About the COVID-19 Vaccine

COVID-19 vaccines will not give you COVID-19. None of the COVID-19 vaccines currently in development in the United States use the live virus that causes COVID-19. There are several different types of vaccines in development. However, the goal for each of them is to teach our immune systems how to recognize and fight the COVID-19 virus.

People who have gotten sick with COVID-19 may still benefit from getting vaccinated. Due to the severe health risks associated with COVID-19 and the fact that re-infection with COVID-19 is possible, people may be advised to get a COVID-19 vaccine even if they have been sick with COVID-19 before.

COVID-19 vaccination helps protect you by creating an antibody response without having to experience sickness. Getting vaccinated yourself may also protect people around you, particularly people at increased risk for severe illness from COVID-19.

COVID-19 vaccination will be an important tool to help stop the pandemic. Wearing masks and social distancing reduce exposure but are not enough. The vaccines will work with your immune system so it will be ready to fight the virus if you are exposed. As experts learn more about how COVID-19 vaccination may help reduce spread of the disease in communities, CDC will continue to update the recommendations as new evidence becomes available.

Source: cdc.gov – 1/2/2021