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Vaccine location data provided by VaccineFinder.org. Data © 2021. Boston Children’s Hospital. All rights reserved.
The information provided here is based on certain publicly available data at time of posting and is subject to change without notice. Eligibility and availability of vaccines is regularly changing and as a result, the data here may not always be accurate. Always check with your local state health authority to verify current eligibility criteria and availability in your area and check with the listed vaccine provider location for updated availability information for a specific site.
Facts About the COVID Vaccine
Key facts about COVID-19 vaccines
Studies have shown that COVID-19 vaccines are safe to get and highly effective at preventing you from getting COVID-19. Even if you do get COVID-19, the vaccine prevents you from getting seriously ill. The more people that get vaccinated, the faster we can get back to normal life.
- They’re safe.Rigorous clinical trials must show that vaccines are safe and effective before they’re authorized for public use. Millions of people have received COVID-19 vaccines, which have undergone the most intensive safety monitoring in US history.
- They’re effective.All approved vaccines are proven to be highly effective at preventing COVID-19. Based on what we know so far, experts believe that all the approved vaccines will nearly 100% prevent serious illness and death. They may also help protect family, friends, and those around you.
- They’re free.COVID-19 vaccines will be free for all Americans under the CARES act. The US government has already ordered and paid for hundreds of millions of COVID-19 vaccine doses using US tax dollars to ensure that everyone who wants one can get one.
Top vaccine myths
When deciding to get vaccinated, it’s important to separate fact from fiction.
- The vaccines will not make you sick with COVID-19.
- The vaccines do not have a microchip that will track you.
- The mRNA COVID vaccines (Moderna and Pfizer) will not alter your DNA.
- If you already had COVID-19, that does not mean you don’t need the vaccine.
Approved COVID Vaccines & Boosters
Pfizer, Moderna, and Johnson & Johnson have each developed COVID vaccines and received emergency use authorization (EUA). Pfizer's vaccine has received EUA for individuals 12 years of age and older, while both Moderna and Johnson & Johnson are approved for people 16 and up. During the initial rollout of the vaccine, however, it is unlikely individuals will be able to choose which vaccine they want.
Pfizer-BioNTech (Comirnaty) COVID vaccine
On December 11, 2020, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration issued the first EUA for a vaccine for the prevention of COVID-19 in individuals . The emergency use authorization allowed the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine to be distributed in the U.S. to individuals 16 years of age and older.
On May 10, 2021 The U.S. Food and Drug Administration issued an EAU for use of the vaccine in children from the ages 12-16. This announcement came after Pfizer’s recent trial of the vaccine in adolescents which demonstrated that the vaccine is at least as effective as it is in adults.
On August 23, 2021, the FDA fully approved the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine, now being referred to as Comirnaty, for ages 16+. The vaccine also continues to be available under emergency use authorization (EUA), including for individuals 12 through 15 years of age and for the administration of a third dose in certain immunocompromised individuals.
On November 2, 2021, the FDA provider emergency use authorization (EUA) to thePfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine for children ages 5-11, making the Pfizer vaccine now available for everyone in the U.S. 5 years of age and older.
Pfizer, in partnership with BioNTech, released an efficacy analysis of their phase 3 trials involving 42,000 people, about half of whom got the experimental vaccine with the other half receiving a placebo. 170 participants contracted COVID-19 with only 8 of them being from the vaccine cohort. This equates to a 95% vaccination success rate, which is about as good as any vaccine, even after years of development, can ever expect. The inoculation process involves two doses, with the second dose administered 3 weeks after the first.
Moderna, NAID COVID vaccine
On December 18, 2020, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration issued an EUA for the second vaccine for the prevention of COVID-19. The emergency use authorization allows the Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine to be distributed in the U.S for use in individuals 18 years of age and older.
On June 25, 2021, the FDA revised the patient and provider fact sheets regarding the suggested increased risks of myocarditis (inflammation of the heart muscle) and pericarditis (inflammation of the tissue surrounding the heart) following vaccination.
