Customized packaging is for anyone that routinely takes oral medications, vitamins, supplements or over-the-counter medications. Taking your medications or supplements as directed is an important step toward a longer, healthier life.

We will package all of your oral pills or capsules that you take routinely in the packets. We can even package prescriptions taken on an odd schedule like every other day or monthly. If you use inhalers, eye drops, creams, ointments or liquids they can be filled at the same time as your packs.

Yes, we can add your daily supplements, vitamins and over-the-counter medications in your packet. The Pharmacist will review to make sure it is safe to take the over-the-counter medications on the same schedule. If not, we will package them to be scheduled apart from a prescription medication for your safety and optimal absorption.

Our Pharmacists are happy to meet with you and consult on the vitamins and supplements that you take or what you should be taking based on your individual needs. We carry professional grade supplements and are able to make recommendations for your customized wellness packaging.

We sort your medications for you saving you time and worry. Sometimes pills look very similar and it is not always easy in a pill box to identify them. Each packet is labeled with the name of the medicine and the description, so you always know what you are taking.

The packs are easy to tear apart and take with you to work, lunch or an outing. No more taking an entire box with you and worrying about it spilling or wrapping up your pills in a tissue in your pocket.

We can fill a new medication in a prescription vial to finish out the rest of the month and add it to the packets for the next month’s fill.

Our staff will call you about a week before your next refill. They will review your current medication list and make sure you do not have any changes. We will call your physician for any refill request and complete any needed prior authorizations. We will then dispense your next box a few days before you complete your doses, so you are never without your medications–giving you peace of mind.

When you pick up your new box you have an opportunity to consult with the Pharmacist about your medication regime. Of course, you may call the pharmacist if you have any questions or concerns.

We will send refill request to your physician or healthcare provider each month prior to your next refill due date. We will let you know if we are unable to get a new refill of a medication.

It is important that you keep all appointments with your healthcare providers so that they are able to refill your prescriptions.

Customized packaging is for anyone that routinely takes oral medications, vitamins, supplements or over-the-counter medications. Taking your medications or supplements as directed is an important step toward a longer, healthier life.

We will package all of your oral pills or capsules that you take routinely in the packets. We can even package prescriptions taken on an odd schedule like every other day or monthly. If you use inhalers, eye drops, creams, ointments or liquids they can be filled at the same time as your packs.

Yes, we can add your daily supplements, vitamins and over-the-counter medications in your packet. The Pharmacist will review to make sure it is safe to take the over-the-counter medications on the same schedule. If not, we will package them to be scheduled apart from a prescription medication for your safety and optimal absorption.

Our Pharmacists are happy to meet with you and consult on the vitamins and supplements that you take or what you should be taking based on your individual needs. We carry professional grade supplements and are able to make recommendations for your customized wellness packaging.

We sort your medications for you saving you time and worry. Sometimes pills look very similar and it is not always easy in a pill box to identify them. Each packet is labeled with the name of the medicine and the description, so you always know what you are taking.

The packs are easy to tear apart and take with you to work, lunch or an outing. No more taking an entire box with you and worrying about it spilling or wrapping up your pills in a tissue in your pocket.

We can fill a new medication in a prescription vial to finish out the rest of the month and add it to the packets for the next month’s fill.

Our staff will call you about a week before your next refill. They will review your current medication list and make sure you do not have any changes. We will call your physician for any refill request and complete any needed prior authorizations. We will then dispense your next box a few days before you complete your doses, so you are never without your medications–giving you peace of mind.

When you pick up your new box you have an opportunity to consult with the Pharmacist about your medication regime. Of course, you may call the pharmacist if you have any questions or concerns.

We will send refill request to your physician or healthcare provider each month prior to your next refill due date. We will let you know if we are unable to get a new refill of a medication.

It is important that you keep all appointments with your healthcare providers so that they are able to refill your prescriptions.

No. Hemp is completely different from marijuana in its function, cultivation and application. Marijuana, as it is widely known, is used for medicinal or recreational purposes. Hemp is used in a variety of other applications that marijuana couldn’t possibly be used in. These include healthy dietary supplements, skin products, clothing and accessories.

Marijuana contains many chemical compounds that create the different characteristics of the plant. Terpenes provide flavors and aromas, while chlorophyll in the leaves makes the plant green – but the most important chemicals in marijuana are the cannabinoids.

On December 20, 2018 President Donald J. Trump signed into law the 2018 Agricultural Improvement Act, otherwise known as the 2018 farm bill. This act contained language specifically inserted by Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (KY) that completely legalized industrial hemp and ended nearly 80 years of prohibition on the plant. Hemp is now completely exempt from the definition of the controlled substance act (CSA).

Furthermore, the 2018 farm bill clarified the definition of hemp — often limited to fiber and seed — to include the entire plant, specifically the floral parts and cannabinoids derived from it. This put into motion the legal framework for the already burgeoning marketplace for hemp and CBD extracts.

