Table of Contents
- Can I Start with the Updated 2023-2024 COVID Vaccine?
- What is Different about the Updated 2023-2024 COVID Vaccine?
- How Many Doses of the Updated 2023-2024 COVID Vaccine Do I Need?
- Can I Get the Pfizer Vaccine If I Had a Different Brand in the Past?
- What Do I Need to Know Before My Vaccine Appointment? Do I Need to Prepare?
- If I’ve Already Had COVID, or Had COVID Recently, Do I Need to Get Vaccinated?
- How Long Do I Need to Wait After Having COVID to Get Vaccinated?
- How Do the Vaccines Work?
- Is the Updated 2023-2024 COVID Vaccine Considered a Booster?
- Can People Get COVID-19 After Being Vaccinated? If So, Why Should I Get the Vaccine?
- If I Recently Received a Dose of the Older COVID Vaccine, When Should I Get the Updated 2023-2024 COVID Vaccine?
- Do I Need to Get the Same Brand of Vaccine as My Previous Shots?
- How Long Does It Take for Full Protection?
- I Am Up-to-Date on My COVID Vaccines – Do I Need to Get the “New” Vaccine?
- What Does “Monovalent” Mean?
- What Does “Bivalent” Mean?
Can I Start with the Updated 2023-2024 COVID Vaccine?
Yes, now is a great time to start. If you are age 5 or older, you will be up to date with COVID vaccination after this single shot. Children aged 6 months to 4 years of age may need additional doses depending on which vaccine and the number of doses received in the past.
What is Different about the Updated 2023-2024 COVID Vaccine?
The updated 2023-2024 COVID vaccine is based on a variant called XBB.1.5, which is causing most of the COVID cases in the United States. The vaccine cross-reacts with other variants that are also circulating, providing some protection against them as well.
How Many Doses of the Updated 2023-2024 COVID Vaccine Do I Need?
The updated 2023-2024 COVID vaccine is a single dose. Most adults only need to receive one shot to be fully vaccinated, even if they have never received a COVID vaccine in the past. However, if you are moderately or severely immunocompromised, you may need additional doses. It is best to consult with your healthcare provider for personalized advice.
Can I Get the Pfizer Vaccine If I Had a Different Brand in the Past?
Yes, you can get the Pfizer vaccine even if your last COVID-19 vaccine was a different brand, such as Moderna. The Pfizer vaccine is safe and effective, regardless of the previous brand you received.
What Do I Need to Know Before My Vaccine Appointment? Do I Need to Prepare?
Here are a few things to keep in mind before you get your vaccine:
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Wear clothing that allows your upper arm to be easily exposed, like a short-sleeve or sleeveless shirt. The vaccine is administered with a needle in the upper arm.
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Eat your regular meal or have a snack (depending on the time of day) before arriving at your appointment. It is important to have sufficient energy and stay hydrated.
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Avoid taking any pain relievers before your appointment, as they may lessen the effect of the vaccine. However, if you develop side effects after your vaccination, you can take Tylenol (acetaminophen) to alleviate any discomfort.
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Allergic reactions to vaccines are rare but possible. For your safety, you will be asked to wait for about 15 minutes for monitoring after receiving the vaccine. If you have had a prior allergic reaction to an injectable medicine or vaccine, or if you are allergic to any of the ingredients in the vaccine you’re receiving, you may be asked to wait for 30 minutes.
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While masks are no longer required, you are welcome to wear a mask at any time during your appointment for your own comfort and peace of mind.
If I’ve Already Had COVID, or Had COVID Recently, Do I Need to Get Vaccinated?
Yes, it is recommended to get vaccinated even if you have already had COVID or had it recently. People who do not get vaccinated after their recovery from COVID are more likely to get COVID again than those who do get vaccinated. Vaccination is especially important if you have a risk of severe illness or if a loved one or close contact has a risk of severe illness.
How Long Do I Need to Wait After Having COVID to Get Vaccinated?
