Frequently Asked Questions About COVID-19 Vaccinations

You do not need an ID card, like a driver's license, to get a vaccine or a booster. You cannot be turned away if you don’t have an ID. Vaccine providers can use other ways to make sure they are giving the vaccine to the right person. They may ask you to pre-register or fill out a form with your name, address, and date of birth. Or you may be asked to show a utility bill or other document with your name and address on it. You may be asked for your health insurance, but it's OK if you don't have it. Vaccines and boosters are always free to the patient.

Yes. You can get a vaccine or booster for free anywhere, no matter where you live.

Yes. COVID-19 vaccines and boosters are free to everyone. You don’t need to have health insurance. Your immigration status or where you live do not matter, and you should not be asked about it. Your information is secure and can’t be given to ICE for immigration enforcement. Getting the vaccine and booster does not impact your immigration status. Learn more from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

Nothing. COVID-19 vaccines and booster are free to everyone. You don’t need to have health insurance. If you have health insurance, it will pay for 100% of the vaccine or booster. If you don’t have health insurance, you won't be charged for the vaccine or booster.

You may have heard that the federal government is no longer reimbursing vaccine providers for COVID-19 vaccine-related costs for people who don’t have insurance. While this is true, vaccine providers cannot pass these costs on to you. COVID-19 vaccines and boosters will still be free for all those wanting to receive them.

You cannot be denied a vaccine because you can’t pay or don’t have health insurance. If you get a bill following your COVID-19 vaccine or booster, you should first speak with the person or facility that sent it. If they don’t cancel it, call the NC COVID-19 Vaccine Help Center at 888-675-4567.

Yes. Children ages 5 and older should get a COVID-19 vaccine. The vaccine is available for free even without insurance and regardless of immigration status. Vaccines can help keep children from getting seriously sick even if they do get COVID-19. Vaccinating children can also help protect family members. This includes siblings who can’t be vaccinated yet and family members who may be more likely to get very sick. Data on the COVID-19 vaccine in children has shown it works well and there are no safety concerns. 

Children 12 to 15 Years: On May 10, 2021, the Pfizer vaccine was authorized by the FDA for children ages 12 to 15 years old. Hundreds of thousands of children have received the vaccine. 

Children 5 to 11 Years: On Oct. 29, 2021, a smaller dose of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine was authorized for children 5 to 11 years of age for both their initial vaccines and booster shot. This authorization was based on clinical trials with more than 3,000 children ages 5 to 11. Volunteers included people from different races and ethnicities. 

Children Under 5: Clinical trials are collecting data for children as young as 6 months of age. Until kids under 5 can get this vaccine, the best way to protect them is by vaccinating the people around them. 

If your child tests positive for COVID-19 after their first shot, wait until their isolation period ends before getting the second shot (at least three weeks after the first dose). For kids over 12 years who do not have a weakened immune system, you can wait up to eight weeks for the second shot.

Ask your child’s doctor if there are other vaccines your child might need to keep them healthy.

The CDC recommends that people over the age of 5 who have moderately or severely compromised immune systems get a third dose of the Pfizer vaccine. This third dose should be given 28 days after their second shot. Also, children ages 5 to 17 who have moderately or severely compromised immune systems should get a booster shot three months after their third shot. Children ages 12 to 17 should also get a second booster four months after their first. Talk with a health care provider if you have questions about whether a second booster is right for your child.

Like teenagers, vaccines can help our children get back to fuller lives with healthier and happier experiences. Children can get the virus just like everyone else. COVID-19 cases in children can result in hospitalization, death, MIS-C (inflammation in different parts of the body), and long-term problems where symptoms can last for months. Recent research shows that vaccination lowers the chance of having these severe and long-term effects from COVID-19 infection. 

New research has also shown that two shots of the smaller dose Pfizer vaccine lower the risk of MIS-C by 91%. Additionally, 95% of kids hospitalized with MIS-C are unvaccinated, and some require life support. They can also have lasting damage to the heart, kidneys, or other organs.

With the Omicron variant, COVID-19 cases reached their highest amount in children in the U.S. compared to earlier versions of the virus. This included large increases in hospitalizations across the country. Fortunately, children ages 5 to 11 can now get a smaller dose of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine. This vaccine is safe and helps to protect young children from COVID-19. Getting younger kids vaccinated also helps protect others in the house who can’t get vaccinated. Kids ages 5 to 11 who are NOT immunocompromised should get a COVID-19 booster five months after the date of their most recent Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine. Children ages 5 to 11 who have compromised immune systems should get a booster three months after their most recent shot.

You cannot be charged for the vaccine. It is free, even if you don’t have insurance and regardless of immigration status. Kids 5 to 11 can get the vaccine anywhere that has the smaller dose of Pfizer available. Find a vaccination location for kids 5 to 11 near you.

The updated StrongSchoolsNC: Public Health Toolkit offers guidance from public health experts on how to keep our students safe in schools. Currently, the best tools we have are vaccines, boosters, masks, and getting tested. This guidance will be updated based on new research and where we are in the pandemic.

It depends. Anyone 15 years old or younger needs a parent or guardian’s permission to get any COVID-19 vaccines or boosters. People who are 16 or 17 years old don’t need permission to get the first two doses of the Pfizer vaccine, but they do need permission to get a booster. Kids and teens who have moderately or severely compromised immune systems need permission to get an additional dose.
 
Parents or legal guardians need to give their permission in writing. It can’t be given over the phone or through email.

You can find helpful information, tools, and resources about the benefits of COVID-19 vaccines at TeenVaxFacts.com.

There are many ways to get your family vaccinated together. 

Most vaccine providers will let you sign up for vaccine appointments. You can schedule appointments for all members of your family. Many vaccine providers also offer walk-in vaccinations. People in a family can show up together for these walk-in clinics. 

