Frequently Asked Questions About the COVID-19 Vaccine

Who should get a COVID-19 vaccine?

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that everyone age 5 and older get a COVID-19 vaccine. This helps protect against COVID-19.¹

Vaccine guidelines will continue to evolve with more research. To learn more and keep up with the latest updates, visit www.cdc.gov or the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (SCDHEC) website at https://scdhec.gov/covid19/covid-19-vaccine. You can also call SCDHEC at 1-866-365-8110.

What COVID-19 vaccines are available?

Three types of COVID-19 vaccines are available. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved or authorized these vaccines for emergency use:²

• Pfizer vaccine. This vaccine has full approval for everyone age 16 and older. The vaccine is also authorized for emergency use for youth ages 5 to 15.
  • The Pfizer vaccine series requires two doses. The second dose should be three weeks (or 21 days) after the first dose.
  • The CDC recommends a booster shot six months after your second dose. The Pfizer booster is currently available for everyone age 12 and older.
• Moderna vaccine. This vaccine is currently authorized for emergency use for everyone age 18 and older.
  • The Moderna vaccine series requires two doses. The second dose should be four weeks (or 28 days) after the first.
  • The CDC recommends a booster shot six months after your second dose.
• Johnson & Johnson vaccine. This vaccine is currently authorized for emergency use for everyone age 18 and older.
  • The Johnson & Johnson vaccine only requires one dose.
  • The CDC recommends a booster shot two months after your dose.

Vaccine guidelines will continue to evolve with more research. To learn more and keep up with the latest updates, visit www.cdc.gov or the SCDHEC website at https://scdhec.gov/covid19/covid-19-vaccine. You can also call SCDHEC at 1-866-365-8110.

Where can I learn more about COVID-19 vaccines?

The CDC says that getting a COVID-19 vaccine is an important tool to help stop the pandemic.¹ If you have questions, contact your health care provider or pharmacist.

You can also visit the CDC website at www.cdc.gov. Or visit the SCDHEC website at https://scdhec.gov/covid19/covid-19-vaccine, or call SCDHEC at 1-866-365-8110. 

Need help with getting an appointment for a COVID-19 vaccine shot? Call First Choice Member Services at 1-888-276-2020 (TTY 1-888-765-9586).

How much does a COVID-19 vaccine cost?

You can receive a vaccine at no cost to you.

Where can I get a COVID-19 vaccine?

Where you can get a vaccine will vary by community. To find where you can get a COVID-19 vaccine, follow one of these steps:³

• Search vaccines.gov.
• Text your ZIP code to 438829.* You’ll get a list of vaccine facilities near you.
• Call 1-800-232-0233 to find nearby vaccine facilities.
• Search https://vaxlocator.dhec.sc.gov/
• Call First Choice Member Services at 1-888-276-2020 (TTY 1-888-765-9586).

Contact your chosen facility to set up your COVID-19 vaccine appointment.

When you get a COVID-19 vaccine, you’ll receive a CDC COVID-19 vaccine card. You can use this vaccine card as proof of your vaccination. Be sure to:

• Keep your vaccine card in a safe place.
• Make a copy of your vaccine card in case it gets lost. You can take a photo of it or scan it.
• If you get a booster shot, bring your vaccine card with you so they can update it.⁴

Missing your COVID-19 vaccine card? If you did not get a card or can’t find your card, contact the vaccine provider where you got your first shot. Ask if they can replace your card. Or you can contact your state public health department. They can help you find out how to get a card.⁴

* Standard messaging and data fees may apply.

Should I get a COVID-19 vaccine booster shot?

The CDC recommends COVID-19 vaccine booster shots for everyone age 12 and older.⁴ Vaccine guidelines may continue to evolve with more research.

Which COVID-19 vaccine booster should I get?

When you can get a booster shot depends on your age and the type of vaccine you first received.

If you are age 12 or older, you can get a booster shot of the Pfizer vaccine. The CDC recommends a Pfizer booster shot six months after your second Pfizer vaccine shot.⁴

If you are age 18 or older, the CDC recommends a booster shot if:⁴

• You got the Johnson & Johnson vaccine shot at least two months ago, or
• You got the second Moderna or Pfizer vaccine shot at least six months ago.

The CDC says if you are age 18 or older, when you get a booster shot, you can choose whether to get a Moderna, Pfizer, or Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine booster. This means you can:⁴

• Get a booster shot of the same type of vaccine you first received.
• Get a booster shot of a different type of vaccine than you received. This is sometimes called “mix and match dosing.”

