• Safety of the COVID-19 Vaccine
• Safety of Being Vaccinated
• Vaccination Timeline
• Vaccination Process

Safety of the COVID-19 Vaccine

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These vaccines were produced so quickly. How do we know they are safe?

It is the job of the U.S. vaccine safety system to make sure that all vaccines meet its highest standards. The new COVID-19 vaccines have been evaluated in tens of thousands of individuals who volunteered to participate in clinical trials that were conducted according to rigorous standards required by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Through this process the FDA determined that the newly authorized COVID-19 vaccines meet its safety and effectiveness standards. Therefore, the FDA has made these vaccines available for use in the United States under what is known as an Emergency Use Authorization. The FDA and the CDC continue to monitor the vaccines and the vaccination process for effectiveness and adverse events.

In New York, the State’s independent COVID-19 Clinical Advisory Task Force, made up of prominent health experts, also agreed that these COVID-19 vaccines as safe and effective. These principles are number 1 and 2 of the State's Guiding Principles for vaccination distribution and administration.

Will these new vaccines continue to be monitored for problems?

Yes. Even though no safety issues arose during the clinical trials, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and other federal partners will continue to monitor the new vaccines for serious side effects that may not have been seen in clinical trials. Any unexpected side effect will be quickly studied to determine if it is an isolated incident or a broader safety concern.

How will experts evaluate the COVID-19 vaccines in real-world conditions?

Experts are working on many types of real-world studies to determine vaccine effectiveness, and each uses a different method. CDC will use several methods because they can all contribute different information about how the vaccine is working.

• Case-control studies.
• A test-negative design study.
• Cohort studies.
• Screening method assessments.
• Ecologic analysis assessments.

Details about the different types of studies are in this FAQ Addendum.

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Safety of Being Vaccinated

What are the side effects of the vaccine?

Side effects that have been reported with the Pfizer vaccine include:

• Injection site pain
• Tiredness
• Headache
• Muscle pain
• Chills
• Joint pain
• Fever
• Injection site swelling
• Injection site redness
• Nausea
• Feeling unwell
• Swollen lymph nodes

There is a remote chance that the Pfizer vaccine could cause a severe allergic reaction including difficulty breathing, swelling of your face and throat, rapid heartbeat, a rash all over your body, dizziness and weakness. Severe allergic reactions usually occur within a few minutes to one hour after getting vaccinated. For this reason, individuals are asked to stay at the clinic site for a 15 to 30 minute observation period after they get their shot. If you experience a severe allergic reaction, seek medical attention or call 9-1-1.

Should I get the vaccine if I have had a coronavirus infection?

Yes. The science shows that the vaccine provides better and longer-lasting protection than the defenses your body builds up when you were infected. If you are sick with COVID-19 now, you must wait and finish the 10-day isolation period before you make an appointment to be vaccinated.

Will getting vaccinated prevent me from getting sick with COVID-19?

Most likely. The first two vaccines, Pfizer and Moderna, have 90-95% efficacy at preventing the disease when administered the way the manufacturer has specified. Some may develop a mild case of COVID-19. Researchers believe the current vaccines will also provide protection against the emerging UK variant, though the effectiveness rate may not be as high, and higher coverage rates may be needed.

What if I am pregnant or breastfeeding?

Currently, there are limited data available on the safety of COVID-19 vaccines for women who are pregnant. While studies have not yet been done, based on how mRNA vaccines work experts believe they are unlikely to pose a risk for people who are pregnant. mRNA vaccines do not contain the live virus that causes COVID-19 and therefore cannot give someone COVID-19. Additionally, mRNA vaccines do not interact with the cell's DNA because the mRNA does not enter the nucleus of the cell. Cells break apart the mRNA quickly. Ongoing studies and clinical trials will provide more insight on the potential risks of mRNA vaccines to a pregnant woman and her fetus.

Key considerations pregnant patients can discuss with their healthcare provider include:

• The likelihood of exposure to SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19
• Risks of COVID-19 to them and potential risks to their fetuses
• What is known about the vaccine: how well it works to develop protection in the body, known side effects of the vaccine, and lack of data during pregnancy

Observational data demonstrate that, while the chances for these severe health effects are infrequent, pregnant women with COVID-19 have an increased risk of severe illness. Additionally, pregnant women with COVID-19 might be at increased risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes, such as preterm births.

COVID-19 vaccination considerations for women who are breastfeeding

There are no data on the safety of COVID-19 vaccines in lactating women or on the effects of mRNA vaccines on the breastfed infant or on milk production/excretion. mRNA vaccines are not thought to be a risk to the breastfeeding infant. People who are breastfeeding and are part of a group recommended to receive a COVID-19 vaccine, such as healthcare personnel, may choose to be vaccinated. If they have questions around getting vaccinated while breastfeeding, a discussion with a healthcare provider might help them make an informed decision.