Children ages 12 to 17 can only get the Pfizer vaccine. It is important to make sure the vaccine provider you choose has this vaccine available for them. If you have children who are ages 5 to 11, it is important to check that the provider has the smaller dose (pediatric) of the Pfizer vaccine available. Many places in North Carolina offer COVID-19 vaccines specifically for children and their families. Visit MySpot.nc.gov for more information about how vaccines work and where you can find an appointment near you. You can also call the NC COVID-19 Vaccine Help Center at 888-675-4567 to help you make an appointment. It is open 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on weekdays and 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on weekends.

Many places will let you schedule vaccine appointments on the weekends or in the evenings. Many places also allow walk-ins. 

You may have temporary side effects after getting vaccinated. This could include a sore arm, fever, or feeling tired or achy for a day or two. This can be normal and shows that the vaccine is working to give your body protection against COVID-19. NCDHHS is encouraging employers to give employees paid time off to get a vaccine or to rest if they have temporary side effects. If you don’t have paid time off or find it difficult to miss work, we encourage getting vaccinated right before a day off. 

Yes, there are several free transportation options to get vaccinated:

• Call your local transit authority for a free ride to your vaccine appointment. You may need to call in advance to schedule a ride.
• Ask your vaccine provider about transportation options.

People who have limited mobility can be vaccinated against COVID-19 in their home. To find a vaccine provider in your area who can give the vaccine to people in their home, call the At-Home Vaccination Hotline at 1-866-303-0026. You can also fill out a registration form. More information on at-home vaccination..

You are up to date on your vaccines when you have been given all of the shots that are recommended for you based on your age and current health.

• Children ages 5 to 11 are up to date if:
  • They have healthy immune systems and got two shots of the lower-dose Pfizer vaccine and it’s too soon for them to get a booster or
  • They received two shots of the lower-dose Pfizer vaccine and a booster five months after their last shot.
• People ages 12 to 49 years are up to date if:
  • They have healthy immune systems and received two shots of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine or one shot of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine and it’s too soon for them to get a booster; or
  • They received two shots of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine or one shot of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine and a booster five months after their last shot.
  • People who got the Johnson & Johnson vaccine AND the Johnson & Johnson booster can get a second booster of either the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine, but it's not needed to be up to date.
• People ages 50 years and older are up to date if:
  • They have healthy immune systems and received two shots of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine or one shot of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine and it’s too soon for them to get a booster; or
  • They received two shots of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine or one shot of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine and a booster five months after their last shot.
  • A second booster is also needed for people ages 50 and older to be up to date.
• For people who have moderately or severely compromised immune systems, there are a few differences to remember: 
  • Children ages 5 to 11 years who have moderately or severely compromised immune systems are up to date when they have gotten three shots of the lower-dose Pfizer vaccine and a booster shot at least three months after their third vaccination (four shots total).
  • People ages 12 years and older who have moderately or severely compromised immune systems and got the Pfizer or Moderna COVID-19 vaccine are up to date when they have received three vaccine shots and TWO booster shots (five shots total).
  • The CDC recommends that people who have moderately or severely compromised immune systems and who are 18 years and older get a Pfizer or Moderna booster shot. People ages 5 to 17 can only get the Pfizer booster.
  • People with compromised immune systems are also up to date after they have received three vaccine doses but are not yet able to get their first or second booster shot because it's too soon. People in this group should get their first booster three months after their third shot. They should get their second booster at least four months after their first booster.
  • People ages 18 years and older who have moderately or severely compromised immune systems and got the one-shot Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine are up to date when they: 
    • Get a second shot of either the Pfizer or Moderna COVID-19 vaccine, and
    • Get TWO boosters when they are able

People in this group will get a total of four shots. They are also up to date after they get their second (additional) shot if they can’t get their booster yet. People in this group should get their first booster two months after their second shot. They should get their second booster at least four months after their first booster.

An additional dose is different from a booster shot. The CDC recommends that people 5 years and older who have moderately or severely compromised immune systems and got the Moderna or Pfizer vaccine get an additional dose 28 days after the second dose to better protect themselves from COVID-19. They should also get a Pfizer or Moderna booster shot three months later. People ages 12 and older who have a moderately or severely compromised immune system should also get a second Pfizer or Moderna booster at least four months after their first booster. People ages 12 to 17 can only get the Pfizer vaccine for their booster. Adults ages 18 and older can get a booster of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine.

People 18 and older who have moderately or severely compromised immune systems and got the Johnson & Johnson vaccine should get an additional dose of a Pfizer or Moderna vaccine 28 days after the first dose. They should also get a Pfizer or Moderna booster two months after their second dose and a second booster four months after their first booster. People with healthy immune systems between ages 18 and 49 who got a total of two shots of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine at least four months ago can also get a second booster of either the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine, but do not need it to be considered up to date. 

According to the CDC, some people with compromised immune systems may not build the same level of protection after being vaccinated compared to people who do not have compromised immune systems. In small studies, a larger number of people with compromised immune systems who got two shots of the Moderna or Pfizer vaccine or one shot of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine were hospitalized after being vaccinated. An additional Pfizer or Moderna shot is recommended for people with moderately or severely compromised immune systems at least 28 days after their last vaccine to help build more protection against COVID-19. Kids ages 5 to 17 years can only get the Pfizer vaccine for their additional shot and recommended boosters. Currently, only people who have weakened immune systems can get an additional dose. This is because people in this group may not get the same amount of protection from the vaccines as people who don’t have compromised immune systems.

