Your AdventHealth Coronavirus Vaccine Resource Hub

mRNA vaccines are a new type of vaccine that protect against infectious diseases. Because they can be made in a lab using readily available materials, scientists can use a standardized process to develop these vaccines more quickly than with traditional methods.

The vaccine does not use a live virus. Instead, some coronavirus vaccine candidates essentially work by using synthetic mRNA to direct the body to produce a small amount of the spike protein. Once the vaccinated person’s immune system detects this protein, their body begins producing protective antibodies to defend against coronavirus. You can learn more about mRNA vaccines here.

Studies suggest that the COVID-19 vaccines do provide protection from the older strains of coronavirus and against delta, gamma, and the emerging omicron strains. While it’s still possible to get infected if you are fully vaccinated, the vaccines dramatically reduce the risk of serious illness caused by the coronavirus variants.

All but one of the COVID-19 vaccines require two doses. The first dose starts to build up immunity, and the second dose provides the most protection the vaccine offers. Only receiving the first dose will likely not protect you from getting the virus.

Vaccine immunity will take effect two weeks after you receive your second dose.

While the approved COVID-19 vaccines have been determined to be effective by federal guidelines, there's no way to guarantee someone will not contract the virus. Just like it's not guaranteed you won't get the flu after receiving the flu shot, the same is true for the COVID-19 vaccine.

Those who have already had COVID-19 may not have long lasting immunity from the virus and therefore should receive the vaccine. However, we encourage speaking with your physician, as he or she can provide you with a personalized recommendation.

Yes, you'll want to get the vaccine since re-infection is possible over time. At this time, experts don’t know how long you could be protected after recovering from COVID-19, and getting the vaccine will help prevent re-infection.

According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) COVID-19 vaccines are recommended for everyone 6 months and older and boosters for everyone 5 years and older if eligible. Older adults who would like to receive the vaccine should reach out to their doctor so that they can provide personalized recommendations and answer any questions about getting vaccinated.

The vaccine has been determined to be safe according to federal guidelines and review by our internal Scientific Committee. Vaccine safety is determined based on when a patient experiences a negative effect after receiving the dose. If there are too many or severe effects during the trial, the vaccine is terminated. By the time a vaccine reaches consumers, the risk of a negative outcome is very low.

The vaccine is safe for children ages 6 months and older. For best protection, children would receive their second dose 21 days or more after their initial shot

There's only a small amount of experience in the clinical trials of the vaccines regarding its use in pregnant or nursing mothers. However, the American Society of Obstetrics and Gynecology has endorsed use of the vaccine in these situations. If you have questions, we recommend contacting your provider directly so he/she can better answer this question based on your medical history.

You're right that there are multiple COVID-19 vaccines. While efficacy varies slightly, each has been determined to be safe through the testing process. To learn more about which vaccines are available in your area and which might be best for you, we recommend calling your physician. He or she can talk through any questions you may have and provide a personalized recommendation.

According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), COVID-19 vaccines are recommended for children 6 months and older. Children during this age group will receive a lower dose of the vaccine to protect them well against symptomatic infection and potentially cause fewer side-effects.

There’s absolutely no evidence for any connection between the COVID vaccines and fertility – it’s misinformation that’s unfortunately become prevalent on social media. I’d advise women who are interested in one day getting pregnant to take care of themselves and their future health by getting vaccinated.

Some people have reported mild side effects after receiving the vaccine like irritation at the injection site, headaches, fever and chills. However, these symptoms usually go away on their own within a week of receiving the vaccine. Learn more about the safety and side effects of the coronavirus vaccine.

According to the Food and Drug Administration, there is a low risk of myocarditis cases in the 12 to 17 age group and the risk could be even lower for younger children who receive the vaccine. We encourage you to reach out to your child's pediatrician as he or she can talk through any questions you may have and provide a personalized recommendation.

Right now, there aren't any available vaccines that will completely prevent COVID-19. However, much like the flu shot, the upcoming coronavirus vaccines will help reduce your risk of contracting the virus in the event of exposure.

Yes, according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), a booster shot is recommended for everyone ages 5 years and older, if eligible, to improve protection against getting a serious COVID-19 infection.

According to the Food & Drug Administration, you can mix-and-match vaccine manufactures after a study found that boosting with a different vaccine is safe and increased antibody levels no matter the combination.

The mix-and-match option of COVID-19 vaccines could potentially offer lifesaving flexibility for individuals to remain protected against the virus. If vaccine supplies were to potentially run low, people could mix their initial dose with another vaccine and still receive immunity to the coronavirus.