COVID-19 vaccines are safe
Vaccines were developed using science that has been around for decades and are not experimental. They went through all the required stages of clinical trials. Extensive testing and monitoring have shown that these vaccines are safe and effective. COVID-19 vaccines have received and continue to undergo the most intensive safety monitoring in U.S. history. Learn more about how federal partners are ensuring COVID-19 vaccines work.
COVID-19 vaccines are effective
Vaccines are effective. They can keep you from getting and spreading the virus that causes COVID-19. Learn more about the different COVID-19 vaccines. They also help keep you from getting seriously ill even if you do get COVID-19. Getting vaccinated yourself may also protect people around you, particularly people at increased risk for severe illness from COVID-19.
Personal Prevention Measure
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick with fever, coughing, sneezing, and difficulty breathing.
- To avoid close contact, stay at least 6 feet away from others.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
- Stay home if you feel sick.
- Wear a mask when you are at an indoor, public place.
- Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash. To avoid coughing into your hands, you can cough into your elbow.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for “at least 20 seconds”, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
- If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Always wash hands with soap and water if hands are visibly dirty.
Community Prevention Measures
The following community prevention measures are recommended to prevent the transmission of COVID-19:
● Practice social distancing (6 feet away) and limit your participation in schools, meetings, worship services and other public gatherings.
● Implement environmental surface cleaning measures in homes, businesses, and other locations, including frequently touched surfaces and objects, i.e., tables, doorknobs, toys, desks, and computer keyboards. Use regular household cleaning spray or wipes as recommended by CDC.
People at High Risk for COVID-19 Complications
Adults over 60 and people who have severe chronic medical conditions like heart, lung or kidney disease seem to be at higher risk for more serious COVID-19 illness. If you are at increased risk for COVID-19, take the following actions to reduce your risk of exposure:
● Stay at home as much as possible and avoid large crowds.
● Make sure you have access to several weeks of medications and supplies in case you need to stay home for prolonged periods of time.
● When you go out in public, keep away from others who are sick, limit close contact (6 feet away) and wash your hands often.