On August 12, 2021, the FDA amended the Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine EUA to allow for an additional (booster) dose to be given to certain immunocompromised individuals.
Similarly to Pfizer, Moderna’s is a two-dose COVID-19 vaccine with a nearly identical efficacy rate of 94.1%. These results follow a 30,000-volunteer study with only 11 positive COVID cases occurring from the group that received the vaccines rather than the placebo. Unlike the Pfizer vaccine, the Moderna version does not have as strict refrigeration requirements, likely making their vaccine more easily transported, stored, and administered through existing healthcare infrastructure.
Johnson & Johnson vaccine
In clinical trials, the J&J/Janssen vaccine was 66.3% effective at preventing laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 illness in people 2 weeks after receiving the vaccine, and had high efficacy at preventing hospitalization and death in people who did get sick. No one who got COVID-19 at least 4 weeks after receiving the J&J/Janssen vaccine had to be hospitalized.
Early evidence suggests that the J&J/Janssen vaccine might provide protection against asymptomatic infection, which is when a person is infected by the virus that causes COVID-19 but does not get sick.
What to Expect
What to expect on vaccination day
Because COVID-19 vaccines are new, you may have questions about what happens before, during and after your vaccine appointment. Here are some things you can do to prepare.
Before your vaccination:
- Wear loose-fitting or sleeveless clothing so healthcare workers can easily access your upper arm.
- Be sure you’re hydrated and limit your intake of alcohol the night before your appointment.
- It is not recommended to take over-the-counter medicines such as ibuprofen (Advil), aspirin, or acetaminophen (Tylenol) to try and prevent vaccine-related side effects.
- Do not schedule other vaccine appointments for at least 14 days before or after.
- Bring proof of your eligibility to make sure you don’t get turned away when you arrive.
During your vaccination:
- You AND your healthcare worker should wear a mask. Follow the CDC guidelines for protecting yourself and others while in public.
- You’ll receive a vaccination card telling you which COVID vaccine you received and when. Bring the card to your second dose (for Pfizer or Moderna) and keep it in a safe place for the future.
- You’ll be monitored on-site for a short period of time after receiving your vaccine to make sure you don’t have an allergic reaction (which is very rare).
- If you receive an mRNA COVID-19 vaccine (Pfizer or Moderna,) you’ll need to schedule a second shot to make sure you get the most protection.
After your vaccination:
- You may want to clear your schedule after your vaccination in case you experience side effects. Side effects are usually mild, but may affect your ability to work or go about your day as usual.
- It takes time for your body to build protection after any vaccination. Vaccines that require 2 shots (like Pfizer or Moderna) may not protect you until about 2 weeks after your second shot. Vaccines that require 1 shot (like Johnson & Johnson) take about 2 weeks to build protection as well.
- Talk to your doctor about taking over-the-counter medicine, such as ibuprofen, acetaminophen, aspirin, or antihistamines, for any pain and discomfort you may experience after getting vaccinated. You can take these medications to relieve post-vaccination side effects if you have no other medical reasons that prevent you from taking these medications normally.
Possible side effects
Vaccine side effects are normal, healthy signs that your body is building protection. Side effects are typically mild and go away in a few days. If you think you might be having a severe allergic reaction, seek immediate medical care by calling 911.
Side effects on your arm
- Pain
- Soreness
- Redness, rash
- Swelling
Tips to reduce arm discomfort
- Apply cool, wet washcloth to the area
- Use or exercise your affected arm
Side effects in your body
- Tiredness
- Headache, fever
- Muscle aches
- Chills
Tips to reduce fever discomfort
- Drink plenty of fluids
- Dress lightly
What to expect after vaccination
Congratulations! 2 weeks after your final vaccine dose, you’re considered fully vaccinated. That means you can start doing certain things you stopped during the pandemic. You should still take precautions in public, though, until scientists know more about how well vaccines prevent transmission to others.