People who should get a second booster of either the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine include:

• Adults age 50 years or older who got their first booster at least four months ago
• People age 12 and older with moderately or severely compromised immune systems who got their first booster shot at least four months ago

Adults who got a total of two shots of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine at least four months ago can also get a second booster of either the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine, but it is not required for them to be considered up to date on their vaccines.

These people can get a second booster because they are at higher risk of getting very sick.

Getting a second booster may be especially important for people over the age of 65. It may also be important for people who have other health conditions that make them more likely to get very sick. 

Talk with a health care provider if you have questions about whether a second booster is right for you.

People who get a second booster now might still need more boosters later this year. However, it may be helpful to get it now if you are (or if someone you live with is):

• Moderately or severely immunocompromised
• Over the age of 50
• More likely to get very sick from COVID-19
• More likely to be exposed to COVID-19 through your job, where you live, or other factors (such as frequent travel or large gatherings)
• In an area with medium to high COVID-19 community levels
• Living with someone who is not vaccinated

You may consider waiting to get a second booster if you:

• Had COVID-19 in the past three months
• Feel that getting a second booster now would make you not want to get another booster later

A second booster may be more important in the fall of 2022. It may also be important if a new vaccine for a future COVID-19 variant becomes available.
 

Research continues to show that vaccines and boosters:

• Are safe and work well; and,
• Protect people from getting very sick, being hospitalized, and dying from COVID-19.

During the recent Omicron surge, people who had gotten their booster were 21 times less likely to die from COVID-19 compared to those who had not been vaccinated. They were also seven times less likely to be hospitalized. Early data show that a second booster shot may protect people even more from getting very sick from COVID-19.

A second booster is recommended for people who are 50 years or older or have a moderately or severely compromised immune system.

The FDA and CDC will continue to talk about whether everyone may need another booster. Currently, second boosters are only recommended for certain people who are at higher risk of getting very sick. People who get a second booster now may still need more boosters later this year. In the meantime, people who are more likely to get very sick from COVID-19 have the option to increase their protection now. 

All adults can get either the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine for their booster. The Johnson & Johnson vaccine and booster is only available to adults who are allergic to the other vaccines, can’t access the other vaccines, or who would not get vaccinated if they are unable to get the Johnson & Johnson vaccine. Additionally, adults who have had a total of two shots of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine at least four months ago can choose to get a second booster of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine. A Johnson & Johnson vaccine cannot be used as a second booster. A second booster is not needed for these people to be considered up to date on their vaccines unless you have a moderately or severely compromised immune system. Speak with a health care provider if you have questions about which booster is right for you.

COVID-19 vaccines that are NOT authorized or approved by the FDA OR listed for emergency use by the World Health Organization (WHO) do not count toward vaccination in the U.S. You should restart your series of vaccines with an FDA-approved vaccine at least 28 days after your last shot. You should also get a Pfizer or Moderna booster five months after you get your vaccine(s). 

If you got a COVID-19 vaccine listed for emergency use by the WHO but that is not approved or authorized by the FDA, you should get a Pfizer or Moderna booster shot at least five months after your last vaccine. If you have a moderately or severely compromised immune system, you may need an additional shot and a booster shot even earlier. Learn more about boosters and additional doses. 

Speak with a health care provider if you have questions.  

You are considered “boosted” and up to date right after your final booster shot. A first or second booster shot doesn’t take two weeks to help protect you from COVID-19 because your first shot(s) have already built up some immunity. 

During the recent Omicron surge, people who had gotten their booster were 21 times less likely to die from COVID-19 compared to people who had not been vaccinated. They were also seven times less likely to be hospitalized. People ages 12 and older with moderately or severely compromised immune systems who got an additional dose of Pfizer or Moderna should get a booster shot at least three months after their additional dose. They should also get a second booster of the age-appropriate mRNA vaccine at least four months after the first. Children ages 5 to 11 with moderately or severely compromised immune systems should now get a booster three months after their third shot. Second boosters are not recommended for children ages 5 to 11 at this time.

Those 18 years of age and older can get the Moderna or Pfizer vaccine for their booster dose. The Johnson & Johnson vaccine is only available to those who are allergic to the other vaccines, can’t access the other vaccines, or who would not get vaccinated if they are unable to get the Johnson & Johnson vaccine. People ages 5 to 17 should only get a Pfizer booster. The CDC recommends that people who received the Johnson & Johnson vaccine get the Pfizer or Moderna booster if they can. Ask a health care provider if you have questions about which booster is right for you.

Once you are up to date on your COVID-19 vaccines, you can participate in many of the activities that you did before the pandemic. 

Vaccines provide the best protection against severe illness, hospitalization, and death from COVID-19. However, people who are vaccinated can still get infected and spread the virus to others. Everyone should stay up to date on their COVID-19 vaccines by getting a Pfizer or Moderna booster shot when they are able. Get information on COVID-19 boosters.    

Even if you are vaccinated, you should get tested if you have any symptoms of COVID-19. People with COVID-19 should stay away from others for at least five full days. They should then wear a mask for an additional five days. People who have not been vaccinated and may have been around someone with COVID-19 should stay from others for five days. They should also wear a mask for an additional five days. People who are vaccinated do not need to stay away from others if they may have been around someone with COVID-19 and don't have any symptoms. This includes a booster for people ages 5 and older.

Vaccines prepare your body to fight the virus if you are exposed to it. Vaccines help protect you from getting very sick, hospitalization and death from COVID-19. Other steps, like wearing a mask, staying 6 feet away from others, and washing your hands, help lower your chance of being infected or spreading the virus to others. Getting the COVID-19 vaccine is everyone’s best protection from getting and spreading COVID-19.

