The COVID-19 vaccines have undergone the most intensive safety monitoring in U.S. history, including both established and new systems designed to ensure that the vaccines are safe. To date, millions of people in the U.S. have received the COVID-19 vaccines.
The COVID-19 vaccines authorized for emergency use in the U.S. have proven to be highly effective at preventing COVID-19. And based on what we know about vaccines for other diseases and early data from clinical trials for the COVID-19 vaccines, experts believe that getting the COVID-19 vaccine will help prevent you from getting seriously ill even if you do get COVID-19.
Getting vaccinated doesn’t just protect you; it also may help protect people around you, especially people who are at increased risk for severe illness from COVID-19.
Even after the second dose, the COVID-19 vaccine takes some time (at least a week or two) to reach maximum efficacy. Further study is underway to determine whether someone who has had the vaccine can still transmit COVID-19 to others, so it is important for you to continue wearing a face covering, practicing social distancing and following other public health guidelines even after you receive your vaccination.