COVID-19 Vaccine Distribution

There are three COVID-19 vaccines available for use in the U.S.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued three emergency use authorizations to help protect individuals against the COVID-19 virus. Additional COVID-19 vaccines are currently in clinical trials and may be available soon.

• Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine
  • Two doses delivered 21 days apart
  • Available to individuals 16 years and older
  • 95% overall effective at preventing symptomatic COVID-19 infection

• Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine
  • Two doses given 28 days apart
  • Available to individuals 18 years and older
  • 94.1% overall effective at preventing symptomatic COVID-19 infection

• Johnson and Johnson COVID-19 Vaccine
  • Only one dose, no booster needed
  • Available to individuals 18 years and older
  • 85.4% overall effective at preventing severe symptomatic COVID-19 infection

The safety of the COVID-19 vaccines is a top priority

The U.S. vaccine safety system ensures that vaccines are as safe as possible. For the COVID-19 vaccine, FDA set up rigorous safety standards for vaccine developers.

COVID-19 vaccines are tested in large clinical trials to make sure they meet safety standards. Many individuals of different ages, races, ethnicities and medical conditions volunteered to participate in COVID-19 vaccine trials to help prove safety and effectiveness.

FDA and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have expanded their vaccine monitoring to track potential problems or side effects not discovered in clinical trials.

You may experience some side effects after receiving a COVID-19 vaccine, including pain and swelling in the arm where you received the injection. Additional side effects may include fever, chills, tiredness or headaches. These side effects should disappear after a few days. This is a normal sign that your body is building protection against the virus.

CDC recommends individuals who have had previous allergic reactions to vaccines to consult with a medical professional before getting the vaccine.

FDA-authorized COVID-19 vaccines cannot give you COVID-19

FDA-authorized COVID-19 vaccines DO NOT contain the live virus that causes COVID-19, so it cannot give you COVID-19.

The COVID-19 vaccine is free

According to CDC, vaccine doses purchased with U.S. taxpayer dollars will be administered to the American people at no cost. Certain providers may charge a fee for the administration of the vaccine.

It’s not known how long immunity from the COVID-19 vaccine will last

Researchers are monitoring how long immunity from the COVID-19 vaccine will last and are looking into how long those who have been previously infected with COVID-19 have natural immunity.

Vaccination is recommended, even if you’ve had COVID-19

COVID-19 re-infection is possible. It is recommended that, even if you have been diagnosed with COVID-19 previously, you should still get the vaccine.

The COVID-19 vaccine is one tool in helping to slow the spread of the virus and end the pandemic

Vaccines will not end the COVID-19 pandemic overnight. Other precautions – like wearing a face covering, social distancing, handwashing and other hygiene measures – should continue to be practiced until public health officials say otherwise.

CDC is providing recommendations on vaccine administration

The U.S. supply of the COVID-19 vaccines is currently limited. CDC is providing recommendations to federal, state and local governments on who should be vaccinated and when. However, each state will determine their own vaccine rollout protocols.

Food and agriculture workers are recommended to be vaccinated with other essential workers as they are a critical to ensuring food security. Contact your state pork association or state and local public health department to determine when you and your employees are eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine.

Remember it is not too late to get your flu vaccine

The influenza vaccine is the most effective way of protecting you against the flu.