Preventing COVID-19 is much safer than treating it. Vaccines may protect you from getting infected. They can also help keep you from getting very sick. Even for people who develop a mild case of COVID-19, the symptoms can still bring discomfort. Common symptoms include fever, cough, shortness of breath, fatigue, body aches, new loss of taste or smell, “brain fog,” and more. These symptoms can last for weeks or even months for some people. 

Some people who have had COVID-19 develop a condition called “long COVID.” Long COVID is when symptoms continue for four or more weeks. You can develop long COVID even after your original symptoms have resolved. These symptoms may be nothing like the symptoms you felt when you were first infected. Long COVID can happen to anyone, including people who were never hospitalized for COVID-19. The vaccines can help prevent infections that may lead to long COVID.

Getting vaccinated can also help keep your loved ones safe. This is especially important for those around you who can't be vaccinated.

Don’t wait to get your vaccine, and get a booster as soon as you are able. Visit MySpot.nc.gov to find a vaccine location near you.
 
Treatments for COVID-19 are for people who have tested positive for COVID-19 and have symptoms. Treatments can help stop people from getting very sick by helping their body fight the virus. They can also shorten the time that you are sick by slowing the growth of the virus in your body. Treatments do not stop you from catching COVID-19 again later. Treatments do not stop you from spreading COVID-19 to others.
 
If you test positive and have symptoms, don't wait to see a health care provider. Treatment needs to be started within the first few days after you are infected for it to work well. Talk to a health care provider about treatments, or visit our website for more information on treatments for COVID-19.

Yes. It is very important that everyone in North Carolina does their part to help get as many people vaccinated as possible, including boosters. The more people who are vaccinated, the faster we will end the pandemic. It can also make us more confident that we and our loved ones are protected as we get back to the people and places we love. We need everyone who can safely get vaccinated to do so. This will help protect those who can’t be vaccinated because of their age or medical conditions. Prevention is the best treatment to protect against COVID-19, so get vaccinated and boosted.

Yes, you should get vaccinated if you already had COVID-19. People who had COVID-19 and got better are somewhat protected against the virus, although we don’t know how long that protection lasts. This protection is called natural immunity. Growing evidence shows that getting vaccinated after having COVID-19 infection further increases protection from getting another infection and being hospitalized, even when cases in the community are higher. 

Experts also don’t know exactly how long protection from natural immunity lasts or how it is affected by different variants of the virus. The risk of getting very sick, dying, or having long-lasting effects from COVID-19 far outweighs any benefit of natural immunity. 

If you were treated for COVID-19 with monoclonal antibodies or convalescent plasma, you do not need to wait before getting a vaccine. Talk to a health care provider if you don’t know what treatments you got or if you have questions about getting a COVID-19 vaccine.

When antibodies are found (a positive test result), it may mean that a person was infected with COVID-19 and their body's immune system responded to the virus at some point in the past. These antibodies can be found in the blood of people previously infected even if they didn't have symptoms. Even if you have antibodies, you can still get infected, so getting vaccinated is still recommended.

No. Wait until you feel better. 

When you feel better, you should get vaccinated and boosted. It will give you more protection against getting sick again. A health care provider, pharmacist, or vaccine provider can tell you what to do. You can also call the NC COVID-19 Vaccine Help Center at 888-675-4567. Learn more about what to do if you are sick. 

Yes, your child should still get the vaccine even if they have had COVID-19 in the past. Multiple studies show that COVID-19 vaccines can be safely given to people who have had COVID-19. Research shows that people get better protection by being vaccinated, even if they've had COVID-19. Any protection you may have gained from having COVID-19 may decrease over time, especially if you had mild symptoms. Getting vaccinated is also the best way to protect family and friends who can’t get the vaccine because they are not old enough or because they have certain medical conditions.

Anyone who is currently sick with COVID-19 should wait for their symptoms to go away completely before getting the vaccine. If your symptoms are mild or you don’t have any symptoms, wait 10 days after your first positive COVID-19 test. People who were treated with monoclonal antibodies or convalescent plasma do not need to wait before getting vaccinated.

It is recommended that people who are trying to get pregnant now or might become pregnant in the future get vaccinated. Their partners should also get the vaccine. There is no evidence that COVID-19 vaccines cause problems trying to get pregnant for women or men.

Many people have become pregnant after getting a COVID-19 vaccine. Recent studies found no differences in pregnancy success between women who were vaccinated and women who were not vaccinated. The risk of complications is higher for you and your growing baby if you get sick with COVID-19 while you're pregnant. 

You can get the COVID-19 vaccine at the same time as other vaccines. This includes the flu vaccine.

You should NOT get the vaccine if:

• You are very allergic to something in the vaccine itself. This is rare and should be checked with a doctor, pharmacist, or allergy specialist. (In most cases, getting COVID-19 is much more dangerous than an allergic reaction.)
• If you have a history of blood clots, don’t get the Johnson & Johnson vaccine. The Pfizer and Moderna vaccines work differently and are recommended. 
• You are under 5 years old. The vaccine isn’t available yet for this age group.

Nearly everyone else should get the COVID-19 vaccine. This includes people who are young, old, healthy, or sick.

Talk with a doctor first if you think you have a medical reason for not getting the COVID-19 vaccine. They can help you understand your options. If you should not get the vaccine, they can give you a written document that explains to others why you are not vaccinated.  

All of the vaccines work very well in preventing severe illness, hospitalization, and death. The Moderna and Pfizer COVID-19 vaccines are preferred for both your first shots and your booster. However, getting any vaccine, including the Johnson & Johnson vaccine, is better than not being vaccinated.

• Kids ages 5 to 11 should get the lower-dose Pfizer vaccine.
• People ages 11 to 17 should get the regular Pfizer vaccine.
• Adults 18 and older should get the Moderna or Pfizer vaccine.

