Public Health Solutions’ Queens Healthy Start along with the COVID-Free Queens! initiative hosted Community Conversations sessions to hear from the community about their perspectives, concerns and suggestions on the COVID-19 vaccines. This FAQ includes the most commonly asked questions that the organizers received from the participants. The answers include information provided by the experts in the field who attended the sessions, as well as the most recent updates and developments on the vaccines.

General

1.Is it required to get the COVID-19 vaccine?

2. Is the COVID-19 vaccine safe?

3. What’s in the COVID-19 Vaccine?

4. Is it necessary to get COVID-19 tested if I am vaccinated?

5. Where can I get tested?

6. I already had COVID-19, do I still need to get vaccinated?

7. Does the COVID-19 vaccine cost money?

8. How long should someone wait to take the COVID-19 vaccine after testing positive for COVID-19?

9. How long does it take for the COVID-19 vaccine to be effective?

10. How long am I protected with the COVID-19 vaccine?

Additional Doses of COVID-19 Vaccines

11. What is the difference between a booster shot and a third dose?

12. Am I eligible for a third dose of the vaccine?

13. Am I eligible for a booster shot?

14. Where should I get my third dose or booster shot?

15. Can I mix and match booster shots?

COVID-19 Vaccine Reactions/Side Effects

16. What are common reactions in people who have gotten the COVID-19 vaccine?

Safety for Different Demographics

17. Is the COVID-19 vaccine safe for children?

18. Does the COVID-19 vaccine affect fertility? Does the COVID-19 vaccine affect pregnant people?

19. Is the COVID-19 vaccine safe for people with food allergies?

Different Types of COVID-19 Vaccines

20. What is the difference between the available COVID-19 vaccines?

21. Is one type of COVID-19 vaccine recommended over the others?

22. How can I get my COVID-19 vaccine?

Takeaway message: Keep taking the precautions

23. Can I stop taking other COVID-19 precautions after I am vaccinated?

More information

List of sources

General

Is it required to get the COVID-19 vaccine?

  • The potential spread of new variants, makes it riskier to be unvaccinated, as we have seen with the Delta and Omicron variant waves.
  • The Key to NYC program has been suspended, however out of precaution, some workplaces, businesses, schools, or higher education institutions may still require a proof of the COVID-19 vaccine or alternatively, a negative COVID-19 test result. It is recommended to check with your employer/school regarding their vaccine policy. 

Is the COVID-19 vaccine safe?

  • Yes, the COVID-19 vaccine is safe. You cannot get COVID-19 from the vaccine.
  • Worldwide collaboration between scientists, medical experts, governments, researchers and clinical trial volunteers allowed the COVID-19 vaccine to be developed and distributed quickly. None of the safety protocols were skipped. The benefits of getting the vaccine outweigh the risks.

What’s in the COVID-19 Vaccine?

  • Each approved vaccine includes only a few ingredients, including salts, sugars, alcohol and fats. After a few weeks, the ingredients dissolve, but our immune system is equipped to attack the virus if you’re exposed to COVID-19. For complete lists of ingredients of each of the currently approved vaccines, click here.

Is it necessary to get COVID-19 tested if I am vaccinated?

  • It is recommended to get tested if you develop COVID-19 symptoms, you recently travelled, attended a gathering with others who are not fully vaccinated or if you were exposed to someone who has COVID-19. Learn more about getting tested here.

Where can I get tested?

  • You can get tested at any NYC Health & Hospitals run site, the directory of citywide testing locations can be found here.
  • You can also use self-test kits which are rapid antigen tests. These are widely available and can be found at pharmacies (CVS, Rite-Aid, Duane-Reade, and local pharmacies). It should be noted that these type of tests are less accurate, and it is recommended to get a PCR test when testing is necessary.

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

  • Yes, since it is possible to get COVID-19 again and because of the potential for new variants, it is recommended to get vaccinated. The vaccines are safe and may boost the protection that your body has already built up.

Does the COVID-19 vaccine cost money?

  • The vaccines are free of cost to all New Yorkers 12 and older. You do not need to have insurance or share your immigration status to be vaccinated at many sites. If you have insurance, it may be billed, but you will not need to pay a copay or other fee. The vaccine is not a part of the public charge.  

How long should someone wait to take the COVID-19 vaccine after testing positive for COVID-19?