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If I get vaccinated, will I test positive on future COVID-19 viral tests?

No, authorized vaccines will not cause you to test positive on viral tests, which are used to see if you have a current infection. If your body develops an immune response, which is the goal of vaccination, there is a possibility you may test positive on some antibody tests. Antibody tests indicate you had a previous infection and that you may have some level of protection against the virus. Experts are currently looking at how COVID-19 vaccination may affect antibody testing results.

Could I get sick with COVID-19 from the vaccine?

No. None of the vaccines authorized or under review for use in the U.S. use the live virus that causes a COVID-19 infection, so the vaccine itself cannot infect you.

Could I become infected with the Coronavirus after I get vaccinated?

It is possible for you to be infected with the virus just before or just after being vaccinated. While different types of vaccines work in different ways, all trigger the body’s immune system to develop a type of white blood cell to fight a specific virus. This typically takes a few weeks and that lag in your immune response makes it possible for you to be infected just before or just after vaccination, and get sick because the vaccine did not have enough time to provide protection. An individual is considered "fully vaccinated" two weeks after receiving their second dose.

Can I spread the virus to infect others after I have been vaccinated?

While this is still being studied, there is some evidence that vaccinated individuals can still spread the virus and infect others, even while the vaccine is keeping you from becoming ill. You should continue taking all precautions when around others who are not part of your household, including handwashing, distancing, and wearing a mask that covers your nose and mouth.

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Vaccination Timeline

Following the Federal Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) guidance on distribution phases, New York State has amended the CDC phases to accommodate the State's population. Phases are outlined above.

What is the timeline for moving from one eligibility phase to another?

The timeline is largely dependent on the supply of vaccine that is allocated to the County. New York's supply of vaccine is determined by the federal government, and the State then portions available doses to Regions based on population. New York is mandating social equity and fair distribution among eigible priority groups to ensure fair treatment and proportionate allocations both by group and by Region. The Tompkins County Health Department will notify the community of who should sign up to be vaccinated through press releases and updates to this web page.

What happens if I miss the period of time that my group becomes eligible for vaccination?

The Phase dates are only to mark when a group may begin to be vaccinated. There is no end-date for a group to be vaccinated. However, the Health Department urges everyone to be vaccinated as soon as possible after they become eligible. Getting vaccinated is crucial to keep you, your family, and our community healthy and safe.

How do I get certified as being in one of the groups that is being vaccinated?

You are required to provide proof of age or of employment, and a government issued photo ID. Required documentation is listed below. You will also be required to sign to certify that you are eligible to be vaccinated.  

If you have questions about whether you meet these criteria after you read the guidance or have questions about registration, you may email the Tompkins County Health Department at COVID19vaccines@tompkins-co.org.

Why is the county not pre-registering people for the vaccine?

NYS allocates doese to Tompkins County in partnership with Cayuga Health Systems, who runs the vaccination clinics. We are only able to take registrations for the number of doses that we have available. The supply of vaccine is unpredictable and therefore we are unable to guarantee slots ahead of time. This is impacted directly by the State’s allocation system.

Some pharmacy chains are holding vaccination clinics in Tompkins County. Please refer to the section above for links to the pharmacies with stores in our area.   

How often will I need to get a COVID-19 vaccination?

Two of the currently authorized vaccines require a second dose to increase their effectiveness, and one just a single dose. The Pfizer vaccine second dose should be 21 days after the first shot, and the Moderna vaccine’s second dose should be taken 28 days after the first. Second doses must be given at the same location where you received your first dose. Be sure you have an appointment for your second shot before you leave the clinic where you get your first shot. 

The Johnson & Johnson vaccine is just one dose, and no future appointments are needed to become fully vaccinated.

Will there be enough vaccine for my second dose?

Second doses are distributed to clinics by the Federal Government based on the number of first doses administered. They are counted and distributed separately from the federal allotment to states. Your second dose is not dependent on the NYS allotment to counties that is announced weekly by Tompkins County.

What happens if I don’t get the second shot on time?

There have not been enough studies to know if a delayed second shot will still reach the full effectiveness for each vaccine. The schedule for doses of each vaccine is based on data from clinical trials. Everyone who receives a first dose of the vaccine should get the second dose according to schedule in order to provide the best possible protection against the disease.

Do “leftover vaccines” or open appointments occur at a site if an individual does not show up for their vaccination?

No. There are pharmacists on site who carefully manage vaccine supply, including storage and administration. Each dose is accounted for by an audited system and stored properly for administration to the currently eligible population, so there are very few doses left over after any given clinic. Any that might be are used for priority populations — healthcare and first responder — who are contacted directly through their employer.

Vaccination Process

There is no residency requirement for being vaccinated at a Tompkins County facility.