The Johnson & Johnson vaccine is only available to people who are allergic to the other vaccines, can't access the other vaccines, or would not get vaccinated if they are unable to get the Johnson & Johnson vaccine.

Check with your provider if you have questions about which vaccine is right for you or if you want a specific brand to see what they offer.

The CDC recommends that people get either the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine for their vaccines or booster. However, the vaccines you can get depends on your age. Review vaccine differences for more information. The Moderna and Pfizer vaccines are recommended over the Johnson & Johnson vaccine. The Johnson & Johnson vaccine is only available to adults who are allergic to the other vaccines, can’t access the other vaccines, or who would not get vaccinated if they are unable to get the Johnson & Johnson vaccine. Ask a health care provider if you have questions about which vaccine is right for you.

The two-shot vaccines give your body temporary instructions to make a protein. This protein teaches your body to fight the COVID-19 virus. The one-shot vaccine (made by Johnson & Johnson) uses DNA to give your body the same type of temporary instructions. There is no COVID-19 virus in any of the vaccines. None of the vaccines can change your DNA. Learn more about how the vaccines work.

The temporary side effects are similar among all vaccines. People who get the one-shot vaccine may only experience these temporary side effects once from that vaccine. Temporary side effects may include a sore arm, headache, fever, or feeling tired and achy for a day or two after getting the vaccine. None of the vaccines can give you COVID-19.

The Pfizer and Moderna vaccines require two shots. You need two shots to build up strong protection against COVID-19. The goal of the first shot is to get your body ready to have the best protection. The second shot strengthens this protection. It is important that your first two shots are the same vaccine brand. 

The FDA and CDC recommend that everyone get two shots of the Moderna or Pfizer vaccine. You should also stay up to date with all recommended COVID-19 vaccines. This includes additional shots and two boosters for people ages 12 and older who have moderately to severely compromised immune systems. It also includes boosters for everyone who can get one based on their age and when they got their last shot. Learn more about the different COVID-19 vaccines.

Anyone over the age of 12 who got their first shot of either the Pfizer or Moderna COVID-19 vaccine should speak with a doctor to decide the best time to get their second shot. The CDC suggests that waiting eight weeks between the first and second shots of the Pfizer or Moderna COVID-19 vaccines increases the protection they provide in people ages 12 to 49. It may also lower the small risk of heart inflammation (a condition known as myocarditis), especially for males.

It is still recommended to wait three weeks before getting a second Pfizer shot and four weeks for the second Moderna shot for:

• People with moderately or severely compromised immune systems
• People ages 65 or older
• People at high risk of getting very sick from COVID-19
• Children ages 5 to 11 

You should get your second shot as close to the recommended time as possible. However, if you get your second shot of a COVID-19 vaccine any time after the recommended date, you do not have to restart your vaccine shots.

The CDC does not recommend getting a different vaccine brand for your second shot. If you got a Pfizer or Moderna vaccine, you should get the same vaccine brand when it’s time to get your second shot. This is true regardless of which vaccine you got for your previous shots. Those who got the Johnson & Johnson vaccine are fully vaccinated after one shot. However, it is recommended they get either the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine for their first and second booster shots, when they are able.

No. You do not have to get the second shot at the same place where you got your first shot. If you go to a different provider for the second shot, make sure you go to a provider with the same brand of vaccine (e.g., Pfizer or Moderna) that you received for your first shot. Bring your vaccination card with you so the provider can confirm which vaccine you got and when. People who are able to get a booster can go to any available provider for their booster shot.   

Three weeks (Pfizer) or four weeks (Moderna) between first and second doses is best for people who are more likely to be less protected after their first shot. This includes:

• people who have moderately or severely compromised immune systems
• People who are more likely to get very sick from COVID-19, such as adults who are 65 years and older
• People who need protection quickly, such as when the virus is quickly spreading in their community

Ask a health care provider about the best time for you to get your second shot.

Eight weeks between the first and second shots is recommended for people ages 12 through 64 years who:

• do not have a moderately or severely compromised immune system
• are not at increased risk of getting very sick from COVID-19
• do not need protection quickly

Talk with a health care provider about the best time to receive your second shot of the Pfizer or Moderna COVID-19 vaccine.

North Carolina uses a secure data system called the COVID-19 Vaccine Management System (CVMS) to make sure you get your second shot, or booster, at the right time. When a person gets the first shot, they are asked to make a second appointment. You do not have to go back to the same provider for other shots or boosters. You will also be given a vaccination card with information about which vaccine(s) you got and the date when you got them. Keep the card in a safe spot. Take a picture of it in case it gets misplaced. You may get an email or text with a reminder for your second shot.

People who choose to use v-safe, which is a CDC tool that can give you personalized health check-ins after your shot, will also get text reminders for their second shot. The provider who gave the vaccine may also help with reminders for the second shot. State and federal privacy laws make sure none of your private information will be shared. The shot you take and when you need your second shot is confidential health information. This information is carefully managed to protect your privacy.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine to help prevent COVID-19 in people ages 16 years and older. The Pfizer vaccine is also authorized for children ages 5 to 15 under an Emergency Use Authorization (EUA). The Pfizer vaccine should also be given as a booster for people ages 5 years and older. Children ages 5 to 11 years get a smaller shot of the Pfizer vaccine than people 12 years and older. A third dose of the Pfizer vaccine should be given to certain people who have compromised immune systems.

The FDA also approved the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine, which Moderna is calling Spikevax, for the primary series to prevent COVID-19 in individuals 18 years and older. It is the same vaccine with a new name. It has been available under emergency use authorization (EUA) since Dec. 18, 2020. Moderna remains available under EUA as a third primary series dose for those 18 years and older with certain kinds of immunocompromise and as a booster dose.  

