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COVID-19 vaccine
Who is eligible to be vaccinated against COVID-19?
Everyone 6 months of age and older is eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. If you are a UW Health patient you can schedule through your MyChart account.
Where can I learn more about the vaccine?
If I have had an allergic reaction to other vaccines, should I get the COVID-19 vaccine?
Talk to your health care provider about ingredients in the vaccine and your personal situation.
Should I be vaccinated if I already had COVID-19?
You should get a COVID-19 vaccine even if you have previously been diagnosed with COVID-19. Getting a COVID-19 vaccine after you recover from infection provides added protection against COVID-19. You may consider delaying your vaccine by 3 months. However, certain factors could be reasons to get a vaccine sooner. Talk with your health care provider about what is right for you.
Does the vaccine cause side effects?
Mild or moderate side effects include tiredness, nausea, muscle pain, chills, joint pain and headache. Adverse events are more common after the second dose. These side effects are a sign that your immune system is doing exactly what it is supposed to do: Building up protection to the disease.
How long after receiving the vaccine will I have immunity?
A booster dose is also recommended.
I’m young and healthy. Do I need the vaccine?
The CDC recommends that anyone 6 months of age and older be vaccinated.
Is the COVID-19 vaccine safe for people who are pregnant and breastfeeding?
Yes, multiple national pregnancy experts, including UW Health specialists, strongly recommend that pregnant and breastfeeding people get vaccinated for COVID-19. People thinking about or trying to get pregnant should also get a COVID-19 vaccine, and do not need to delay pregnancy after getting a COVID-19 vaccine.
Studies show that the COVID-19 vaccines are safe and effective for people who are pregnant and breastfeeding.
Further reading:
COVID-19 testing
What is a PCR test?
A polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test is performed to detect genetic material from a specific organism, such as a virus. The test detects the presence of a virus if you are infected at the time of the test. The test could also detect fragments of virus even after you are no longer infected.
COVID-19 vaccines and kids
Does my child's weight and height make a difference for the vaccine dose they will receive?
The appropriate dosage is best determined by a child’s age, not their size. Be sure to schedule your child’s vaccine based on their age.
Does a parent or legal guardian need to accompany a child to a vaccination appointment?
No, but a parent or legal guardian will need to give consent. For vaccines administered with UW Health, we can be given consent over the phone and the consent covers both doses.
What are the side effects of the COVID-19 vaccine for infants and kids?
Mild or moderate side effects for both adults and kids include tiredness, nausea, muscle pain, chills, fever, joint pain, swollen lymph nodes and headache. Adverse events are more common after the second dose.
For children 3 years old and younger, side effects might also include irritability or crying, sleepiness and loss of appetite.
These side effects are a sign that the immune system is doing exactly what it is supposed to do: Building up protection to the disease.
Can I treat side effects after the vaccination and should kids stay home from school?
Side effects can be treated with over-the-counter pain medicine. Either ibuprofen or acetaminophen can be given, as long as the child hasn’t had previous adverse reactions to these medications.
If they are feeling well, there is no need to limit activities including school or sports. If they have a fever, they should stay home.