While you may have some immunity from infection that could last about three months, you do not need to wait to get the vaccine. You can get vaccinated after you have ended isolation and are feeling better. If you or a loved one/close contact has a risk of serious illness from COVID, you should not delay getting the vaccine even if you have recently had COVID. If you have any questions or concerns about the timing of your vaccination, it is best to consult with your doctor or healthcare provider.
How Do the Vaccines Work?
The Pfizer and Moderna vaccines are messenger RNA (mRNA) vaccines, which stimulate the body to produce a viral “spike protein.” This protein activates the immune system to fight off the coronavirus by mimicking the infection. It is important to note that mRNA vaccines do not alter the DNA of the recipient; they train the body to recognize and combat the virus. The Novavax vaccine, on the other hand, is protein-based. It works by introducing modified pieces of the virus to the body’s immune system, helping it recognize and respond to the virus. The Johnson & Johnson vaccine is no longer available in the United States. (Henry Ford Health offers only the Pfizer vaccine.)
It is important to know that none of the vaccines can cause COVID-19. They do not contain live virus and are designed to stimulate an immune response without causing illness. Side effects may occur, but they are a natural part of the vaccination process and indicate that the vaccine is working.
Is the Updated 2023-2024 COVID Vaccine Considered a Booster?
No, it is not. The term “updated vaccine” is used because, in the United States, COVID is now being treated similarly to influenza (the flu) with annual vaccinations. The updated 2023-2024 vaccine is not just a booster; it builds a new immune response to the variants that are currently prevalent.
Can People Get COVID-19 After Being Vaccinated? If So, Why Should I Get the Vaccine?
While it is possible to still contract COVID-19 after being vaccinated, the updated 2023-2024 vaccine is effective, especially against severe illness and hospitalization. Getting vaccinated significantly reduces the risk of severe disease and hospitalization. Even if you do get a breakthrough infection, chances are that it will be a milder infection compared to those who are unvaccinated. Therefore, getting vaccinated is crucial in protecting yourself and others from the potential harm of COVID-19.
If I Recently Received a Dose of the Older COVID Vaccine, When Should I Get the Updated 2023-2024 COVID Vaccine?
According to CDC guidance, individuals aged 5 years and older should wait at least two months after receiving the last dose of any COVID-19 vaccine before getting the updated 2023-2024 COVID vaccine. It is important to follow the recommended guidelines for optimal protection and effectiveness.
Do I Need to Get the Same Brand of Vaccine as My Previous Shots?
No, you do not need to receive the same brand of vaccine as your previous shots. The different COVID-19 vaccines available are all safe and effective, and you can receive a different brand for your updated vaccine if needed.
How Long Does It Take for Full Protection?
It takes approximately two weeks for the vaccine to become fully effective. During this time, the immune system builds up the necessary defenses. Once the vaccine has taken full effect, it provides protection against COVID-19 for about three months.
I Am Up-to-Date on My COVID Vaccines – Do I Need to Get the “New” Vaccine?
If you have received your last COVID vaccine shot two months ago or longer, you can receive the updated 2023-2024 vaccine to stay up to date. Following the CDC’s guidelines, Henry Ford Health recommends staying current with COVID-19 vaccines for optimal protection.
What Does “Monovalent” Mean?
The term “monovalent” refers to a vaccine that creates an immune response against one variant of the COVID virus. The updated 2023-2024 COVID vaccine is a monovalent vaccine designed to target the XBB.1.5 variant.
What Does “Bivalent” Mean?
Conversely, the term “bivalent” refers to a vaccine that creates an immune response against two different antigens. However, bivalent COVID boosters have been discontinued because they are no longer effective against the current variants of the virus.
In conclusion, staying informed about COVID-19 vaccines and following the recommended guidelines is crucial for protecting yourself and others from the virus. The updated 2023-2024 COVID vaccine offers a new immune response to the prevalent variants, providing effective protection against severe illness and hospitalization. If you have any specific concerns or questions about vaccinations, it is best to consult with your healthcare provider for personalized advice. Remember, getting vaccinated contributes to the overall effort in controlling the spread of COVID-19 and safeguarding public health.