www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/vaccines

U.S. Department of 

Health and Human Services 

Centers for Disease 

Control and Prevention 

12/23/20

What to Expect Handout

Vaccines (shots) are one of the tools we 

have to fight the COVID-19 pandemic.

Different types of COVID-19 vaccines will be available. 

Most of these vaccines are given in two shots, one at 

a time and spaced apart. The first shot gets your body 

ready. The second shot is given at least three weeks later 

to make sure you have full protection. If you are told you 

need two shots, make sure that you get both of them. The 

vaccines may work in slightly different ways, but all types 

of the vaccines will help protect you.

The vaccines are safe. The U.S. vaccine safety system 

makes sure that all vaccines are as safe as possible. All 

the COVID-19 vaccines that are being used have gone 

through the same safety tests and meet the same 

standards as any other vaccines produced through the 

years. A system in place across the entire country that 

allows CDC to watch for safety issues and make sure the 

vaccines stay safe.

To stop this pandemic, we need to use all of our prevention tools. Vaccines are one of the most effective tools to protect 

your health and prevent disease. Vaccines work with your body’s natural defenses so your body will be ready to fight 

the virus, if you are exposed (also called immunity). Other steps, like wearing a mask that covers your nose and mouth 

and staying at least 6 feet away from other people you don’t live with, also help stop the spread of COVID-19.

Studies show that COVID-19 vaccines are very effective at keeping you from getting COVID-19. Experts also think that 

getting a COVID-19 vaccine may help keep you from getting seriously ill even if you do get COVID-19. These vaccines 

cannot give you the disease itself.
CDC | NCIRD | Facts about COVID-19 vaccines

When you get the vaccine, you and your healthcare 

worker will both need to wear masks.

CDC recommends that during the pandemic, people wear 

a mask that covers their nose and mouth when in contact 

with others outside their household, when in healthcare 

facilities, and when receiving any vaccine, including a 

COVID-19 vaccine.

SOAP

Even after you get your vaccine, you will need to keep wearing a mask that covers 

your nose and mouth, washing your hands often, and staying at least 6 feet away from 

other people you do not live with. This gives you and others the best protection from 

catching the virus. Right now, experts don’t know how long the vaccine will protect 

you, so it’s a good idea to continue following the guidelines from CDC and your health 

department. We also know not everyone will be able to get vaccinated right away, 

so it’s still important to protect yourself and others.

The vaccines may cause side effects in some people, like 

sore muscles, feeling tired, or mild fever. These reactions 

mean the vaccine is working to help teach your body how 

to fight COVID-19 if you are exposed. For most people, 

these side effects will last no longer than a day or two. 

Having these types of side effects does NOT mean that 

you have COVID-19. If you have questions about your 

health after your shot, call your doctor, nurse, or clinic. As 

with any medicine, it is rare but possible to have a serious 

reaction, such as not being able to breathe. It is very 

unlikely that this will happen, but if it does, call 911 or go 

to the nearest emergency room.