A: The International Society for Heart and Lung Transplant (ISHLT) has issued a statement supporting patients with advanced heart and lung disease to get the COVID-19 vaccine. Transplant candidates are encouraged to get vaccinated while they are waiting for a transplant and to be fully vaccinated at least two weeks before transplantation surgery.
A: The CDC indicates that people can receive the COVID-19 vaccine at the same time as another vaccine such as the shingles or influenza vaccine. Learn more.
The Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) and the Labor and Treasury Departments are working to ensure the public won’t have to pay a fee to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. CMS is expected to issue a final rule that will make vaccine access free for people with Medicare, Medicare Advantage, Medicaid and most private insurance.
An EUA permits rapid response during a health crisis, such as the COVID-19 pandemic. An EUA allows the FDA to approve medical products to diagnose, treat or prevent life-threatening conditions when no approved alternative is available.
New vaccines in the U.S. must undergo a thorough FDA approval process. The CDC makes recommendations for use.
More than 10 vaccines are in development to fight COVID-19. The vaccines trigger the immune system in various ways to produce proteins called antibodies.
The most commonly reported side effects of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine are pain at the injection site, tiredness, headache, muscle pain, chills, joint pain and fever
It’s unknown how long people are protected from re-infection after contracting COVID-19. Some people have been re-infected, so more studies are needed.
A: According to CDC, fully vaccinated people can safely travel within the United States and do not need to get tested or self-quarantine. During travel, wearing a mask is required on planes, buses, trains and other forms of public transportation traveling into, within or out of the U.S. When traveling, follow all state and local recommendations
A: The CDC recommends COVID-19 vaccines for all people over 12 years old including those who are pregnant, breastfeeding and trying to get pregnant. Pregnant women are at increased risk for severe illness from COVID-19, and studies show that COVID-19 vaccines are safe and effective during pregnancy. There is currently no evidence that any