Vaccine guidelines may continue to evolve with more research.

The CDC says that getting a COVID-19 vaccine is an important tool to help stop the pandemic.¹ If you have questions, contact your health care provider or pharmacist.

You can also visit the CDC website at www.cdc.gov. Or visit the SCDHEC website at https://scdhec.gov/covid19/covid-19-vaccine, or call SCDHEC at 1-866-365-8110. 

You can get a booster shot at no cost to you. Need help with getting an appointment for a COVID-19 booster shot? Call First Choice Member Services at 1-888-276-2020 (TTY 1-888-765-9586) 

Should I get a third dose if I am immunocompromised?

People who are immunocompromised have been diagnosed with an abnormal immune system by a health care provider. If you are moderately to severely immunocompromised, you are especially at risk of COVID-19 infection. The CDC says that immunocompromised people age 5 and older should get a COVID-19 vaccine series as soon as possible.⁵

If you are immunocompromised, contact your health care provider. Ask them about your specific COVID-19 vaccine needs.

Need help with getting a health care provider? We’re here to assist. Call First Choice Member Services at 1-888-276-2020 (TTY 1-888-765-9586).

How can I get to my COVID-19 vaccine appointment?

Need a ride to your appointment? We can help. Call First Choice Member Services at 1-888-276-2020 (TTY 1-888-765-9586) to help schedule a ride.

Can my kids get a COVID-19 vaccine?

Yes, they can. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has authorized the Pfizer vaccine for emergency use for youth ages 5 to 15. They have also fully approved the Pfizer vaccine for people age 16 and older. This means that everyone age 5 and older can get one of the COVID-19 vaccines.²

Youth age 12 and older can also get a booster shot at no cost to you. Need help with getting an appointment for a COVID-19 vaccine or booster shot? Call First Choice Member Services at 1-888-276-2020 (TTY 1-888-765-9586).

The CDC says that getting a COVID-19 vaccine is an important tool to help stop the pandemic.¹ Vaccine guidelines may continue to evolve with more research. If you have questions, contact your health care provider or pharmacist.

You can also visit the CDC website at www.cdc.gov. Or visit the SCDHEC website at https://scdhec.gov/covid19/covid-19-vaccine, or call SCDHEC at 1-866-365-8110.

How do I know when I am fully vaccinated and protected?

When you are fully vaccinated and protected depends on which COVID-19 vaccine you get. In general, the CDC considers people fully vaccinated:⁶

• Two weeks after the second dose of the Pfizer or Moderna COVID-19 vaccine. These vaccines come in two doses.
• Two weeks after they get the single dose of the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine. This vaccine comes in one dose.

The CDC also recommends COVID-19 vaccine booster shots for everyone age 12 and older.⁴ Please see “Should I get a COVID-19 vaccine booster shot?” in these FAQs to learn more.

Need help with getting an appointment for a COVID-19 vaccine shot? Call First Choice Member Services at 1-888-276-2020 (TTY 1-888-765-9586).

Why are some COVID-19 vaccines given in one dose and some given in two doses?

Each vaccine works a little differently to get people fully vaccinated and protected. Some vaccines need different numbers of shots. They also need different timing on when you receive shots.²

You can learn more about COVID-19 vaccines on the CDC website at www.cdc.gov.

I am pregnant. Should I get a vaccine?

The CDC recommends that all people age 5 and older get a COVID-19 vaccine.¹ This includes people who are pregnant, breastfeeding, trying to become pregnant, or who might become pregnant later.⁷

The CDC says that pregnant people are more likely to get severe illness from COVID-19 than people who are not pregnant. They also note that evidence that the COVID-19 vaccine is safe during pregnancy has been growing. The CDC says there is no evidence that any vaccines cause fertility problems in women or men.⁷

Will vaccination sites have interpreters or translated materials?

Available services may vary by site. Once you know where you can get a vaccine, contact that site to learn more about their services.

Or, you can get interpretation services through First Choice at no cost to you. Call Member Services at 1-888-276-2020 (TTY 1-888-765-9586).

Are there side effects to getting a COVID-19 vaccine?

The CDC says you may notice some side effects from getting a vaccine. These are normal signs that your body is building protection against the COVID-19 virus.⁸

Side effects should go away in a few days. Side effects after the second shot may affect you more than the ones after the first shot. Serious side effects that could cause a long-term health problem are extremely rare, and the benefits of getting a vaccine are high.⁸ 

Side effects may show up in the arm where you got the shot. They may also show up in the rest of your body. Common side effects include:⁸

• Pain, redness, or swelling in your arm.
• Tiredness, headache, muscle pain, chills, fever, or nausea.