The 2018 farm bill also opened up the ability for tribal lands to grow hemp and made provisions for USDA crop insurance and grants.

Cannabinoids are the chemicals that give the cannabis plant its medical and recreational properties. Among the 113 cannabinoids produced, THC and CBD are the most prevalent and the most well-understood. Most strains of marijuana sold today are cultivated with higher levels of THC.

THC is known for its psychoactive properties and is the reason you feel “high” after ingesting marijuana.

CBD is a non-psychoactive cannabinoid and actually works to counteract the high. CBD also has numerous benefits, such as anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective properties.

Whether produced by the body or in a plant, these naturally-occurring compounds all interact with the endocannabinoid system

The endocannabinoid system refers to a collection of cell receptors and corresponding molecules. You can think of cell receptors like little locks on the surface of your cells. The keys to these locks are called endocannabinoids. Each time an endocannabinoid binds to a cell it relays a message, giving your cell-specific direction.

Certain receptors are more concentrated in specific regions. CB1 receptors are abundant in the central nervous system. CB2 receptors are more often found on immune cells, in the gastrointestinal tract and in the peripheral nervous system. The diversity of receptor locations shows just how important endocannabinoids are for day-to-day bodily function. Each time an endocannabinoid binds to a cell, it relays a message, giving your cell specific direction.

The ECS helps to maintain optimal balance in the body – known as homeostasis. It also helps regulate sleep, appetite, digestion, hunger, mood, motor control, immune function, reproduction and fertility. pleasure and reward, pain, memory and temperature regulation.

When the ECS is disrupted, any one of these things can fall out of balance. When the body does not produce enough endocannabinoids or cannot regulate them properly, you are more susceptible to illnesses that affect one or several of the functions mentioned above.

The endocannabinoid system is extremely complex and plays important roles in many vital processes, and it holds promise as a treatment target for many debilitating conditions.

Cannabinoids, terpenes and other chemical compounds found in cannabis achieve limited success when working in isolation or as individual components. Research suggests that when these individual components of the cannabis plant support one another, therapeutic benefits are magnified. Together, they produce an effect that is greater than the sum of their parts. This phenomenon is known as the “entourage effect.” The entourage effect supports the idea that whole plant medicine is superior to pure extracts.

No. While there are at least 113 known cannabinoids produced by the hemp plant, cannabis is identified by its two active ingredients: THC and CBD. THC is the only molecule in the cannabis family with a psychoactive component. It’s the only one that will get you “high.” CBD, even at extremely high doses, will not make you feel “high.”

There are hundreds of other cannabinoids, terpenes and phytonutrients present in the cannabis plant that are beneficial to overall health and wellness; unfortunately, they are improperly associated with the properties of one molecule, THC.

Section 7606 of the Farm Bill defines industrial hemp as cannabis plants with <0.3% THC. Our products contain a full spectrum of cannabinoids, including THC and CBD. To maintain compliance with all laws, our products are rigorously tested to ensure a level of <0.3% THC.

Cannabinoids, and CBD specifically, are frequently used to improve sleep quality.

Cannabinoids modulate the endocannabinoid system in the body, a system that regulates multiple homeostasis activities, including balancing the sleep/wake cycle. Cannabinoids’ mechanisms to improve sleep duration and quality vary and include activity on TRP channels and CB1 receptors. only some While CBD is not a hypnotic-like other sleep medications that come with risks of side effects or dependency, CBD may help achieve sleep through its anxiolytic (anti-anxiety), anti-inflammatory, and pain-relieving mechanisms.

Multiple human studies have demonstrated CBD’s effects on improved sleep across various populations and clinical conditions.

A 1981 landmark review in the Journal of Clinical Pharmacology concluded that those suffering from insomnia reported slept significantly more with cannabidiol than compared to placebo.

More recently, a 2017 systematic review published in the journal of Current Psychiatry Reports in concluded, “Preliminary research into cannabis and insomnia suggests that cannabidiol (CBD) may have therapeutic potential for the treatment of insomnia.” And “CBD may hold promise for REM sleep behavior disorder and excessive daytime sleepiness, while nabilone may reduce nightmares associated with PTSD and may improve sleep among patients with chronic pain.”

Additional research supports CBD’s potential to manage sleep disturbances. A large case series from 2019 concluded that CBD decreased anxiety scores and improved sleep scores in 72 participants. Furthermore, CBD may even improve REM sleep specifically in those with PTSD, as reported in a peer-reviewed 2016 case report.

Interestingly, while research supports CBD’s potential in improving sleep disturbances, it is unlikely to interfere with healthy sleep. One placebo controlled study demonstrated that CBD will not disrupt the sleep/wake cycle in those without sleep complaints.

There are no human trials on CBD’s safety in pregnancy and breastfeeding. We, therefore, cannot guarantee safety or recommend use in this population. We recommend consulting with your healthcare provider if you are interested in using CBD products while pregnant and/or breastfeeding.