How much will it cost to get vaccinated against COVID-19?

There is no charge or co-pay to be vaccinated at the NYS-operated clinics or at the Cayuga Health Service clinic. You will be asked if you have insurance or Medicare, so please bring your card(s) with you to the clinic. It is not required that you have either insurance or Medicare.

How is the vaccine given?

The vaccine is given as an injection in the arm. Currently, the vaccine requires two doses to reach the 90-95% effectiveness shown in clinical trials. The doses are given 3 or 4 weeks apart, depending on which vaccine you are given. Your second dose must be from the same manufacturer as the first dose.

After your first dose, you may get a vaccination card to show you when to return for your second dose. Remember to bring your card when you return.

What do I need to bring to prove I am eligible to be vaccinated?

Everyone 

• Government issued photo ID with date of birth.
• Proof of residence in New York or proof of employment in New York.
• If you have an insurance card and/or Medicare Part B card, please bring it with you. 
• All individuals receiving the COVID-19 vaccine at an NYS site must complete the New York State COVID-19 Vaccine Form before arriving for their first dose. One or more of the proof of eligibility documents listed below must be provided at your vaccination appointment.

Employment Eligible

If an individual is eligible due to their employment status, they must prove they are employed in the State of New York. For residents of NYS who work outside the state, proof of residence is also required. Such proof may include:

• an employee ID card or badge,
• a letter from an employer or affiliated organization, or
• a pay stub, depending on the specific priority status.
• display proof of work via an application (e.g., Uber, Lyft, DoorDash, etc.).

Alternatively, employers or organizations can provide a list of staff who meet the eligibility criteria for vaccination.

Age Eligible (16+)

If an individual is eligible due to their age, they must produce proof of age and proof of residence in New York State. To prove New York residence, an individual must show:

• One of the following: State or government-issued ID; Statement from landlord; Current rent receipt or lease; Mortgage records; or
• Two of the following: Statement from another person; Current mail; School records.
• For age, such proof may include:
  • Driver’s license or non-driver ID;
  • Birth certificate issued by a state or local government;
  • Current U.S passport or valid foreign passport;
  • Permanent resident card;
  • Certificate of Naturalization or Citizenship;
  • Life insurance policy with birthdate; or
  • Marriage certificate with birthdate.

What questions will be asked before I get the vaccine?

Your vaccinator will ask you a series of screening questions before you are vaccinated, similar to questions you are asked when you get a flu shot. Examples are listed below. You may be asked these questions on your registration form, and again at the vaccination site.

• Have you ever had an allergic reaction to any vaccine or shot?
• Do you feel sick today?
• In the last 10 days, have you had a COVID-19 test or been told to isolate or quarantine at home?
• Are you immunocompromised or on a medicine that affects your immune system?
• Are you pregnant or plan to become pregnant?
• Are you breastfeeding?

Sample screening forms

• Cayuga Health System vaccination site screening questions.
• Tops Pharmacy COVID Vaccine Consent and Administration Record.

What do I do when I get to the vaccination site?

Step-by-step through the Cayuga Health System vaccination clinic (from the CHS patient packet):

1. Upon arrival to the Clinic, complete temperature check and screening questions with screener.
2. Proceed to check in and receive Vaccine Consent/Admin Form and Patient Packet.
3. Fill out administration & consent form while in waiting area. Once you have completed your paperwork a waiting room attendant will get you to your vaccinator.
4. Obtain vaccine and complete necessary demographic entry into state system.
5. Your vaccinator will then walk you to an observation RN where they will discuss the time that your observation period is over and you will hand your vaccine card over to them. This is your "ticket out" once your monitoring period has completed.
6. Next, proceed to a registration attendant to complete your registration and then proceed to an empty chair in the observation area.
7. While waiting, use the instructions in your discharge information, please register for V-safe using the link provided.
   1. If you do not have an iPhone you will be provided with an iPad on site.
   2. register for V-safe is a smartphone-based tool from the CDC that uses text messaging and web surveys to provide personalized health check-ins after you receive a COVID-19 vaccination. Your participation in CDC’s v–safe makes a difference — it helps keep COVID-19 vaccines safe.
8. After registering for V-safe, please also register for your 2nd dose appointment using the QR code that will be provided.
   1. Please write your scheduled date/time on your Vaccine Card
9. Review Observation checklist with RN prior to discharge and exit facility.

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What should I do to keep myself safe while waiting to get vaccinated and after I get vaccinated?

Continue to cover your mouth and nose with a mask when around others, stay 6 feet away from others who are not in your household, avoid crowds, and wash your hands often. All of these precautions must continue as you wait for the second dose and as we wait for a majority of the population to be vaccinated. Everyone must continue to use all the tools available to us to stop this pandemic as experts continue to learn more about the protection that COVID-19 vaccines provide us.