their first two doses of the vaccine). For trusted information on the benefits of booster shots check out this link COVID-19 Vaccine Booster Shots | CDC. 

Can you still get the COVID-19 vaccine if you are pregnant? 

COVID-19 vaccination is recommended for people who are pregnant, trying to get pregnant now, or might become pregnant in the future, as well as their partners.  For trusted information on the benefits of getting vaccinated before or during pregnancy check out this link COVID-19 Vaccines While Pregnant or Breastfeeding (cdc.gov). 

Does the vaccine change my DNA? 

COVID-19 vaccines do not change or interact with your DNA in any way. Check out this trusted resource to learn more about how vaccines work: Understanding How COVID-19 Vaccines Work | CDC. 

What is the risk of myocarditis in boys and young men who receive the COVID-19 vaccine? 

In rare cases the COVID-19 vaccine has caused myocarditis in boys and young men, but the benefits of COVID-19 vaccination outweigh the rare risk of developing myocarditis. Learn more: Clinical Considerations: Myocarditis after mRNA COVID-19 Vaccines | CDC.