Gather round people and let’s talk CBD and drug testing. So, you’ve made your way here asking yourself the magic question, “Will CBD Oil Show Up in a Drug Test?” It’s a legitimate concern. One survey showed that 57% of all employers require drug tests, while a mere 29% said they never used them. That’s the majority of workplaces! And they aren’t the only ones who test, nor are they simply performed as a routine hiring practice. Employers might also issue drug tests at random to enforce compliance in accordance with company policies, or require them when someone is injured in the workplace to be compliant with local, state, and federal regulations. There are lots of additional situations where a drug test might be required, for sports athletes, parole requirements and substance abuse programs to name a few. There’s a lot of factors at play here and the simple answer is kind of well – complicated. It’s a solid- yes, no, maybe situation and for a variety of reasons; from compound to the individual to dosage, to the test itself.

First, isolated CBD, also known as Cannabidiol, generally will not show up in a drug test. That’s mainly because drug tests are not looking for all cannabinoids; they’re looking for one specific cannabinoid. However, a full spectrum product will contain array of other cannabinoids (such as CBG, CBN, CBC, THCV, etc), which may show positive on a drug test. Currently we don’t know what other cannabinoids may trigger a drug test. It’s confusing right out of the gate, right? Let’s simplify by breaking down the facts to learn if your CBD Oil will show up in a drug test.

First, let’s consider full-spectrum products. All of Ananda’s products are derived from hemp, which means they have a naturally low level of THC: less than 0.3%. This also means they are perfectly permissible under federal law and, thanks to the 2018 Farm Bill, the cannabinoids in these products are permanently removed from the Controlled Substances Act. Due to the low level of THC, these products are not considered intoxicating. They won’t get anyone high.

Although unlikely, it is possible that someone could fail a drug screen when using these products. Drug tests look for elevated levels of the intoxicating molecule, THC. The drug test identifies if a THC level is above a particular threshold. If so, it’s considered positive. Theoretically, you could use enough hemp extract and therefore consume enough THC to truly surpass that threshold and trigger a true positive…but it would be pretty difficult. And expensive. (I’ve never observed it, but it’s certainly possible.)

And no, there is no “magic dose” of CBD oil / hemp extract that you can use and ensure you stay below the THC threshold in a drug screen. Metabolism of THC is highly individualized and depends on many variables, including body composition, activity level, dose, duration of use, etc.

However! What’s more likely is that hemp extract triggered a false-positive. This is because the most commonly used drug tests, urine and saliva immunoassay tests, are so common because they are quick, cheap, and easy. But unfortunately, they aren’t very specific. That means they can confuse one molecule for another, especially when they look alike. This can happen with CBD and THC, which would trigger a FALSE positive.

If you get a positive result on a urine or saliva drug screen, ask for a more specific confirmation test, such as a blood test or a hair test. These are more expensive tests, but they are much more accurate. If using a THC-free product, these will show a true negative 100% of the time. If you are using a full-spectrum product with small amounts of THC, these tests will either show a 100% true negative or a small level of THC. This quantification of THC will help differentiate between use of a hemp product vs. use of a marijuana product.

AS OF FEBRUARY 2019, A CONFIRMATION TEST HAS SHOWED A 100% TRUE NEGATIVE IN EVERY CASE AT ANANDA WHEN SOMEONE HAS ASKED THEM FOR HELP WITH THEIR ORIGINAL PRODUCTS. BUT PLEASE KNOW IT IS POSSIBLE THAT THIS WON’T BE THE RESULT FOR EVERYONE. THC IS A CLINGY MOLECULE AND CAN BUILD UP IN YOUR SYSTEM OVER TIME. ANANDA WILL PUBLISH UPDATES ON THIS IF ANYTHING CHANGES AND AS MORE RESEARCH BECOMES AVAILABLE.

Again, everyone’s metabolism is different and medicines, liver, and kidney function all play roles in a positive or negative result. What kind of drug test is being administered is another factor. And dosage is yet another component in this risk assessment.

We can guarantee that Ananda’s THC free products are 100% THC-free. This is reflected in the certificate of analysis, which is completed by an objective, third party-lab and made available on our website, confirming all traces of THC have been eliminated. These THC-free products from Ananda could be considered “broad spectrum,” as they still include other cannabinoids and terpenes to maximize benefits. They don’t make CBD isolate products at Ananda, because science supports the benefit of the entourage effect, but the same goes for isolate CBD and drug tests.

STILL, THERE IS POTENTIAL FOR THE CBD IN THC-FREE PRODUCTS TO TRIGGER A FALSE POSITIVE ON AN IMMUNOASSAY URINE DRUG SCREEN, AS DESCRIBED ABOVE.

This is possible with any CBD product, even if it is CBD isolate. Their have been companies making guarantees that users will not fail a drug test, and that’s concerning because it’s not the whole truth. You CAN fail a drug test even when the THC is eliminated, because false positives happen with the most common tests. You just can’t get a TRUE positive. But you may need to ask for – and pay for (usually about $100)– a confirmation test to demonstrate that true positive.

