Many people are becoming eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine in Massachusetts. It is critical for all residents to have accurate vaccine information to be able to make an informed decision regarding their health.
Can a COVID-19 Vaccine make me sick with COVID-19?
No. None of the authorized and recommended COVID-19 vaccines or COVID-19 vaccines currently in development in the United States contain the live virus that causes COVID-19. This means that a COVID-19 vaccine cannot make you sick with COVID-19.
After getting a COVID-19 vaccine, will I test positive for COVID-19 on a viral test?
No. Neither the recently authorized and recommended vaccines nor the other COVID-19 vaccines currently in clinical trials in the United States can cause you to test positive on viral tests, which are used to see if you have a current infection.
If I have already had COVID-19 and recovered, do I still need to get vaccinated with a COVID-19 vaccine?
Yes. You should be vaccinated regardless of whether you already had COVID-19. That’s because experts do not yet know how long you are protected from getting sick again after recovering from COVID-19. Even if you have already recovered from COVID-19, it is possible—although rare—that you could be infected with the virus that causes COVID-19 again. Learn more about why getting vaccinated is a safer way to build protection than getting infected.
Will a COVID-19 vaccination protect me from getting sick with COVID-19?
Yes. COVID-19 vaccination works by teaching your immune system how to recognize and fight the virus that causes COVID-19, and this protects you from getting sick with COVID-19.
Will a COVID-19 vaccine alter my DNA?
No. COVID-19 vaccines do not change or interact with your DNA in any way.
Is it safe for me to get a COVID-19 vaccine if I would like to have a baby one day?
Yes. If you are trying to become pregnant now or want to get pregnant in the future, you may receive a COVID-19 vaccine when one is available to you.
5 Vaccine Facts – Did You Know?
- “Fully vaccinated” individuals are not required to quarantine if they are identified as a “close contact” and do not have symptoms
- “Fully vaccinated” individuals may be exempt from travel restrictions
- Routine testing for COVID-19 is critical for residents regardless of your vaccination status to continue to limit the spread
- Free testing is available for Bedford residents and staff! To make an appointment, navigate to: https://www.bedfordma.gov/home/news/free-covid-19-testing
- All residents, 16 and older, will be eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine as of April 19, 2021
More detailed explanations of the above answers and additional vaccine information may be found on the CDC’s website: Myths and Facts about COVID-19 Vaccines | CDC and Key Things to Know About COVID-19 Vaccines (cdc.gov).
Additional information regarding COVID-19 may be found on the Bedford Health Department website: Health Department | Bedford MA
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