Read more: Fully vaccinated? Here’s what you can start doing again safely" (the full article title is linked) https://www.solvhealth.com/blog/fully-vaccinated-here-s-what-you-can-start-doing-again-safely
What can I now do safely?
- You can gather indoors with other fully vaccinated people without wearing masks.
- You can see unvaccinated people indoors, too, as long as they’re from one other household. (For example, visiting a child/grandchild and their family, or a group of friends who live together.)
- If you’ve been around someone who has had COVID-19, you don’t need to stay away from others or get tested unless you start experiencing symptoms.
- If you live in a group home or facility and are exposed to someone with COVID-19, you should still quarantine for 14 days and get a COVID test, even if you don’t have symptoms.
What safety measures should I continue taking?
- You should still take the same precautions you’re used to (wearing a mask, staying 6 ft apart, avoiding crowded and poorly ventilated spaces) to protect yourself and others while in public, or when you gather with unvaccinated people from more than one household.
- You should still delay domestic and international travel. If you do choose to travel, you still need to follow the CDC recommendations, as well as the local requirements of the place you’re visiting.
- You should continue to monitor yourself for symptoms, especially if you’ve been around someone that’s feeling sick. If you have symptoms of COVID-19, get a COVID test and stay away from others.
- You should still continue to follow any guidelines set by your workplace and local businesses.
What scientists are still learning
Vaccines are safe and effective, but there are still questions scientists are working to understand. We’ll keep you updated as we learn more.
- How effective vaccines are against new variants of the virus.
- How well vaccines keep people from spreading COVID to others.
- How long vaccines will protect people from COVID.
COVID-19 Vaccine FAQs
When will I be eligible for the vaccine?
As of November 2, the Pfizer vaccine has received EUA from the FDA and approval from the CDC to vaccinate kids 5-11 years old. At this point, everyone 5+ years old in [city] are eligible for the COVID vaccine. The CDC recommendseveryone ages 5 and older get a COVID-19 vaccineto help protect against COVID-19. Vaccines for children under 5 years old are still awaiting results of clinical trials and approval from the FDA.Research shows these COVID vaccines are remarkably effective and safe. The American Academy of Pediatrics urges children and adults to get the COVID-19 vaccine as soon as they can.Once the FDA provides emergency use authorization (EUA) for the vaccines to be administered to children, it is likely that the same providers in [city] that are currently administering the vaccine to adults will begin accepting appointments for kids.
Where can I get a COVID-19 vaccine?
The COVID vaccine is currently available to eligible individuals through health clinics, hospitals, health departments, pharmacies, and doctors’ offices including urgent care centers. COVID vaccine locations are changing daily. Solv, through partnership with vaccinefinder.org and others, is actively maintaining the list of providers above and is refreshing at least daily, so check back frequently. Additionally, check directly with vaccine providers near you as last minute availability for eligible populations sometimes opens up.
What pharmacies are administering the COVID vaccine?
Independent pharmacies, as well as regional and national chains, are administering the COVID vaccine across the country. Most are partnered with HHS directly to make the vaccine available as quickly as possible. Here are a few of the major pharmacy chains administering the vaccine with details on how to register for an appointment:
- Albertsons. Albertsons will be making the COVID vaccine available at stores nationwide based on regional distribution and eligibility schedules. Appointments fill up fast and they will release appointments as they receive supply.
- CVS. CVS stores nationwide are adding the COVID vaccine to their online schedule as it becomes available in each market, allowing people to schedule both their first and second doses (as applicable).
- Costco. Costco pharmacies will be administering COVID-19 vaccines as soon as they are available, in accordance with CDC and state guidelines. Register on their website. Note: Please do not contact the local Costco pharmacy as they are unable to schedule an appointment or provide current eligibility requirements.