We know this is frustrating and maybe not what you’ve heard elsewhere, but we are committed to honesty and transparency. No one can guarantee false positives won’t occur. We do not want to jeopardize your employment agreement or livelihood, contract with a pain specialist, commitment to sobriety testing, etc.

Stick to the THC-free line if you absolutely cannot risk failing a drug test. And even then, know that you may need to ask for a confirmation test if the urine or saliva tests shows a false positive. We recommend letting your employer, medical provider, or whoever is administering a drug screen know this ahead of time – just in case it becomes an issue. That way, you can assess if they are willing to follow these steps for a confirmation test, if needed. And who knows, maybe they will even cover the cost for the second test. On the other hand, they may say absolutely not – failing an immunoassay test is the end of the road. And then it’s your choice to decide whether or not using hemp-derived CBD products is worth that risk.

Ananda products do contain less than .3% THC and an array of other rare cannabinoids. Because of this, we CANNOT guarantee a negative drug test. If you are worried about passing a drug test for your employee or other reason, we do not recommend taking their products, as there is a chance you will test positive. If you have any questions, please send us an email to Valmed@valmed-hhs.com.

Yes. Due to the severe health risks associated with COVID-19 and the fact that reinfection with COVID-19 is possible, you should be vaccinated regardless of whether you already had COVID-19 infection. If you were treated for COVID-19 symptoms with monoclonal antibodies or convalescent plasma, you should wait 90 days before getting a COVID-19 vaccine. Talk to your doctor if you are unsure what treatments you received or if you have more questions about getting a COVID-19 vaccine.

Experts do not yet know how long someone is protected from getting sick again after recovering from COVID-19. The immunity someone gains from having an infection, called “natural immunity,” varies from person to person. It is rare for someone who has had COVID-19 to get infected again. It also is uncommon for people who do get COVID-19 again to get it within 90 days of when they recovered from their first infection. We won’t know how long immunity produced by vaccination lasts until we have more data on how well the vaccines work.

Both natural immunity and vaccine-induced immunity are important aspects of COVID-19 that experts are working to learn more about, and CDC will keep the public informed as new evidence becomes available.

The protection someone gains from having an infection (called “natural immunity”) varies depending on the disease, and it varies from person to person. Because this virus is new, we don’t know how long natural immunity might last. Current evidence suggests that getting the virus again (reinfection) is uncommon in the 90 days after the first infection with the virus that causes COVID-19.

We won’t know how long immunity lasts after vaccination until we have more data on how well COVID-19 vaccines work in real-world conditions.

Experts are working to learn more about both natural immunity and vaccine-induced immunity. CDC will keep the public informed as new evidence becomes available.

Experts do not yet know what percentage of people would need to get vaccinated to achieve herd immunity to COVID-19. Herd immunity means that enough people in a community are protected from getting a disease because they’ve already had the disease or they’ve been vaccinated. Herd immunity makes it hard for the disease to spread from person to person, and it even protects those who cannot be vaccinated, like newborns. The percentage of people who need to have protection in order to achieve herd immunity varies by disease. CDC and other experts are studying herd immunity and will provide more information as it is available.

We are offering Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine.

The FDA has authorized the emergency use of the Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine to prevent COVID-19 in individuals 18 years of age and older under an Emergency Use Authorization (EUA).

The Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine contains the following ingredients: messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA), lipids (SM-102, polyethylene glycol [PEG] 2000 dimyristoyl glycerol [DMG], cholesterol, and 1,2-distearoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine [DSPC]), tromethamine, tromethamine hydrochloride, acetic acid, sodium acetate, and sucrose.

There is no cost to be vaccinated against COVID-19. Those with insurance should bring their prescriptions insurance information with them for billing of the administration fee. Those without insurance will need to provide their driver’s license.

No. None of the authorized and recommended COVID-19 vaccines or COVID-19 vaccines currently in development in the United States contain the live virus that causes COVID-19. This means that a COVID-19 vaccine cannot make you sick with COVID-19.

There are several different types of vaccines in development. All of them teach our immune systems how to recognize and fight the virus that causes COVID-19. Sometimes this process can cause symptoms, such as fever. These symptoms are normal and are a sign that the body is building protection against the virus that causes COVID-19. Learn more about how COVID-19 vaccines work.

It typically takes a few weeks for the body to build immunity (protection against the virus that causes COVID-19) after vaccination. That means it’s possible a person could be infected with the virus that causes COVID-19 just before or just after vaccination and still get sick. This is because the vaccine has not had enough time to provide protection.

Yes. Due to the severe health risks associated with COVID-19 and the fact that reinfection with COVID-19 is possible, you should be vaccinated regardless of whether you already had COVID-19 infection. If you were treated for COVID-19 symptoms with monoclonal antibodies or convalescent plasma, you should wait 90 days before getting a COVID-19 vaccine. Talk to your doctor if you are unsure what treatments you received or if you have more questions about getting a COVID-19 vaccine.

