Covid Vaccine Information

COVID-19 Vaccine Similarities

Both vaccines contain mRNA, but neither have the ability to make a complete virus. Based on this information the COVID-19 vaccine:

• Cannot give you COVID-19
• Will not be the reason for a false positive COVID-19 test
• Is not manufactured in eggs (like the flu shot)

Additional similarities include:

• Delivered IM with the deltoid being the primary muscle
• 2 doses (very common for the initial exposure to vaccines to be delivered in more than one dose, e.g. MMR)
• Other vaccines should not be administered within 14 days of the COVID-19 vaccine (before or after COVID-19 administration)
• Post-vaccination symptoms typically occur within 1-2 days with increased intensity after the second dose, most reactions resolve in 3-4 days
• Preliminary data suggests that the mutated COVID-19 virus will not impact the ability of the vaccines to work
• Immunity occurs 1-2 weeks post second dose
• Neither vaccine would not be effective as post-exposure prophylaxis (due to the incubation period of the disease and the time required for immunity after vaccination)
• Those with underlying medical conditions should consult their care provider to determine if the vaccine is appropriate

Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine Adverse Reactions:

• Injection site reactions - pain, tenderness and swelling of the lymph nodes in the same arm of the injection, swelling and redness
• General side effects - fatigue, headache, muscle pain, joint pain, chills, nausea and vomiting, and fever

Pfizer COVID-19 Vaccine Adverse Reactions:

• Injection site reactions – mild to moderate occurred within the first 7 days after injection. Include injection site pain, swelling, redness and swollen lymph nodes
• Systemic adverse reactions - fatigue, headache, muscle, pain, chills/fever, joint pain, nausea, and feeling unwell

Adverse Reaction Reporting:

• Vaccine side effects can be reported via FDA/CDC Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS) at 1-800-822-7967. Be prepared to provide information about which vaccine you received and the date(s) that it was received
• The Countermeasures Injury Compensation Program (CICP) is a federal program that may help pay for costs of medical care and other specific expenses of certain people who have been seriously injured by certain medicines or vaccines, including this vaccine. To learn more about this program, visit www.hrsa.gov/cicp/ or call 1-855-266-2427

Important Numbers

UCHealth Vaccine Incident Command
720-848-8888
uchealth-systemincidentcommand@uchealth.org

Resources

• Moderna COVID-19 Fact Sheet & Full PI for Vaccination Providers
• Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine Fact Sheet for Vaccine Recipients & Caregivers
• CDC ACIP MMWR Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine
• Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine Fact Sheet for Recipients & Caregivers
• Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine Fact Sheet for Vaccination Providers
• CDC ACIP MMWR Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine
• 12 FAQs About the COVID-19 Vaccine – Answered by CU Immunologists
• UCHealth COVID-19 Update #76 - vaccine update and mutations
• Interim Clinical Considerations for Use of mRNA COVID-19 Vaccines Currently Authorized in the US