All available COVID-19 vaccines in the United States have been under an EUA. Rigorous clinical trials among thousands of people have proven that vaccines are safe and effective. Over 210 million people in the United States have been safely vaccinated against COVID-19.

Scientists had a head start in developing all of the vaccines. They are built on decades of research. The last decade of investment and experience in vaccine making was used to help us fight COVID-19. Creating these vaccines did not skip any steps in development, testing, or clinical trials.

No. The vaccine does not contain any virus that could make you sick with COVID-19.The vaccine gives your body instructions that teach your body to fight COVID-19. Your body naturally breaks down or destroys the instructions from the vaccine.

No serious side effects were reported in clinical trials. Safety data from more than 298 million doses of Pfizer and Moderna COVID-19 vaccines administered in the first six months after they were approved in the U.S. show that most reported side effects were mild and didn't last long. Temporary side effects aftergetting the vaccine may include a sore arm, headache, feeling tired and achy for a day or two, or a fever. These temporary side effects were more common after the second shot. Younger people are more likely to have side effects than older people.

In most cases, these temporary side effects are good signs that your body is building protection. You can take medicines like Tylenol or ibuprofen after getting your shot to help with these temporary side effects. While extremely rare, there have been a few cases of severe allergic reactions to the Pfizer vaccine. Vaccine providers are prepared with medicines if they need to treat someone.

While it is extremely rare, there have been very few cases (out of about 18.7 million shots) of a condition called thrombosis with thrombocytopenia (TTS), associated with the Johnson & Johnson vaccine. TTS is defined by blood clots with low platelets. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends getting the Pfizer or Moderna COVID-19 for most people for preventing severe illness and hospitalization from COVID-19. The Johnson & Johnson vaccine is only available to those who are allergic to the other vaccines, can’t access the other vaccines, or who would not get vaccinated if they are unable to get the Johnson & Johnson vaccine.

If you have been vaccinated with the Johnson & Johnson vaccine and develop:

• Shortness of breath, chest pain, leg swelling, persistent abdominal pain, severe or persistent headaches or blurred vision, easy bruising, or tiny blood spots under the skin beyond where the vaccine was given within three weeks of getting the vaccine, seek medical attention right away.

There are no safety concerns for people who were previously vaccinated and did not experience TTS.

The FDA reported that there have been very rare cases of Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS) after getting the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine with 100 preliminary cases out of more than 12.8 million. These cases mostly occurred in males aged 50 years and older. GBS is a disorder that affects the brain. It is usually triggered by an infection that most people fully recover from.

Nearly all COVID-19 hospitalizations and deaths occur in people who are not vaccinated. You are more likely to get seriously sick from COVID-19 if you are not vaccinated than you are to get an extremely rare and serious side effect after getting your vaccine. Everyone who can get a COVID-19 vaccine should get vaccinated and get a booster when it is time. 

Severe allergic reactions to the vaccines have been very rare and mostly occurred in people who have had previous severe allergic reactions. People who have had severe allergic reactions, also called anaphylaxis, to any ingredient in the Pfizer, Moderna, or Johnson & Johnson vaccines should not get that vaccine. People who have had this type of severe allergic reaction to any vaccine or treatment that is injected should talk with their health care provider about the risks and benefits of getting vaccinated. People with allergies to foods, animals, environmental triggers (such as pollen), latex, or medications taken by mouth can be vaccinated with any of the COVID-19 vaccines. The same is true if you have family members who have had severe allergic reactions. You will be screened before getting the vaccine to see if you are at an increased risk for an allergic reaction. If you are, your health care provider may decide that you should not get the vaccine. Most reactions occur within a few minutes to one hour after getting vaccinated. You will be asked to stay at the place where you got your vaccine for a short time (15-30 minutes) for monitoring to ensure your safety. Learn more about the Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccines.

If you had a severe or immediate allergic reaction (within four hours) after getting a dose of the Moderna or Pfizer vaccine, you should NOT get a second shot of either of those vaccines. Talk to your provider about getting a different type of vaccine after an allergic reaction. Get more information about COVID-19 vaccine allergies.

The CDC and FDA encourage you to report possible side effects using the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS). This national system collects data to look for side effects that are unexpected. They also look for side effects that appear to happen more often than expected or have unusual patterns. Reports to VAERS help the CDC monitor the safety of vaccines. Safety is a top priority.

The CDC also implemented a smartphone-based tool called v-safe to check-in on people’s health after they get a COVID-19 vaccine. When you get your vaccine, you should also get a v-safe information sheet telling you how to enroll in v-safe. If you enroll, you will get regular text messages with surveys where you can report any problems or side effects you have after getting a COVID-19 vaccine. The CDC especially encourages parents and caregivers of children to enroll them in v-safe to help our understanding of post-vaccination health effects in kids.

Contact a health care provider if: 

• any redness or tenderness where you got the shot increases after 24 hours
• your temporary side effects are worrying you 
• the side effects do not seem to be going away after a few days

It is extremely rare that you would have a serious reaction. However, you should contact a health care provider if you develop: 

• severe headache, backache, severe abdominal pain, new changes in vision, a changed mental status, numbness, leg pain or swelling, shortness of breath, tiny red spots on your skin, or new or easy bruising within three weeks after getting vaccinated.

In most cases, temporary side effects are normal and good signs that your body is building protection. Safety data from more than 298 million doses of the Pfizer and Moderna COVID-19 vaccines that were given in the first six months after the vaccines were approved in the U.S. show that most reported side effects were mild and didn't last long. If you experience side effects, taking medicines such as ibuprofen or Tylenol, drinking lots of fluids, or placing a cool washcloth on your forehead can help.