Experts do not yet know how long someone is protected from getting sick again after recovering from COVID-19. The immunity someone gains from having an infection, called “natural immunity,” varies from person to person. It is rare for someone who has had COVID-19 to get infected again. It also is uncommon for people who do get COVID-19 again to get it within 90 days of when they recovered from their first infection. We won’t know how long immunity produced by vaccination lasts until we have more data on how well the vaccines work.

Both natural immunity and vaccine-induced immunity are important aspects of COVID-19 that experts are working to learn more about, and CDC will keep the public informed as new evidence becomes available.

Yes. COVID-19 vaccination works by teaching your immune system how to recognize and fight the virus that causes COVID-19, and this protects you from getting sick with COVID-19.

Being protected from getting sick is important because even though many people with COVID-19 have only a mild illness, others may get a severe illness, have long-term health effects, or even die. There is no way to know how COVID-19 will affect you, even if you don’t have an increased risk of developing severe complications. Learn more about how COVID-19 vaccines work.

Different types of vaccines work in different ways to offer protection. But every type of vaccine works by teaching our bodies how to make cells that trigger an immune response. That immune response, which produces antibodies, is what protects us from getting infected if the real virus enters our bodies.

Currently, there are three main types of COVID-19 vaccines that are or soon will be undergoing large-scale (Phase 3) clinical trials in the United States:

• mRNA vaccines

• Protein subunit vaccines

• Vector vaccines

COVID-19 vaccines do not use the live virus and cannot give you COVID-19. The vaccine does not alter your DNA. COVID-19 vaccination will help protect you by creating an immune response without having to experience sickness.

Learn more about how COVID-19 vaccines work on the Understanding How COVID-19 Vaccines Work section of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website.

The currently authorized vaccines to prevent COVID-19 in the United States require 2 shots to get the most protection:

• Pfizer-BioNTech doses should be given 3 weeks (21 days) apart

• Moderna doses should be given 1 month (28 days) apart

You should get your second shot as close to the recommended 3-week or 1-month interval as possible. However, there is no maximum interval between the first and second doses for either vaccine. You should not get the second dose earlier than the recommended interval.

Additional COVID-19 vaccines are in Phase 3 clinical trials. Learn more about the different COVID-19 vaccines.

Experts are still learning about what percentage of Texans would need to be vaccinated to achieve herd immunity. This term describes when enough people have protection, either from a previous infection or from vaccination, that it is unlikely a virus or bacteria can spread between people in a community and cause disease. The percentage needed to reach herd immunity varies by disease. CDC and DSHS will keep the public informed as more information becomes available.

Yes. Not enough information is currently available to say if or when CDC will stop recommending that people wear masks and avoid close contact with others to help prevent the spread of the virus that causes COVID-19.

Experts need to understand more about the protection that COVID-19 vaccines provide in real-world conditions before making that decision. Other factors, including how many people get vaccinated and how the virus is spreading in communities, will also affect this decision. We also don’t yet know whether getting a COVID-19 vaccine will prevent you from spreading the virus that causes COVID-19 to other people, even if you don’t get sick yourself. CDC will continue to update this page as we learn more.

While experts learn more about the protection that COVID-19 vaccines provide under real-life conditions, it will be important for everyone to continue using all the tools available to help stop this pandemic.

To protect yourself and others, follow these recommendations:

• Wear a mask over your nose and mouth

• Stay at least 6 feet away from others

• Avoid crowds

• Avoid poorly ventilated spaces

• Wash your hands often

Together, COVID-19 vaccination and following CDC’s recommendations for how to protect yourself and others will offer the best protection from getting and spreading COVID-19.

The protection someone gains from having an infection (called “natural immunity”) varies depending on the disease, and it varies from person to person. Because this virus is new, we don’t know how long natural immunity might last. Current evidence suggests that getting the virus again (reinfection) is uncommon in the 90 days after the first infection with the virus that causes COVID-19.

We won’t know how long immunity lasts after vaccination until we have more data on how well COVID-19 vaccines work in real-world conditions.

Experts are working to learn more about both natural immunity and vaccine-induced immunity. CDC will keep the public informed as new evidence becomes available.

Different vaccines are proving to have different efficacy rates. Some manufacturers are reporting 90% to 95% protection at 1–2 weeks after receiving the final dose. At this time, experts do not know how long protection will last or whether a booster shot will be necessary later, after the initial recommended vaccine dose(s). CDC and DSHS will keep the public informed as they learn more.

Wait at least 14 days before getting any other vaccine, including a flu or shingles vaccine, if you get your COVID-19 vaccine first,. And if you get another vaccine first, wait at least 14 days before getting your COVID-19 vaccine.

If a COVID-19 vaccine is inadvertently given within 14 days of another vaccine, you do not need to restart the COVID-19 vaccine series; you should still complete the series on schedule. When more data are available on the safety and effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccines administered simultaneously with other vaccines, CDC may update this recommendation. this recommendation may be updated.