Contact your health care provider or pharmacist to learn more about vaccine side effects. Your provider or pharmacist can let you know what to do if you notice side effects. You can also learn more on the CDC website at www.cdc.gov.

I'm afraid of needles. What can I do?

Getting a vaccine shot can cause stress at any age. If you worry about getting a vaccine shot, you are not alone.

The CDC says that up to one-quarter of adults may have a fear of needles.⁹ A fear of needles can affect a person’s health care over the long term. If you feel that you want to avoid getting a COVID-19 vaccine because of a fear of needles, try:¹⁰

• Seeking the help of a therapist to work with you on reducing needle fear.
• Talking about your fears with trusted friends or family.
• Focusing on the benefits of getting the vaccine.
• Distracting yourself with a video or song during your appointment.

If I already have gotten a flu shot, does that protect me from COVID-19?

Getting a flu shot helps protect you from getting the flu, also called influenza. It does not protect you from COVID-19.¹¹

The CDC recommends getting both the flu vaccine and a COVID-19 vaccine:^{1, 11}

• Everyone age 6 months and older should get a flu vaccine each year, with rare exceptions.
• Everyone age 5 years and older should get a COVID-19 vaccine, with rare exceptions.

Can I get a COVID-19 vaccine when I get another vaccine?

Yes. If your COVID-19 vaccine facility gives another vaccine for which you are eligible, you may receive it when you get a COVID-19 vaccine.¹¹

If you have more questions on vaccine timing, contact your health care provider or pharmacist.

Do I still need to wear a mask if I get a vaccine? Do I still need to follow other COVID-19 public health guidelines if I get a vaccine?

Wearing a mask can be important for many reasons. It helps protect you, your family members, and others. It may still be important for you to wear a mask even if you are fully vaccinated.⁶

The CDC says it’s best to keep wearing a mask indoors in public:⁶

• If you are in an area of substantial or high risk of getting the COVID-19 virus.
• To give you the best protection against new COVID-19 variants.

The CDC says it’s also best to wear a mask indoors in public if you or someone in your household:⁶

• Has a weakened immune system.
• Is at higher risk for a severe COVID-19 infection because of age or a medical condition.
• Is unvaccinated.

To learn more, visit the CDC website at www.cdc.gov or the SCDHEC website at https://scdhec.gov/covid19. You can also call SCDHEC at 1-866-365-8110. 

You should also continue to follow COVID-19 guidance in your community. For example, follow the guidance at your workplace, schools, and local businesses.

What are COVID-19 variants? Does getting a COVID-19 vaccine protect me from them?

New versions of a virus emerge as the virus mutates and changes. These versions are called variants. A common variant of the COVID-19 virus is the delta variant. This variant is a more contagious version of the COVID-19 virus. The CDC says that the delta variant is causing most new U.S. COVID-19 infections. However, omicron is an emerging new variant.^{12, 13}

The CDC says that getting a vaccine helps prevent severe illness and death from the COVID-19 virus. This includes protection from COVID-19 variants like the delta and omicron variants. The CDC urges people who have not yet gotten a COVID-19 vaccine to:¹

• Arrange to get a COVID-19 vaccine.
• Continue wearing a mask until you are fully vaccinated.

To learn more about COVID-19 variants, visit the CDC website at www.cdc.gov or the SCDHEC website at https://scdhec.gov/covid19. You can also call SCDHEC at 1-866-365-8110.

If I already had COVID-19 and recovered, do I still need to get a vaccine?

The CDC recommends getting a vaccine even if you have had a COVID-19 infection and recovered. Getting a vaccine will give you the best protection. Talk with your health care provider or pharmacist about this decision.¹⁴

The CDC says that if you were treated for COVID-19 infection, you may have been treated with monoclonal antibodies or convalescent plasma. If so, wait 90 days after those treatments finished before getting a COVID-19 vaccine. If you don’t know what treatment you received, talk with your health care provider.¹⁴

You can get a COVID-19 vaccine at no cost to you. Need help with getting an appointment for a COVID-19 vaccine shot? Call First Choice Member Services at 1-888-276-2020 (TTY 1-888-765-9586).

Can getting a COVID-19 vaccine give me COVID-19?

You cannot get a COVID-19 infection from a COVID-19 vaccine. The vaccines do not have the active COVID-19 virus in them.¹⁵

If you would like to learn more about COVID-19 vaccines, visit the CDC website at www.cdc.gov.

