Trusted Coronavirus Vaccine Information
We're here to explain everything to know about the coronavirus vaccine so you can be informed and feel confident.

Vaccine Experts Dedicated to You
Nothing is more important to us than you. And with something as important as a coronavirus vaccine, we want to make sure you’re informed at every step, hearing from health care experts who put you first.
At AdventHealth, you have a team of medical experts and scientific community members dedicated to providing you with accurate, timely and easy-to-understand information about a coronavirus vaccine.
Composed of infectious disease experts, epidemiologists, researchers and other health care leaders, the AdventHealth Scientific Committee regularly reviews the latest vaccine data and findings from state and local authorities and the scientific community as a whole. Our goal is to distill this information into easily-understandable updates that ease your mind — all with your health and safety as our top priority.
Is the Coronavirus Vaccine is Safe for You?
Dr. Vincent Hsu and Dr. Steven Smith answer some of the most frequently asked questions about the vaccine including safety, efficacy and prioritization.
Coronavirus Vaccine Frequently Asked Questions
- Who can receive the vaccine?
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The first round of available vaccines are being distributed according to the CDC’s recommendations. This means they will first given to health care workers and first responders, who are at the highest risk for exposure to the virus.
- I want to receive the vaccine. Is there a waitlist I can sign up for?
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While we do not have a waitlist, we hope to provide vaccines to the general public in the near future and encourage you to sign up for email updates about this at www.CoronavirusVaccineAlerts.com. We know the community is eager to be vaccinated, and we ask for continued patience as supplies become available from the state.
- Is the vaccine 100% effective? Am I guaranteed I won’t get COVID-19 if I have the vaccine?
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While the approved COVID-19 vaccines have been determined to be effective by federal guidelines, there's no way to guarantee someone will not contract the virus. Just like it's not guaranteed you won't get the flu after receiving the flu shot, the same is true for the COVID-19 vaccine.
Those who have already had COVID-19 may not have long lasting immunity from the virus and therefore should receive the vaccine. However, we encourage speaking with your physician, as he or she can provide you with a personalized recommendation.
- How is the vaccine given?
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Most COVID-19 vaccines require two shots but one particular vaccination will require one shot. We recommend reaching out directly to your provider as he/she will be able to provide you with more information about when vaccines will be available in your area and which vaccine will be available to you.
- Is the vaccine safe? What if I’m immunocompromised, have a chronic condition, am pregnant or breastfeeding:
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The vaccine has been determined to be safe according to federal guidelines and review by our internal Scientific Committee. Vaccine safety is determined based on when a patient experiences a negative effect after receiving the dose. If there are too many or severe effects during the trial, the vaccine is terminated. By the time a vaccine reaches consumers, the risk of a negative outcome is very low.
There's only a small amount of experience in the clinical trials of the vaccines regarding its use in pregnant or nursing mothers. However, the American Society of Obstetrics and Gynecology has endorsed use of the vaccine in these situations. If you have questions, we recommend contacting your provider directly so he/she can better answer this question based on your medical history.
- I heard there’s different kinds of vaccines – how do I know which one to get? Which one is best? Safest?
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You're right that there are multiple COVID-19 vaccines. While efficacy varies slightly, each has been determined to be safe through the testing process. To learn more about which vaccines are available in your area and which might be best for you, we recommend calling your physician. He or she can talk through any questions you may have and provide a personalized recommendation.
- What’s in the vaccine?
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mRNA vaccines are a new type of vaccine that protect against infectious diseases. Because they can be made in a lab using readily available materials, scientists can use a standardized process to develop these vaccines more quickly than with traditional methods.
The vaccine does not use a live virus. Instead, some coronavirus vaccine candidates essentially work by using synthetic mRNA to direct the body to produce a small amount of the spike protein. Once the vaccinated person’s immune system detects this protein, their body begins producing protective antibodies to defend against coronavirus. You can learn more about mRNA vaccines here.
- What are the possible side effects of the vaccine?
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Some people have reported mild side effects after receiving the vaccine like irritation at the injection site, headaches, fever and chills. However, these symptoms usually go away on their own within a week of receiving the vaccine. Learn more about the safety and side effects of the coronavirus vaccine.
- Will I feel sick after the vaccine like some people do after the flu shot?
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Most people do not have serious reactions after receiving the vaccine. Some people, however, experience mild side effects like irritation at the injection site, headache, fever or chills. These side effects are a sign that your body is doing what it's supposed to do, working to build up protection from the virus. The FDA and CDC will continue to monitor the safety of COVID-19 vaccines, to make sure even very rare side effects are identified.
- Can my child/older loved one get the vaccine? Is there an age limit?
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At first, COVID-19 vaccines may not be recommended for children. However, the groups recommended to receive the vaccines could change in the future. We recommend looking out for news from your local Department of Health for a trial that could include children.
- Are there other vaccines I can get that will protect me from COVID-19? Will the flu vaccine prevent COVID-19?
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Right now, there aren't any available vaccines that will completely prevent COVID-19. However, much like the flu shot, the upcoming coronavirus vaccines will help reduce your risk of contracting the virus in the event of exposure.
- I already had COVID-19. Do I still need to get the vaccine?
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Yes, you'll want to get the vaccine since re-infection is possible over time. At this time, experts don’t know how long you could be protected after recovering from COVID-19, and getting the vaccine will help prevent re-infection.
- Will the vaccine protect against new variants of COVID-19?
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Current studies show that the currently authorized vaccines do provide some protection against new variants of COVID-19. However, more studies are underway, and the CDC is closely identifying and monitoring each new variant. Learn more here.
Read the Latest Coronavirus Vaccine News
COVID-19 and Neurological Health: What We’ve Learned
Neurologic complications occur in approximately half of all hospitalized COVID-19 patients. Here’s what we know so far.
What to Know About Coronavirus Vaccines and Their Side Effects
Moderate vaccine side effects like an injection-site reaction are not cause for alarm. Here’s what you should know about coronavirus vaccines.
How Vaccines for Coronavirus Were Made
Learn how new vaccines, including the COVID-19 vaccine, are developed and tested before being distributed to our communities.

Your Coronavirus Mental Health Resources
Your mental health is just as important as your physical well-being, and you deserve to be supported in body, mind and spirit. Whatever support looks like for you, find mental health resources on our Coronavirus Mental Health Resources page.
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As we continue to face the challenge of COVID-19, we’re dedicated to keeping you safe. If you're experiencing symptoms of coronavirus or other illness, schedule an online visit through the AdventHealth app to consult face-to-face, in real time, with a real provider. Your medical professional will ask questions to determine if you need a physician’s order for coronavirus testing, and help you with other medical needs. Remember, to help prevent the spread of the virus, avoid the emergency room at your local hospital except in cases of emergency.
- Schedule appointments
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- Access your (and your family's) health records