No. Neither the recently authorized and recommended vaccines nor the other COVID-19 vaccines currently in clinical trials in the United States can cause you to test positive on viral tests, which are used to see if you have a current infection.​

If your body develops an immune response—the goal of vaccination—there is a possibility you may test positive on some antibody tests. Antibody tests indicate you had a previous infection and that you may have some level of protection against the virus. Experts are currently looking at how COVID-19 vaccination may affect antibody testing results.

COVID-19 vaccines are associated with a number of side effects, but almost all of them are mild. They include pain and redness at the injection site, fatigue, headache, body aches and even fever.

Having symptoms like fever after you get a vaccine is normal and a sign your immune system is building protection against the virus. The side effects from COVID-19 vaccination may feel like flu, but they should go away in a few days.

If you get the vaccine and experience severe side effects or ones that do not go away in a couple of days, contact your healthcare provider for further instructions on how to take care of yourself.

You can register and use the new V-safe After Vaccination Health Checker to receive health check-ins after you receive a COVID-19 vaccination, as well as reminders to get your second dose if you need one.

To learn what side effects to expect and get helpful tips on how to reduce pain and discomfort after your vaccination, visit the What to Expect after Getting a COVID-19 Vaccine section of the CDC website

You will need to check with your healthcare provider about whether your medication will interfere with being vaccinated.

No. COVID-19 mRNA vaccines do not change or interact with your DNA in any way.

Messenger RNA vaccines—also called mRNA vaccines—are the first COVID-19 vaccines authorized for use in the United States. mRNA vaccines teach our cells how to make a protein that triggers an immune response. The mRNA from a COVID-19 vaccine never enters the nucleus of the cell, which is where our DNA is kept. This means the mRNA cannot affect or interact with our DNA in any way. Instead, COVID-19 mRNA vaccines work with the body’s natural defenses to safely develop immunity to disease. Learn more about how COVID-19 mRNA vaccines work. ​

At the end of the process, our bodies have learned how to protect against future infection. That immune response and making antibodies is what protects us from getting infected if the real virus enters our bodies.

Yes. People who want to get pregnant in the future may receive the COVID-19 vaccine.

Based on current knowledge, experts believe that COVID-19 vaccines are unlikely to pose a risk to a person trying to become pregnant in the short or long term. Scientists study every vaccine carefully for side effects immediately and for years afterward. The COVID-19 vaccines are being studied carefully now and will continue to be studied for many years, similar to other vaccines.

The COVID-19 vaccine, like other vaccines, works by training our bodies to develop antibodies to fight against the virus that causes COVID-19, to prevent future illness. There is currently no evidence that antibodies formed from COVID-19 vaccination cause any problems with pregnancy, including the development of the placenta. In addition, there is no evidence suggesting that fertility problems are a side effect of ANY vaccine. People who are trying to become pregnant now or who plan to try in the future may receive the COVID-19 vaccine when it becomes available to them.

At this time, experts do not know how safe the COVID-19 vaccine is for children. People 16 years old and older are currently eligible to get the vaccine if they are in a priority population.

At this time, experts do not know how safe the COVID-19 vaccine is for people who are pregnant. Data from studies are limited. But experts believe COVID-19 vaccines are unlikely to pose a risk to people who are pregnant. If you are pregnant and are eligible to get the vaccine, you may choose to get vaccinated. Discuss your options and any concerns with your healthcare provider.

For more information about COVID-19 vaccines and pregnancy, visit the Vaccination Considerations for People who are Pregnant or Breastfeeding section of the CDC website.

Yes. Due to the severe health risks associated with COVID-19 and the fact that reinfection with COVID-19 is possible, you should be vaccinated regardless of whether you already had COVID-19 infection. If you were treated for COVID-19 symptoms with monoclonal antibodies or convalescent plasma, you should wait 90 days before getting a COVID-19 vaccine. Talk to your doctor if you are unsure what treatments you received or if you have more questions about getting a COVID-19 vaccine.

Experts do not yet know how long someone is protected from getting sick again after recovering from COVID-19. The immunity someone gains from having an infection, called “natural immunity,” varies from person to person. It is rare for someone who has had COVID-19 to get infected again. It also is uncommon for people who do get COVID-19 again to get it within 90 days of when they recovered from their first infection. We won’t know how long immunity produced by vaccination lasts until we have more data on how well the vaccines work.

Both natural immunity and vaccine-induced immunity are important aspects of COVID-19 that experts are working to learn more about, and CDC will keep the public informed as new evidence becomes available.

The protection someone gains from having an infection (called “natural immunity”) varies depending on the disease, and it varies from person to person. Because this virus is new, we don’t know how long natural immunity might last. Current evidence suggests that getting the virus again (reinfection) is uncommon in the 90 days after the first infection with the virus that causes COVID-19.

We won’t know how long immunity lasts after vaccination until we have more data on how well COVID-19 vaccines work in real-world conditions.

