Covid-19 Vaccine (1 Dose)
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on May 6, 2024.
What is the COVID-19 1-dose vaccine?
The 1-dose vaccine is given as a shot into an upper arm muscle to help prevent COVID-19. Healthcare providers recommend a COVID-19 vaccine even if you have already had COVID-19.
What do I need to know about official approval for this vaccine?
This vaccine has emergency use authorization (EUA) for adults 18 years or older. An EUA means it is not officially approved but is being given because the benefits outweigh the risks. This vaccine may be given if you cannot get a 2-dose COVID-19 vaccine.
What do I need to know about booster shots?
- A booster shot is an additional dose of vaccine. A booster helps your immune system continue to protect against severe COVID-19. A booster is recommended for all adults who received this vaccine. The booster should be a 2-dose brand of COVID-19 vaccine, if possible.
- You may need additional boosters. Your healthcare provider can help you schedule boosters. The number and timing of the boosters depends on your age and health. You should also get a second booster if you received the 1-dose COVID-19 vaccine as the original dose and as a booster.
What do I need to tell my healthcare provider before I get the vaccine?
- You received a dose of a different COVID-19 vaccine. Your provider may recommend you get a second dose of the other vaccine instead to complete a 2-dose schedule.
- You have thrombocytopenia, a blood clotting disorder, or are taking blood thinning medicines.
- You developed Guillain Barré syndrome or any other health condition after you received another vaccine.
- Your immune system is weakened from medicines such as chemotherapy or steroids.
- You are pregnant or breastfeeding. Your obstetrician or doctor will tell you when to get the vaccine.
- You have a known allergy to any component (part) of the vaccine.
- You have a history of allergies.
What happens after I get the vaccine?
- Your healthcare provider will monitor you for about 15 minutes. This will help your provider watch for any serious reaction to the vaccine.
- You will be considered fully vaccinated after 2 weeks. This is how long your immune system needs to build a response strong enough to protect you.
- You will need to keep your vaccination card. Make a copy of your vaccination card. Keep the original with you in case you need to show it. Keep the copy in a safe place. Bring the vaccination card with you each time you get a dose of the vaccine, including boosters.
What are reasons I should not get this vaccine?
- You have an allergy to any component (part) of the vaccine.
- You developed a blood clot after you received the vaccine. Your healthcare provider may tell you to get a 2-dose vaccine for any needed boosters.
What are reasons I should wait to get the vaccine?
- You currently have COVID-19. Your healthcare provider will tell you when to get the vaccine.
- You had multisystem inflammatory syndrome (MIS). You should wait 90 days and have no symptoms before you get the vaccine.
- You are sick or have a fever on the vaccine appointment day.
- You took acetaminophen or ibuprofen on the vaccine appointment day.
What are the risks of the vaccine?
All side effects may not be known. You may have any of the following:
- Inflammation in or around your heart
- Blood clots or thrombocytopenia (a low blood platelet count)
- An allergic reaction to the vaccine, or rarely, a life-threatening reaction (anaphylaxis)
- Guillain Barré syndrome, tingling or loss of feeling in an area, or tinnitus (constant ringing in your ears)
- Bell palsy (weakness or paralysis on 1 side of your face)
- Mild symptoms, such as a fever, chills, headache, nausea, or muscle aches
- Swollen, sore, or tender area where the shot was given (usually mild and goes away in a few hours)
- Less effective vaccination if your immune system is weak
What else do I need to know about the vaccine?
- The vaccine does not contain the virus that causes COVID-19. This means you are not at risk for getting COVID-19 from a vaccine. Instead, the vaccine teaches your immune system to recognize the virus and produce antibodies to fight it.
- The vaccine does not cause reproductive problems. Your healthcare provider can give you more information about the safety of vaccines before or during pregnancy. The vaccine is not believed to cause fertility problems.
- Your DNA will not be changed. The vaccine does not affect the part of cells that control DNA.
- You may still get COVID-19 after you receive the vaccine. The vaccine may help prevent severe illness.
Call your local emergency number (911 in the US) if:
- You have signs of a severe allergic reaction, such as trouble breathing, hives, or wheezing.
- Your mouth and throat are swollen.
- You have chest pain or your heart is beating faster than normal for you.
- Your face is red or swollen.
- You have hives that spread over your body.
When should I call my doctor?
- You have a fever.
- You have any other signs or symptoms that concern you or do not go away.
- You have increased pain, redness, or swelling around the area where the shot was given.
- You have questions or concerns about the COVID-19 vaccine.
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