The FDA and CDC are reviewing information about whether to recommend a booster dose of the mRNA vaccines (Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna) for people aged 18+ at least 8 months after they received their second dose.  We expect they will make a decision this fall.  We do not yet know whether a booster dose is recommended for people who received the Johnson and Johnson vaccine.  You can learn more on the CDC’s website.

An additional dose (or 3rd dose) of an mRNA COVID-19 vaccine (Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna) is now recommended for people with a weak immune system. This is because their initial immune response after a 2-dose series may not have been strong enough to protect them. A booster dose of a vaccine is recommended when a person’s initial immune response is likely to have decreased over time. Booster doses might be recommended for some people in the months to come.

• At this time, Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine is authorized by the FDA for those ages 12 and up. Pfizer-BioNTech anticipates submitting data for vaccine response among 5-11 year olds to the FDA around September 2021. Authorization for that age group may be given in the midwinter, according to some media reports.
• In the first week of June 2021, Moderna submitted data for expansion of their EUA, to include 12 to 17 year olds. FDA and ACIP review of these new data still need to occur. Moderna anticipates having data for even younger age groups in “early Fall”. No additional information is available at this time.

No, they do not. There is no evidence that COVID-19 vaccines cause fertility problems, in women or men. If you are trying to become pregnant now or want to get pregnant in the future, you can and should receive a COVID-19 vaccine.

• Common side effects include mild symptoms that should go away in a few days. They include redness, pain, or swelling on the arm where you got the shot. They also include a mild fever, chills, headache, or feeling tired.
• Severe allergic reactions after getting a COVID-19 vaccine are rare. Call 9-1-1 or seek immediate medical care if you have symptoms. Vaccination sites are ready to help people who have immediate allergic reactions.  Stay at the vaccination site for at least 15 minutes after the vaccine.
• Serious side effects that could cause a long-term health problem are extremely unlikely following any vaccination, including COVID-19 vaccination. To let CDC know about any side effects, you can sign up for a free, secure smartphone tool at V-Safe After Vaccination Health Checker (https://vsafe.cdc.gov/en/) [Español] Millions of people have received COVID-19 vaccines, and no long-term side effects have been detected.

• Yes, vaccines are safe for people who are pregnant or breastfeeding. COVID-19 vaccination is recommended for all people 12 years and older, including people who are pregnant, breastfeeding, trying to get pregnant now, or might become pregnant in the future.
• There is no evidence of miscarriages, stillbirths, or preterm births linked to the vaccines.
• In fact, getting vaccinated is especially important for pregnant people who have a higher risk of complications from COVID-19. Additionally, a recent study found antibodies against COVID-19 in babies born to vaccinated people, which might help protect the babies. And recent reports indicate that vaccinated breastfeeding people have antibodies in their breast milk, which may also help protect their babies.

Yes, you should get a COVID-19 vaccine even if you’ve already had COVID-19. Having had COVID-19 does not necessarily protect you against catching it again. In fact, a recent study has shown that unvaccinated people are more than twice as likely to be reinfected with COVID-19 than those who had COVID-19 and then got vaccinated. Especially with the Delta variant, it is so important to receive a vaccine to protect yourself and your loved ones.

COVID-19 vaccines do not change or interact with your DNA in any way. Learn more about mRNA vaccines with this infographic from the CDC. [Español]