Experts are working to learn more about both natural immunity and vaccine-induced immunity. CDC will keep the public informed as new evidence becomes available.

Experts do not yet know what percentage of people would need to get vaccinated to achieve herd immunity to COVID-19. Herd immunity means that enough people in a community are protected from getting a disease because they’ve already had the disease or they’ve been vaccinated. Herd immunity makes it hard for the disease to spread from person to person, and it even protects those who cannot be vaccinated, like newborns. The percentage of people who need to have protection in order to achieve herd immunity varies by disease. CDC and other experts are studying herd immunity and will provide more information as it is available.

We are offering Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine.

The FDA has authorized the emergency use of the Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine to prevent COVID-19 in individuals 18 years of age and older under an Emergency Use Authorization (EUA).

The Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine contains the following ingredients: messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA), lipids (SM-102, polyethylene glycol [PEG] 2000 dimyristoyl glycerol [DMG], cholesterol, and 1,2-distearoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine [DSPC]), tromethamine, tromethamine hydrochloride, acetic acid, sodium acetate, and sucrose.

There is no cost to be vaccinated against COVID-19. Those with insurance should bring their prescriptions insurance information with them for billing of the administration fee. Those without insurance will need to provide their driver’s license.

• People who have symptoms of COVID-19.

• People who have had close contact (within 6 feet for a total of 15 minutes or more) with someone with confirmed COVID-19.

• People who have taken part in activities that put them at higher risk for COVID-19 because they cannot socially distance as needed, such as travel, attending large social or mass gatherings, or being in crowded indoor settings.

• People who have been asked or referred to get testing by their healthcare provider, localexternal icon or state ​health department.

If you are testing after an exposure to an individual who is COVID-19 positive that you've had close contact with, it is best practice to wait 2-5 days prior to testing.

Not everyone needs to be tested. If you do get tested, you should self-quarantine/isolate at home pending test results and follow the advice of your health care provider or a public health professional.

COVID-19 Rapid Antigen Test (Nasal Swab) by BD Veritor:

• It's a rapid test (15-minute results) performed with a nasal swab to detect if you are actively infected with Covid-19. Test results are provided by our Pharamcy using the new BD Veritor analyzer, which is FDA Emergency Use Authorization approved.

Covid-19 PCR Test (Nasopharyngeal Swab):

• It's a nasopharyngeal swab test performed to detect if you are actively infected with Covid-19. Test results are provided by an external lab within 24-72 hours.

• Some employers may require you to have a PCR test so check with your current employer to determine which test they require you to have.

Yes, we do not accept walk-ins.

The BD Veritor System for Rapid Detection of SARSCoV-2 is a type of rapid test called an antigen test. Antigen tests are designed to detect proteins from the virus that causes COVID-19 in nasal swabs.

The United States FDA has made this test available under an emergency access mechanism called an Emergency Use Authorization (EUA).

There are different kinds of diagnostic tests for COVID19. PCR tests are the most common type of molecular test to detect genetic material from the virus. Antigen tests detect proteins from the virus. Antigen tests are very specific for the virus, but are not as sensitive as PCR tests. This means that a positive result is highly accurate, but a negative result does not rule out infection.

If your test result is negative, you should discuss with your healthcare provider whether an additional PCR test would help with your care, and when you should discontinue home isolation. If you will not have an additional test to determine if you are contagious, the CDC currently recommends that you should stay home until three things have happened:

You have had no fever for at least 24 hours without the use of medicine that reduces fevers

AND

• Other symptoms have improved

AND

• At least 10 days have passed since your symptoms first appeared.

For up to date guidance on home isolation after you had or likely had COVID-19, please consult: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/if-you-aresick/end-home-isolation.html

For more information, the CDC has provided guidelines on how to prevent the spread of COVID-19 if you are sick: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/if-youare-sick/steps-when-sick.html.

Potential risks include:

• Possible discomfort or other complications that can happen during sample collection.

• Possible incorrect test result (see below for more information).

Potential benefits include:

• The results, along with other information, can help your healthcare provider make informed recommendations about your care.

• The results of this test may help limit the spread of COVID-19 to your family and others in your community.

COVID-19 Rapid Antigen Test (Nasal Swab) by BD Veritor:

• Your test results will be available within 15 minutes. You will have the option to either wait in your vehicle for your results, or recieve a call back within 90 minutes after you've tested.

Covid-19 PCR Test (Nasal Swab):

• Your test results will be available within 24 - 72 hours. You will receive a call back with your results as soon as they are avaiable.

If you have a positive test result, it is very likely that you have COVID-19. Therefore, it is also likely that you may be placed in isolation to avoid spreading the virus to others. There is a very small chance that this test can give a positive result that is wrong (a false positive result). Your healthcare provider will work with you to determine how best to care for you based on your test result(s) along with your medical history, and your symptoms.

CDC Recomends:

• STAY HOME: Most people with COVID-19 have mild illness and can recover at home without medical care. Do not leave your home, except to get medical care. Do not visit public areas.