  • It’s recommended to wait at least 10 days after COVID-19 diagnosis or symptoms before getting a vaccine. This applies to the first dose, second, and any additional dose of the vaccine. If you received plasma or Monoclonal antibodies for COVID-19 treatment, you must wait 90 days (3 months).

How long does the COVID-19 vaccine take to be fully effective?

  • You should wait two weeks for full protection after your final vaccine dose.

How long am I protected with the COVID-19 vaccine?

  • Data from the vaccine trials indicate strong immunity months after vaccination for most individuals. The vaccines are still highly effective at preventing severe illness and death, and including against many of the current mutations and variants. You can find more information on how vaccines work here.
  • At this time, there is evidence suggesting that the vaccines do not work as well for some people with immunocompromising conditions as compared to people without such conditions. Therefore, it is recommended for such individuals to receive three doses of the Pfizer or Moderna COVID-19 vaccine, rather than the standard two-dose regimen. Currently, this recommendation does not apply to recipients of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine who are immunocompromised.

Additional Doses of COVID-19 Vaccines

What is the difference between a booster shot and a third dose shot?

  • Some moderately to severely immunocompromised individuals may not build enough (or any) protection when they first get a vaccination. Getting another dose of the vaccine can help them build more protection against the disease.  
  • “Booster shots” are common for many vaccines. Booster shot refers to another dose of a vaccine that is given to someone who built enough protection after vaccination but would like to boost their immunity from the initial vaccination series, which may have decreased over time.  

Am I eligible for a third dose of the vaccine?

  • Only people who have a condition or are taking medications or treatments that moderately or severely weakens their immune system and who previously received two doses of either Pfizer (ages 5 and older) or Moderna (ages 18 and older) vaccine are eligible for a third dose. 
  • It is recommended to consult receiving a third dose with your medical provider. Your doctor will consider your medical conditions, treatment being received, risk of infection, and other factors.
  • You can find more information about eligibility for a third dose here.  

Am I eligible for a booster shot?

  • Individuals who are 18 years and older and received their initial Moderna vaccine series at least five months ago or the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine at least two months ago are eligible for their booster dose.  
  • Individuals who are 12 years or older who received their Pfizer initial vaccine series at least five months ago are eligible for the Pfizer booster.  
  • The CDC and DOHMH encourage all eligible individuals to get their booster dose, especially those over the age of 50 and others with underlying conditions. 

Where can I get my third dose or booster shot?

  • You can get your third dose, or a booster shot at any location that offers the vaccine type of your choice. It does not need to be the same location where you received your first or second dose.
  •  You will be asked to provide a proof of age, your vaccination card and self-attest to your eligibility factor if you are receiving a third dose for immunocompromised individuals. 

Can I mix and match booster shots?

  • The CDC and DOHMH’s recommendations now allow for this type of mix and match dosing for booster shots you may choose which COVID-19 vaccine you received as a booster shot. However, for adolescents ages 12-17, the only currently approved vaccine is Pfizer. 

COVID-19 Vaccine Reactions/Side Effects

What are common reactions in people who have gotten the COVID-19 vaccine?

  •  About 50 percent of people have side effects from the vaccine, often described as flu-like symptoms: low-grade fever, chills, body aches, feeling fatigued.  Soreness at the injection site is also common.  These are normal reactions that mean that our immune system is responding. 
  • Side effects from receiving a booster shot are expected to be like the side effects experienced from the initial series.  
  • Children experience the same side effects.  

Safety for Different Demographics

Is the COVID-19 vaccine safe for children?

  • Adolescents ages 5 through 17 can now receive the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine. The expansion of the emergency use authorization for the Pfizer vaccine to include adolescents was completed with rigorous and thorough review of all available data, as it was the case with all of other vaccine emergency use authorizations. Learn more about the COVID-19 vaccine for youth here.
  • Pfizer vaccine for children (5-11) uses the same mRNA platform, however at a lower dosage.

Does the COVID-19 vaccine affect fertility? Does the COVID-19 vaccine affect pregnant people? Does it have an effect on the baby?