If I get a vaccine, does everyone in my household have to get it?

The CDC recommends that everyone age 5 and older get a COVID-19 vaccine. The best protection is for everyone in your household to get a vaccine.¹ 

Follow COVID-19 vaccine guidance in your community. For example, follow the guidance at your workplace, schools, and local businesses.

You can get a COVID-19 vaccine at no cost to you. Need help with getting an appointment for a COVID-19 vaccine shot? Call First Choice Member Services at 1-888-276-2020 (TTY 1-888-765-9586).

What if I have other medical questions about the vaccines and how they work?

To learn more about COVID-19 vaccines, visit the CDC website at www.cdc.gov. If you have other questions, contact your health care provider or pharmacist.

You can also visit the SCDHEC website at https://scdhec.gov/covid19/covid-19-vaccine, or call SCDHEC at 1-866-365-8110.

Who shouldn’t get a vaccine?

At this time, children 4 years old and younger should not get a COVID-19 vaccine.¹

To learn more about COVID-19 vaccines, visit the CDC website at www.cdc.gov. If you have other questions, contact your health care provider or pharmacist.

You can also visit the SCDHEC website at https://scdhec.gov/covid19/covid-19-vaccine, or call SCDHEC at 1-866-365-8110.

What do I need to know for traveling during the pandemic?

The CDC says that getting vaccinated is the best way to protect yourself and others from COVID-19. The CDC suggests that you delay travel until after you are fully vaccinated.¹⁶ 

The CDC recommends that all travelers follow guidelines for where you plan to travel. Some of these guidelines apply whether or not you have gotten a COVID-19 vaccine. They also apply for both domestic and international travel.¹⁶

Travel guidelines are changing frequently. Wherever you intend to travel, you must plan ahead. Make sure you understand the travel restrictions of each place on your route. The state, local, or national governments of your destinations may have rules for travel. Check the travel restrictions for your home area for when you return, too.

To learn more about travel guidelines within or outside the U.S., visit the CDC website at www.cdc.gov. You can also visit the SCDHEC website at https://scdhec.gov/covid19, or call SCDHEC at 1-866-365-8110.

Important web pages related to SCDHEC vaccine information:

• SCDHEC Vaccine landing page: https://scdhec.gov/covid19/covid-19-vaccine
• SCDHEC Vaccine FAQs: https://scdhec.gov/covid19/covid-19-vaccine/covid-19-vaccine-faqs
• SCDHEC Vaccine Locator and Vaccination appointments: https://vaxlocator.dhec.sc.gov/

CDC website related to vaccine information:

• CDC Vaccine landing page: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/index.html

Sources:

1. “Benefits of Getting a COVID-19 Vaccine,” CDC, https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/vaccine-benefits.html.
2. “Different COVID-19 Vaccines,” CDC, https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/different-vaccines.html.
3. “How Do I Find a COVID-19 Vaccine or Booster?” CDC, https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/How-Do-I-Get-a-COVID-19-Vaccine.html.
4. “COVID-19 Vaccine Booster Shots,” CDC, https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/booster-shot.html.
5. “COVID-19 Vaccines for People Who Are Moderately to Severely Immunocompromised,” CDC, https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/recommendations/immuno.html.
6. “When You’ve Been Fully Vaccinated,” CDC, https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/fully-vaccinated.html.
7. “COVID-19 Vaccines While Pregnant or Breastfeeding,” CDC, https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/recommendations/pregnancy.html.
8. “Possible Side Effects After Getting a COVID-19 Vaccine,” CDC, https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/expect/after.html.
9. “Vaccine Administration,” CDC, https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/pubs/pinkbook/vac-admin.html.
10. “Interventions for Individuals With High Levels of Needle Fear,” National Institutes of Health, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4900415.
11. “Frequently Asked Influenza (Flu) Questions: 2021 – 2022 Season,” CDC, https://www.cdc.gov/flu/season/faq-flu-season-2021-2022.htm.
12. “What You Need to Know About Variants,” CDC, https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/variants/variant.html.
13. “Variant Proportions,” CDC, https://covid.cdc.gov/covid-data-tracker/#variant-proportions.
14. “Preparing for Your COVID-19 Vaccination,” CDC, https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/prepare-for-vaccination.html.
15. “Understanding How COVID-19 Vaccines Work,” CDC, https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/different-vaccines/how-they-work.html.
16. “Domestic Travel During COVID-19,” CDC, https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/travel-during-covid19.html.