- Kroger. Kroger is partnering with federal and state agencies to deliver one million doses of the COVID-19 vaccine per week across their pharmacies, clinics, and off-site events. Their website will be regularly updated with information on local availability.
- Rite Aid. Rite Aid pharmacies are scheduling vaccine appointments in accordance with local and state eligibility requirements. Check the linked PDF for the latest details. Note: Please do not call your local Rite Aid pharmacy for a vaccine appointment.
- Target. Target expects to be able to start distributing the COVID vaccine in partnership with CVS and their on-site pharmacy locations. Check the CVS pharmacy website for updates and dates when more vaccines will become available.
- Walgreens. Walgreens will be providing COVID vaccines to consumers at all of its 9,000+ store locations. Check their website to see which locations presently offer the vaccine and their appointment availability.
- Walmart. Walmart is administering the vaccines based on state and federal eligibility guidelines and is scheduling appointments at thousands of their stores nationwide. Check their website often for availability as the vaccine continues rolling out to more stores.
Will the COVID-19 vaccine be covered by my insurance?
No fees will be charged to get vaccinated. You may be required to provide insurance information when you receive your vaccine. If there is a charge associated with administration of the vaccine, your insurance or the Health Resources and Services Administration's Provider Relieve Fund will compensate providers with no cost to you.
Do I need to be a US resident to receive the vaccine?
Proof of US residency will not be required in order to receive a COVID vaccine. Any personal information shared with vaccination centers can not be used for civil or criminal prosecution.
Will I be able to receive the vaccine if I’ve already contracted COVID-19?
Yes, people who have had COVID-19 can still get the vaccine. The CDC recommends you wait 90 days after you have recovered to receive it.
Do I need to keep wearing a mask and social distancing after I have been vaccinated?
For the most part, yes. Social distancing and masking policies are still in effect after you have been vaccinated. Gatherings of individuals who have been fully vaccinated for two weeks are now allowed, as well as gatherings of up to two unvaccinated households with no medically vulnerable members.
How many doses of the vaccine will I need?
The Pfizer vaccine requires two doses administered 21 days apart. The Moderna vaccine requires two doses 28 days apart. The Johnson and Johnson vaccine will require only one dose. You are considered fully vaccinated two weeks following your last dose of any of the vaccine varieties.
How long will the COVID vaccine last?
New research finds that mRNA COVID-19 vaccines provide viral immunity for at least 6 months, but since COVID-19 is so new, experts aren’t sure if immunity will wane after that. A vaccine is a medicine designed to defend against diseases by introducing the immune system to a virus in a safe way. This process allows the immune system to learn how to defeat it by generating antibodies specific to the virus. These antibodies will help ward off future infections and in some cases prevent re-infection. Scientists are still researching how long antibodies last for coronavirus (COVID-19), which could inform how long a vaccine will last.
Can I get the vaccine if I’m pregnant?
Yes. All three of the currently authorized US vaccines are available to pregnant individuals, however, the CDC recommends you have a conversation with your healthcare provider before being vaccinated.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Rob Rohatsch, MD
Updated on Jun 25, 2024
Sources
Solv has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. We avoid using tertiary references.
- CDC: Frequently Asked Questions
https://www.cdc.gov/coronaviru... - Who Is Eligible for a COVID-19 Vaccine Booster Shot?
https://www.cdc.gov/coronaviru... - CDC: Myths & Facts
https://www.cdc.gov/coronaviru... - CDC:Pregnancy or Breastfeeding
https://www.cdc.gov/coronaviru... - FDA Approves First COVID-19 Vaccine
https://www.fda.gov/news-event... - Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) | FDA
https://www.fda.gov/emergency-... - COVID-19 Treatments and Vaccines
https://covid19.nih.gov/treatm... - WHO:Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic
https://www.who.int/emergencie...
The information on this site is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. For the latest information on the vaccines, please refer to the CDC at cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/index.html. In the event of a discrepancy between the information here and the CDC website, please follow the CDC guidance.
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