If you have a history of allergic reactions to any vaccine or treatment that is injected, you should talk with your health care provider about the risks and benefits of getting vaccinated before getting the shot. Although very rare, if you experience a severe allergic reaction to the vaccine, get immediate medical care by calling 911. Signs of a severe allergic reaction can include difficulty breathing, swelling of your face and throat, a fast heartbeat, a bad rash all over your body, dizziness, and weakness. An allergic reaction is considered severe when a person needs to be treated with the medication epinephrine or EpiPen©. It is also considered severe if the person must go to the hospital.

More than 548 million COVID-19 shots were given in the United States from Dec. 14, 2020, through Feb. 16, 2022. COVID-19 vaccines were studied in tens of thousands of people in clinical trials. The vaccines met the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA’s) strict scientific standards for safety, effectiveness, and quality needed to support emergency use authorization (EUA) and approval. The CDC continues to actively collect safety data using the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System, which has been tracking safety on all vaccines since 1990. Learn more about the ways vaccine safety is being monitored.

The recommendation is based on comparing evidence on safety and effectiveness of the Moderna, Pfizer and Johnson & Johnson vaccines. It follows similar recommendations from other countries, including Canada and the United Kingdom. There is also a large supply of both of these vaccines in North Carolina and across the country. Research has found more cases of a rare condition of blood clotting and low platelets associated with the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine. This rare condition is called thrombosis with thrombocytopenia (TTS). TTS after the Johnson & Johnson shot is rare. There have been around four cases per one million doses given. The CDC continues to remind people that receiving any vaccine, including the Johnson & Johnson vaccine, is better than not being vaccinated. The Johnson & Johnson vaccine is only available to those who are allergic to the other vaccines, can’t access the other vaccines, or who would not get vaccinated if they are unable to get the Johnson & Johnson vaccine. People with a history of TTS should not get the Johnson & Johnson vaccine. All the vaccines continue to be carefully monitored for safety. Read more information from the CDC about side effect concerns.

There have been rare reports of a condition called myocarditis occurring after someone is vaccinated with the Pfizer and Moderna COVID-19 vaccines in the United States and Europe. Myocarditis happens when your heart muscle becomes inflamed. Another condition known as pericarditis happens when the outer lining of the heart is inflamed. In both cases, the body's immune system is causing inflammation because of an infection or some other trigger. Myocarditis can be serious, but these cases are often mild and get better without any treatment. These cases are seen more often in teens and young adults after their second shot of Pfizer or Moderna and within a week of vaccination. Symptoms can include abnormal heart rhythms, difficulty breathing, and chest pain. However, the risk of rare heart-related problems like myocarditis and pericarditis is much higher from becoming infected with COVID-19 than from the vaccines. Recent data from 40 health care systems found that the risk for rare heart problems was much larger after a COVID-19 infection than after getting vaccinated. This was true for both males and females of all ages. Young men infected with COVID-19 are up to eight times more likely to get rare heart problems than men who were vaccinated with Pfizer or Moderna vaccines.

The CDC has systems set up to look for safety concerns with the vaccines. These systems are watched closely. The CDC will continue to look at any reports of myocarditis and pericarditis that happen after COVID-19 vaccination. The CDC Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices has also reviewed the data. The CDC, American Academy of Pediatrics, and a few other medical and public health groups released a statement recommending COVID-19 vaccines. They noted that this is an extremely rare side effect with mostly mild cases. More people who developed these side effects after vaccines got better on their own or with a small amount of treatment compared to people got COVID-19.

If you got a COVID-19 vaccine that was NOT FDA-authorized, FDA-approved, or among the vaccines listed for emergency use by the World Health Organization (WHO), these shots do not count toward vaccination in the U.S. You should start over with an FDA-approved or authorized vaccine, in most cases Pfizer or Moderna, at least 28 days after your last shot. Five months after your second shot, you should get a Pfizer or Moderna booster shot. Please note that no data are available on whether starting over with your vaccines is safe and works well.

If you got a COVID-19 vaccine that is not authorized by FDA, but is on the WHO list for emergency use, you do not need to start over with your vaccines. However, you should get a Pfizer or Moderna booster shot at least five months after your last shot.

Additional Information about these Recommendations

List of Vaccines and their Authorizations 

Yes. You will receive a card that tells you what COVID-19 vaccine you got, when you got it, and where you got it. Keep the card in a safe spot. Take a picture of it in case you lose it. Some people who have email will also get an email with proof of vaccination.

Many people can get their COVID-19 vaccine information from the North Carolina COVID-19 Vaccine Portal if they got the vaccine from one of the following locations:

• A North Carolina doctor’s office
• Hospital
• Pharmacy
• Grocery store
• Health department
• Community event.

Please see more information on how to access the NC COVID-19 Vaccine Portal.    

Your vaccine information will not be available if you got the vaccine:

• Outside of North Carolina
• In a military setting
• At a tribal or urban Indian health facility

Contact your provider for vaccine information. 

If you lose your vaccine card or need your record, contact your vaccine provider.

Well-fitting masks with layers help protect you from all COVID-19 variants. Higher grade masks, like N95, KN95s, surgical or procedure masks, offer even more protection.

You should still wear a mask indoors if: 

• You are at high risk of getting very sick from COVID-19.
• You have not been vaccinated or are not up to date on your vaccines.
• You have COVID-19 or were around someone who got the virus.
• You want an added layer of protection.
• You are in a high-risk setting (i.e., hospitals, doctor’s offices, long-term care facilities, prisons, jails, homeless shelters). 

