Your Coronavirus Vaccine Questions, Answered

Here's what you need to know about the vaccines available, and what you can do once you've gotten one. by Christopher Dean Hopkins After a bumpy start distribution of the coronavirus vaccine mostly has been going smoothly, with more than 100 million Americans having received at least one dose of a vaccine so far. Many states already are offering vaccine appointments to all adults, and the Biden administration has ordered the rest to do so by April 19. Here’s a guide for what you can do if you’ve gotten the vaccine, and answers to common questions you may have if you haven’t yet. If you’re vaccinated already, what’s safe? Joe Raedle/Getty Images If it's been at least two weeks since your last dose of the vaccine, here are the guidelines of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for what you can do. Socializing: [You can safely visit other people indoors without wearing masks]( as long as they’re either vaccinated or not at risk for serious illness from COVID-19. ([Here’s what vaccination rates look like in different parts of the U.S.]( Travel within the U.S.: [Fully vaccinated individuals can safely travel domestically]( but should be sure to follow the local guidance at their destination. Safety after travel or possible exposure: If you’re fully vaccinated and aren’t experiencing symptoms, there’s no need for you to quarantine or get tested, the CDC says. BUT: Continue wearing a mask and social distancing when in public or around unvaccinated people. Keep gatherings small and limit non-essential or overseas travel. Get tested if you experience symptoms. Hold onto that vaccine card: [It’s possible it will be required in the future for international travel or to access some public events]( though some lawmakers are pushing back hard against such requirements. Remember, these guidelines are subject to change. [The CDC will update their guidelines for fully vaccinated people here.]( --------------------------------------------------------------- Newsletter continues after sponsor message --------------------------------------------------------------- Not vaccinated yet? John Tlumacki/The Boston Globe via Getty Images NPR has created [this tool to help guide you through vaccine availability and scheduling]( throughout the United States. How do the vaccines work? Here’s a fun video that helps explain [the new mRNA vaccines from Moderna and Pfizer](. Johnson & Johnson’s vaccine uses adenoviruses. [This video explains how that one works](. What’s actually in the vaccines? [Adenoviruses or lipids containing mRNA to trigger an immune response, saline solution, buffers to balance the acidity of the vaccine](. Who are they safe for? Just about everyone. [Immunocompromised people]( should get it. Until recently, there hadn't been studies on whether it was safe for [pregnant people]( but now there's evidence that it's safe and effective and may confer benefits to baby. Studies show [Pfizer’s vaccine is effective in protecting adolescents](. If you’ve already [had COVID-19 and are experiencing long-term symptoms]( getting vaccinated may help. A trial of [the Moderna vaccine’s effectiveness in children as young as six months]( is ongoing. Will these vaccines protect me from the newer coronavirus variants? Early research suggested they may be somewhat less effective in terms of preventing all symptoms. But even against the variants, the vaccines do prevent a lot of mild and moderate cases, and are [very effective at preventing severe cases, hospitalizations and deaths](. What can I do to make sure my vaccine shot works as well as possible? Don’t get the vaccine if you’ve had a different vaccination within two weeks. [Limit your use of painkillers]( and other over-the-counter medications ([or CBD oil]( after receiving a dose of the vaccine. Your body’s inflammatory response is important for building your immunity, so try not to take anything outside your normal medical routine. What kind of side effects should I expect? [The most common side effects]( are pain and redness at the site of injection, chills, headaches, nausea, body aches, fatigue and fever for a day or two. If symptoms continue or worsen after that, talk with a healthcare provider. Side effects are more common in younger people with stronger immune systems. And if you don’t have any side effects, don’t worry — the vaccine is still working. --------------------------------------------------------------- Stream your local NPR station. Visit NPR.org to find your local station stream. --------------------------------------------------------------- Enjoying this newsletter? Forward to a friend! They can [sign up here](. 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