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1. How do I know that a COVID-19 vaccine will be safe?

The COVID-19 vaccine is safe. Please read through our Vaccine Safety page for more information on the safety of both COVID-19 vaccines.

2. What ingredients are used in the COVID-19 vaccines?

Pfizer-BioNTech Vaccine Ingredients

According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine ingredients include:

• Messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA)
• Lipids:
  • (4-hydroxybutyl)azanediyl) bis(hexane-6,1-diyl)bis(2-hexyldecanoate)
  • 2 [(polyethylene glycol)-2000]-N,N-ditetradecylacetamide
  • 1,2-Distearoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine
  • Cholesterol
• Potassium chloride
• Monobasic potassium phosphate
• Sodium chloride
• Dibasic sodium phosphate dihydrate
• Sucrose

Moderna Vaccine Ingredients

According to the FDA, the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine ingredients include:

• Messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA)
• Lipids:
  • SM-102, polyethylene glycol [PEG]
  • 2000 dimyristoyl glycerol [DMG]
  • Cholesterol
  • 1,2-distearoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine [DSPC])
• Tromethamine
• Tromethamine hydrochloride
• Acetic acid
• Sodium acetate
• Sucrose

3. What are the possible side effects of a COVID-19 vaccine?

Go to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration website for:

• Moderna COVID-19 Vaccination Side Effects
• Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccination Side Effects

4. Should I continue to wear a mask, social distance, maintain good hygiene and avoid large gatherings?

Yes, until all populations are vaccinated, please continue to take precautions.

5. Who was represented in the clinical trials?

There is a wide range of demographics available in the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) summary.

6. Is it safe to get my child vaccinated?

The current vaccines are not approved for children under the age of 16.

7. Is it safe for pregnant women to get vaccinated?

There is limited data regarding the vaccine and pregnant women. Learn more from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website.

8. How are vaccine providers vetted? Do they have to have medical experience?

Approved COVID-19 vaccine providers must apply for approval providing information and proof of current valid medical license in Kansas.

9. Why are medical professionals optimistic about this vaccine?

The vaccines have gone through rigorous clinical trials and the history of success of vaccines in stopping viruses and other diseases effectively saving lives.

10. If someone is sick or running a low-grade fever, can they still get the vaccine?

Patient care is very nuanced, so the FDA advises telling your vaccination provider about all of your medical conditions, including but not limited to the following:

• Have any allergies
• Have a fever
• Have a bleeding disorder or are on a blood thinner
• Are immunocompromised or are on a medicine that affects your immune system
• Are pregnant or plan to become pregnant
• Are breastfeeding
• Have received another COVID-19 vaccine

If you have been previously infected with COVID-19, vaccination is recommended; however, the CDC advises waiting 90 days after treatment for COVID-19 symptoms with monoclonal antibodies or convalescent plasma. If you are currently in quarantine due to potential exposure to COVID-19, please wait 14 days after your exposure to get vaccinated to ensure that you do not have COVID-19.

For more information, refer to the Pfizer EUA Factsheet; Moderna EUA Factsheet and CDC COVID-19 Vaccination FAQ.