  • Based on the data from the trials and from the vaccine distribution to the public, there has been no evidence to show that the vaccines cause infertility in people or higher rates of miscarriage.  There is no evidence that shows the vaccines have long-term effects on puberty or hormones.
  •  Based on the current data and continued studies, vaccination during pregnancy builds antibodies that might protect the baby, and there have been no risks or complications on people breastfeeding and breastfeeding babies from the vaccine.  

Is the COVID-19 vaccine safe for people with food allergies?

  • It is safe to get the vaccine for people with common allergies such as food, pet, dust, pollen, and latex allergies. Talk to your doctor specifically, but if you have not had issues with other vaccines or are not allergic to any component of the COVID-19 vaccine, it should not be a problem. 

Different Types of COVID-19 Vaccines

What is the difference between the available COVID-19 vaccines?

  • The Pfizer vaccine is available to people 5 years or older. It is based on an mRNA platform. It is a 2-dose series separated by 21 days (3 weeks). Eligible individuals can receive a third dose (ages 5 and older), or a booster shot (ages 12 and over) of Pfizer vaccine. 
  •  Moderna vaccine is available to people 18 years or older. It is based on an mRNA platform. It is a 2-dose series separated by 28 days (4 weeks). Eligible individuals can receive a third dose of the Moderna vaccine (ages 12 and older), or a booster shot (ages 18 and over). 
  • Johnson & Johnson/Janssen is available to people 18 years and older. It is based on a viral vector platform. It is a single dose vaccine. Adults 18 years and older can receive a booster shot of Johnson & Johnson vaccine.  
  • Click here to learn more about different types of vaccines currently available.

Is one type of COVID-19 vaccine recommended over the others?

  • The one that is available!  There is not one COVID-19 vaccine that’s recommended over the other for adults. Please note that adolescents ages 5-17 are able to get Pfizer vaccine.

How can I get my COVID-19 Vaccine?

  • It has never been easier to get a COVID-19 vaccination in NYC. Many vaccination sites in the city no longer require appointments, they can be found here.
  • Anyone aged 5 and over, living in the five boroughs can register here to be contacted by the City to schedule an in-home vaccine of their choice.

Takeaway message: Keep taking the precautions

Can I stop taking other COVID-19 precautions after I am vaccinated?

  •  To maximize protection from the virus that causes COVID-19 and prevent spreading it to others, the CDC recommends these prevention measures to take after being fully vaccinated to protect yourself and your community 
  • Stay home if you are sick.  
  • Get tested if you experience symptoms of COVID-19, if you recently travelled or attended a gathering with unvaccinated individuals, if you were exposed to someone with COVID-19 or if you are required to get tested by your employer or school. 
  • Stay at least 6 feet from people outside of your household.  
  • Wear a face covering indoors, when in crowded public settings, or in close contact with unvaccinated individuals. Learn more about the proper mask use here. 
  • Wash your hands and use hand sanitizer often. 
  • Follow the face covering requirements of any place that you go, such as a business, school, public transportation, or your workplace. 

People who have a condition or are taking medications that weaken their immune system may not be fully protected even if they are fully vaccinated. They should continue to take all precautions recommended for unvaccinated people.  

 If you have doubts or concerns, you should consult with a doctor. If you do not have a Primary Care Physician (PCP) due to lack of health insurance coverage, you may be eligible for NYC Care, a free program that will provide you with health care services, including preventative and specialty care and prescriptions, all at a reduced cost or at no cost to you. Learn about your options, including how to enroll in NYC Care or health insurance coverage, and assistance with finding a doctor by contacting a PHS team member at PHSAccessCare@healthsolutions.org or visit https://www.nyccare.nyc/enroll/ or call 1-646-NYC-CARE (1-646-692-2273). 

To learn more about COVID-19 vaccines and the most recent public health guidance in NYC please visit:

To learn more about the travel guidance please visit:

Sources

About COVID-Free Queens!

Coalition of six community-based organizations rooted in the diverse neighborhoods of Queens (Korean Community Services​​; Sunnyside Community Services​​; Voces Latinas​​; YWCA Queens​​; South Asian Council for Social Services​; PHS Queens Healthy Start –  Community Action Network). The goal of the initiative is to provide tailored, culturally, and linguistically responsive COVID-19 prevention education and to respond to the needs of communities that have been disproportionately affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. As grant recipients of NYC Test and Trace Corps, CFQ! serves communities across Queens, both through in-person outreach and virtual activities.