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1. Are the COVID-19 vaccines safe?

Yes, the vaccines are safe, vetted by state and federal experts, and authorized for public use. In fact, the CDC reports that the COVID-19 vaccines have undergone the most intense safety monitoring in U.S. history. 

All vaccines undergo rigorous clinical trials to test their safety and effectiveness, including vaccines for COVID-19. The manufacturers must present required data, which is then thoroughly reviewed by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). After a vaccine is authorized or approved for use, many safety monitoring systems are in place to watch for possible side effects. 

Sources:

• Minnesota Dept. of Health - Vaccine Safety
• CDC - Understanding COVID-19 mRNA Vaccines
• CDC - COVID-19 Vaccine Effectiveness Research
• CDC- Ensuring COVID-19 Vaccine Safety in the US

Last Reviewed: 8/9/23

2. Will a COVID-19 vaccine prevent me from getting sick with COVID-19?

Not necessarily, but being vaccinated against COVID-19 can make things a lot easier if you do get infected. There is no way to know how COVID-19 will affect you personally. Though many people with COVID-19 only experience a mild illness, others may develop a severe illness, have long-term health effects, or die. Being vaccinated is the most effective way to prevent serious, tragic outcomes. 

According to the CDC:

• When someone who is vaccinated with either a primary series or a primary series plus a booster dose gets infected with the virus that causes COVID-19, it is referred to as a “vaccine breakthrough infection.” 
• When people who are vaccinated get COVID-19 get a breakthrough infection, they are much less likely to experience severe symptoms than people who are unvaccinated.

Though breakthrough infections are possible (and are expected), evidence shows that fully vaccinated people with a breakthrough infection are less likely to develop serious illness than those who are unvaccinated and get COVID-19.

Sources: 

• CDC - COVID-19 After Vaccination
• Minnesota Dept. of Health - About the COVID-19 Vaccine
• Minnesota Dept. of Health - Vaccine Breakthrough Data

Last Reviewed: 8/9/23

3. I lost my vaccine card or need to obtain my vaccination records. What should I do?

The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) is not issuing replacement CDC cards at this time, but you can obtain your records from the Minnesota Immunization Information Connection (MIIC) in a variety of ways listed below. Your MIIC record will have the same information as your CDC vaccination card. MIIC is an immunization information system (IIS) that combines a person's immunizations into a single record, even if they were given by different health care providers in the state.

Option 1) Use the Docket App
Minnesotans can now easily access their MIIC immunization record through their smartphones or other mobile devices by using an MDH-approved app called Docket. Docket also allows you to conveniently export a PDF with your records and email it to yourself. To get started, download the free app by searching "Docket" in your app store. 

• Docket How-To Tip Sheet (PDF)
• MDH News Release 9/15/21 - Docket App
• Download Docket on Google Play (Android devices)
• Download Docket on iOS (iPhones & iPads)

Option 2) Submit a MIIC Request
MDH is experiencing a high volume of requests, so you will likely experience delays. Using the Docket app instead is highly recommended. Once you submit a MIIC request, MDH will send records to you within 21 business days. A parent or legal guardian can request records for children under 18. Individuals over 18 must request their own record. You cannot request a record for your spouse/partner. 

• MIIC Immunization Request Form
• Email MDH about record requests: Health.immrecords@state.mn.us 
• Call MDH about record requests: 651-201-3980
• MDH - Find My Immunization Record 

Option 3) Call Scott County Public Health - For Scott County clients only
If you were vaccinated by Scott County Public Health and have questions about your COVID-19 vaccination record, please contact the us. Please note that we cannot search for your records if you were vaccinated by other providers. 

• Hotline Phone: 952-496-8555 (in English and Spanish)
• Hotline Email: covid@co.scott.mn.us

Last Reviewed: 8/9/23

4. If I previously had COVID-19 and recovered, do I still need to be vaccinated?

Yes, you should still get vaccinated if you previously had COVID-19. The vaccine will help prevent you from other COVID-19 variants and reinfection. 

Source: Minnesota Dept. of Health - If I had COVID-19

Last Reviewed: 8/9/23

5. I’ve heard that there is pork and gelatin in the COVID-19 vaccines. Is this true?

No. There is no pork, gelatin, or other animal products in the COVID-19 vaccines. The COVID-19 vaccines are safe and effective and can prevent you from getting a severe case of COVID-19.

Last Reviewed: 8/9/23

6. Does the COVID-19 vaccine contain live coronavirus cells?

No, there are no live or inactive coronavirus cells in any approved COVID-19 vaccine. 

• Pfizer & Moderna: Both the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines are mRNA vaccines, which do not use the live virus that causes COVID-19. Messenger RNA vaccines – also called mRNA vaccines – are a type of vaccine to protect against infectious diseases. They may seem new, but they've been studied for decades as a strategy to combat other infectious diseases such as Zika and rabies. In short: mRNA vaccines teach our immune system cells how to recognize and respond in case they encounter the real thing. 
• Johnson & Johnson: The Johnson & Johnson vaccine is designed differently. Instead of using mRNA technology, the J&J vaccine uses a disabled adenovirus to deliver information to your immune system. (An adenovirus is basically a common cold virus, and is not at all related to coronavirus.) It can teach your body how to defeat the coronavirus, but it can’t infect you, multiply, or make you sick. 

Sources: 

• CDC - Understanding mRNA COVID Vaccines
• VCU Health - Johnson & Johnson: How is it different?

Last Reviewed: 10/25/21

7. Will the COVID-19 vaccine be required?

The State of Minnesota will not broadly require COVID-19 vaccines, but your employer or other private businesses might have their own requirements. Please consult with your employer regarding their policies. 

Sources: 

• U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission: What You Should Know About COVID-19 and the ADA, the Rehabilitation Act, and Other EEO Laws
• Associated Press - Federal law allows businesses to ask for proof of vaccination

Last Reviewed: 10/25/21

8. How long does it take for the vaccine to be fully effective?

You will have the most effective protection about two weeks after your final dose. In total, it can take about six weeks (from first dose to second) to become completely protected from COVID-19 after vaccination. The Pfizer and Moderna vaccines are only fully effective if you get both doses. If you only get one dose, you may not be fully protected against COVID-19, but you may still benefit from added protection. The Johnson & Johnson vaccine only requires one dose. 

No vaccine or medicine can offer 100% protection, but they are worthwhile and easy methods of protection. While breakthrough cases are emerging in vaccinated people due to the Delta variant or other factors, statistics show that the vaccines are working. The CDC reports that vaccinated people with breakthrough COVID cases experience less serious symptoms, and are statistically less likely to become hospitalized or die. 

Sources: 

• CDC - U.S. COVID-19 Vaccine Product Information
• CDC - COVID-19 Vaccine Effectiveness Research
• CDC - COVID-19 Vaccine Breakthrough Case Investigation and Reporting

Last Reviewed: 8/20/21

9. What if I have a weakened immune system or a medical condition? Should I still get a vaccine?

COVID-19 vaccines may be given to people with underlying medical conditions, as long as they are not allergic reaction to any of the ingredients in the vaccine. Please speak with your doctor to learn what's right for you, and to get recommendations based on your condition. 

Source: Minnesota Dept. of Health - Considerations for Special Populations

Last Reviewed: 10/25/21