The vaccine continues to work very well in protecting people from serious illness, hospitalization, and death from COVID-19. This is true even with the spread of new variants. However, it has shown less protection from getting infected with the virus. Boosters are recommended for all North Carolinians 5 years and older to strengthen your protection from COVID-19. Many vaccines require more than one shot for immunity, and booster shots for vaccines are common. For example, it is recommended that everyone 6 months and older get a flu shot each year. Additionally, adults should get a tetanus booster every 10 years. Everyone should get their COVID-19 booster as soon as they are able. This is especially important with the discovery of variants that spread quicker. You should get a booster if you are 5 years or older AND: 

• You got your second shot of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine at least FIVE months ago, or
• You got your Johnson & Johnson vaccine at least TWO months ago.

You may also be able to get a second booster if you:

• Are 50 years or older and got your first booster at least four months ago
• Got a total of two shots of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine at least four months ago
• Are 12 years or older with a compromised immune system and got your first booster at least four months ago

Some people may want to get a booster of the same vaccine brand that they got for their other shots. Others may want to get a different booster. Those who are 5 to 17 years of age should only get a Pfizer vaccine booster.   

CDC does not recommend antibody testing before or after getting the COVID-19 vaccine to check if a person is protected. According to the FDA, antibody tests are helpful for finding out whether a person previously had a COVID-19 infection. These tests have not been used to see if the vaccine worked. For more information, see the FDA’s statement on antibody testing.

Getting a COVID-19 vaccine will not affect the most common tests used to test for the COVID-19 virus. These tests are called PCR or antigen tests. The vaccines do not affect these test results because there is no virus in the vaccines. However, vaccines can affect the results of some COVID-19 antibody tests because of the immune response to the vaccine. Get more information from the CDC.

You should get tested and stay away from other people if you start to have symptoms of COVID-19 after being vaccinated. This is true even if you have been vaccinated. Your health care provider and local health department will report the test results to NCDHHS. This includes notification of a COVID-19 infection after being vaccinated. Getting COVID-19 is more likely if you are not vaccinated. Getting vaccinated provides strong protection from serious illness, hospitalization, and death.

NCDHHS no longer requires everyone to wear a mask if they are not vaccinated. However, some places may continue to require that people wear masks, like health care and long-term care settings. 

NCDHHS does recommend wearing a mask if: 

• You are at high risk for severe illness.
• You are unvaccinated or not up to date on your vaccines.
• You have COVID-19 or were exposed to the virus.
• You want an added layer of protection.
• You are in a high-risk setting (examples: health and long-term care facilities, correctional facility, homeless shelter).

People 18 and older can give their verbal consent. Written consent is not generally required, but some providers may require or request written consent.  For information on consent for minors, see "Do kids under 18 need their parents' permission to get a COVID-19 vaccine or booster?"

No. North Carolina has no plan to require people to be vaccinated against COVID-19. It is possible that some employers or schools will require vaccines for their employees or students. Employers may ask if you have been vaccinated but cannot require that you share any other personal medical information.

North Carolina uses the COVID-19 Vaccine Management System (CVMS) and the NC Immunization Registry (NCIR). These systems help vaccine providers know who has been vaccinated and with which vaccine to make sure people get the second shot of the same vaccine at the right time. It can also help make sure people get their booster shot at the right time. It also allows the state to manage vaccine supply. Many pharmacies, such as CVS, Walgreens, Walmart, and other grocery pharmacies, do not use CVMS to give and manage vaccines. These pharmacies use their own systems. However, this information is shared with CVMS so providers and people who get the vaccine can make sure everyone gets the right shot at the right time.

Information about your COVID-19 vaccination is carefully managed to protect your privacy. Your vaccine information will not be shared except in accordance with state and federal law. NC CVMS is a system that gathers information for health and safety reasons. The information collected for NC CVMS is similar to the information that is required when you go to the doctor’s office or a pharmacy for a vaccine. This includes your:

• Name
• Address
• Date of birth
• The location where your vaccine was given
• When the vaccine was given
• The person who gave the vaccine
• Information about the vaccine you were given (expiration date, vaccine identifier number, etc.)
• How the vaccine was given (e.g., in the muscle of the right arm).

NC CVMS also collects information about race and ethnicity. This is needed to support efforts to make sure there is equal access to people across the state. North Carolina does not share any identifiable information to CDC. Instead, the state shares the following information with the CDC:

• The person's year of birth (not date of birth)
• The first three digits of the person’s zip code if more than 20,000 people share your zip code of residence
• The date when the person's vaccine record is created.

Get more information about federal CDC data requirements.

North Carolina has an online public dashboard to share data on vaccinations. The data in the dashboard is updated weekly on Wednesdays.

You cannot get COVID-19 from the vaccines. All of the vaccines currently approved for use in the U.S. give your body temporary instructions to make a protein. The two-shot vaccines use something called mRNA technology, while the one-shot Johnson & Johnson vaccine uses DNA technology to give these instructions. This protein safely teaches your body to make germ-fighting antibodies against the COVID-19 virus. These germ-fighting antibodies are then ready to fight off the real COVID-19 if it ever tries to attack you. Your body naturally breaks down everything in the vaccine. There is no COVID-19 virus in the vaccine. None of the vaccines can change your DNA.

The COVID-19 vaccines give your body temporary instructions fight off COVID-19. Your body naturally destroys the instructions and gets rid of them. None of the vaccine ingredients remain in your system. They do not alter any DNA in your body. The three COVID-19 vaccines currently available in the United States do not contain eggs, preservatives, fetal tissue, stem cells, mercury, or latex. For a full list of ingredients, please see each vaccine’s Fact Sheet for Recipients and Caregivers:

• Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine
• Moderna COVID-19 vaccine
• Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine

None of the vaccines contain fetal cells or fetal tissues. Fetal cells were used in research to develop all three vaccines. Vaccines commonly use fetal cells in development. The Pfizer and Moderna vaccines do not need fetal cells to produce the vaccines. The Johnson & Johnson vaccine uses fetal cells that were isolated over 30 years ago to produce its vaccine.