The vaccines that have been authorized for emergency use (EUA) in the US by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have been deemed safe and 94-95% effective at preventing COVID-19.

Although the vaccine went through a faster than usual development process, that doesn’t mean corners were cut. There was a worldwide effort to get vaccine research, production and distribution moving as quickly as possible and to remove any of the usual barriers to rolling it out. The FDA follows rigorous standards and will only grant EUA if vaccine candidates meet their qualifications. There are also procedures put in place to continue to monitor any adverse events or possible side effects of the authorized vaccines to further ensure safety.

While mRNA vaccines seem new, researchers have been studying them for decades. They were a favorable choice for the COVID-19 vaccine because they can be created in a lab using readily available materials, which means they can be developed faster than more traditional methods of making vaccines. Basically, rather than triggering an immune response with a weakened or inactive virus, the mRNA vaccines instead teach our bodies how to make a protein that triggers an immune response and helps produce antibodies to protect us from the virus.

Of the thousands of vaccine trial participants, there have been very few serious side effects reported. Some individuals have had allergic reactions to the vaccine and because of this, you will be asked about your history of severe, life-threatening allergic reactions prior to being vaccinated.

Mild to moderate, temporary side effects include pain at the injection site, fatigue, headache, fever and aching muscles and joints for a day or two after vaccination. These side effects are a sign that your immune system is doing exactly what it is supposed to do, working and building up protection to disease, and are preferable to the alternative of getting COVID-19.

While no vaccine is 100% effective, the authorized COVID-19 vaccines have been shown to be highly effective at preventing the disease. By getting the vaccine and continuing to follow CDC guidelines like wearing a mask and social distancing, you’re also helping to prevent the spread and protecting others around you from getting the virus.

While we know there is an increased risk of severe illness among older patients with COVID-19, even young survivors who were physically fit prior to getting COVID-19 have reported lingering symptoms months after infection. The long-term symptoms of COVID-19 can include fatigue, difficulty breathing, cough, joint pain, chest pain, cognitive impairment, depression, muscle pain, headache, fever and palpitations. More serious complications of COVID-19 can include myocardial inflammation, ventricular dysfunction, acute kidney injury, rash, alopecia, smell and taste dysfunction, sleep dysregulation, depression, anxiety and changes in mood.

Based on early data from clinical trials, the vaccine may prevent severe illness and long-term symptoms of COVID-19, should you get the virus after being vaccinated.

The COVID-19 vaccine will be provided free of charge in the United States. However, providers can charge a fee for administering the shot to you. Your insurance will likely cover this added fee and there are public funds to cover fees for those without insurance, so cost should not be a barrier to getting the COVID-19 vaccine.