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COVID Vaccine

The State of Nevada recently transitioned from a tiered vaccine administering process to a “Prioritization Lanes” process that now includes vaccinating people 70 years and older.
Seniors 65+ can join the community waitlist by  registering through Washoe County. When we have more appointments available, we will contact community members from the Washoe County waitlist. We appreciate your patience at this time. Saint Mary’s is proud to be among the Nevada hospitals working together to create healthy, safe communities. To learn more about vaccine distribution in Washoe County visit covid19washoe.com

The COVID-19 vaccine is an important tool to help transition back to “normal,” but it does not mark the end of the pandemic. Continued social distancing, avoiding contact with those who have been exposed or are confirmed positive of COVID-19, properly wearing a face mask in public and practicing hand hygiene are still enforced guidelines by CDC and the State of Nevada to help slow and stop the spread of COVID-19.

For more information regarding vaccine distribution in Nevada, click here.

COVID-19 Vaccine FAQs

How does an mRNA vaccine work?

The virus that causes COVID-19 is called SARS-CoV-2. All viruses like SARS-CoV-2, have a unique genetic code. Scientists take part of the virus’s code, called the messenger RNA (mRNA) which tells our cells what to build, and coats them in a lipid so they can enter the body’s cell. This is what is injected into the patient. The mRNA tells the cells to make a specific part of the virus, the “spike protein.” The immune system produces antibodies and activates T-cells to destroy spike proteins so when you are exposed to the virus in the future, your immune system will recognize those spike proteins and has the antibodies and T-cells to destroy the virus. (Source:  MDHHS How mRNA vaccines work)

Is the COVID-19 vaccine safe?

The U.S. FDA granted full authorization for the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine. The FDA has granted Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) for the Moderna and Janssen COVID-19 vaccines, which have been shown to be safe and effective determined by data from large clinical trials. While vaccines are being developed as quickly as possible, routine processes and procedures remain in place to ensure the safety of any vaccine that is authorized for use. The CDC continues to monitor adverse events through safety monitoring systems. Click here for more information on the CDC and safety monitoring. (Source:  CDC, Ensuring the Safety of Vaccines &  Benefits of Getting Vaccinated )

Will the vaccine give me COVID-19?

No. According to the CDC, none of the authorized and recommended COVID-19 vaccines or COVID-19 vaccines currently in development in the U.D. contain the live virus that causes COVID-19.

(Source: CDC, Facts about Vaccination)

Who should not get the vaccine?

You should not get the COVID-19 vaccine if you:

  • had a severe allergic reaction after a previous dose of the vaccine or have had a severe allergic reaction to any ingredients of the vaccine.
  • had an immediate allergic reaction, even if it was not severe, to any ingredient in an mRNA COVID-19 vaccine.
  • have had an allergic reaction to PEG (polyethylene glycol) or polysorbate. Polysorbate is not in the vaccines but closely related to PEG which is included.

(Source: CDC, Allergic Reactions)

If you are pregnant, plan to be pregnant or breastfeeding, please talk to your doctor before getting vaccinated.

If you have already recovered from COVID-19, there are no recommendations by CDC on whether or not to get vaccinated. There is not enough information available to say if or for how long after COVID-19 infection someone is protected from getting it again (natural immunity). If you are currently infected with COVID-19, please wait until you have completed your quarantine period and are not experiencing symptoms before getting vaccinated.

If you have questions or concerns on whether to be vaccinated, please talk to your doctor.

What are the side effects of the COVID-19 vaccine?

The most commonly reported side effects of the vaccines include:

  • Injection site pain and swelling
  • Tiredness
  • Headache
  • Chills
  • Fever

If you experience any of these side effects, these are normal signs that your body is building protection and should go away in a few days. The CDC still recommends getting the second shot even if you experienced side effects after the first shot, unless a vaccination provider or your doctor tells you otherwise.

Each individual that is vaccinated should report their side effects in the v-safe health checker platform right away.

(Source: CDC, After Getting the Vaccine)