• Separate yourself from other people. As much as possible, stay in a specific room and away from other people and pets in your home.

• Take care of yourself. Get rest and stay hydrated. Take over-the-counter medicines, such as acetaminophen, to help you feel better.

• Stay in touch with your doctor. Call before you get medical care. Be sure to get care if you have trouble breathing, or have any other emergency warning signs, or if you think it is an emergency.

Look for emergency warning signs* for COVID-19. If someone is showing any of these signs, seek emergency medical care immediately:

• Trouble breathing

• Persistent pain or pressure in the chest

• New confusion

• Inability to wake or stay awake

• Bluish lips or face

*This list is not all possible symptoms. Please call your medical provider for any other symptoms that are severe or concerning to you.

Call 911 or call ahead to your local emergency facility: Notify the operator that you are seeking care for someone who has or may have COVID-19.

A negative test result means that proteins from the virus that causes COVID-19 were not found in your sample. It is possible for this test to give a negative result that is incorrect (false negative) in some people with COVID-19. This means that you could possibly still have COVID-19 even though the test is negative.

If you have symptoms and there is still concern that you may have COVID-19 after a negative antigen test, then you could be tested again with a PCR test. A PCR test is a nasal swab test to rule out COVID-19 infection. Your PCR test results will be sent to a lab for review.

If you chose not to get a PCR test, then the CDC reccomends you should not be around other until:

• You've quarentined for 10 days since symptoms first appeared and

• You haven't had a fever within 24 hours (without the use of fever-reducing medications) and

• Other symptoms of COVID-19 are improving*

For up to date guidance on home isolation after you had or likely had COVID-19, please consult: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/if-you-aresick/end-home-isolation.html

For more information, the CDC has provided guidelines on how to prevent the spread of COVID-19 if you are sick: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/if-youare-sick/steps-when-sick.html.

A negative PCR test means you were probably not infected at the time your sample was collected. However, it doesn’t mean you won’t get sick – it only means that you didn’t have COVID-19 at the time of testing. It is possible that you were very early in your infection when your sample was collected and that you could test positive later. Or you could be exposed later and then develop the illness. In other words, a negative test result does not rule out getting sick later.

If you continue to have no symptoms, you can be with others after 10 days have passed since you had a positive viral test for COVID-19. Most people do not require testing to decide when they can be around others; however, if your healthcare provider recommends testing, they will let you know when you can resume being around others based on your test results.

If you develop symptoms after testing positive, follow the CDC guidance here for https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/if-you-are-sick/end-home-isolation.html

Covid-19 Rapid Antigen Test - $98 self pay

Covid-19 PCR Test - $128 self pay

We only accept self pay for this test, but we'll provide you with a reciept and the proper billing codes so you can turn it into your insurance provider for reimbursement.

Please keep in mind. In order to qualify for insurance to cover the COVID-19 testing, you must qualify for at LEAST 1 of the following symptoms:

• Fever, chills

• Muscle pain

• Headache

• Sore throat

• New loss of taste or smell

• Dry cough

• Shortness of breath.

• Congestion or runny nose.

• Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea.

• New rash on toes or feet

This test may be used for admission to certain states and cities who are restricting travel for citizens from Texas (check with officials at your destination location to confirm).

State, local, and territorial governments may have travel restrictions in place, including testing requirements, stay-at-home orders, and quarantine requirements upon arrival. For up-to-date information and travel guidance, check the state and local health department where you are, along your route, and where you are going. Prepare to be flexible during your trip as restrictions and policies may change during your travel. Follow all state, local, and territorial travel restrictions.

If traveling by air, check if your airline requires any health information, testing, or other documents. Local policies at your destination may require you to be tested for COVID-19. If you test positive on arrival, you may be required to isolate for a period of time.

If you are a front-line healthcare worker or resident of a long-term care facility, you are eligible now to receive the vaccine as part of Phase 1a.

If you are in Phase 1b, you are also eligible, depending on availability. Vaccine supply remains limited. Phase 1b recipients include:

- People 65 years of age and older

- People 18 years of age and older with at least one chronic medical condition, such as but not limited to:

- Cancer

- Chronic kidney disease

- COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease)

- Heart conditions, such as heart failure, coronary artery disease or cardiomyopathies

- Solid organ transplantation

- Obesity and severe obesity (body mass index of 30 kg/m2 or higher)

- Pregnancy

- Sickle cell disease

- Type 2 diabetes mellitus

Please follow the steps above to schedule an appointment. You must schedule an appointment to recieve the vaccine. We will not accept walk-in patients.

1) Face mask

2) Health insurance card, if you are insured

3) Driver’s license or social security card

4) Health care workers should bring an employer-issued badge or identification card

5) Cell phone

The FAQ title can be adjusted in the settings tab of the App Settings. You can also remove the title by unchecking its checkbox in the settings tab.

If you are a front-line healthcare worker or resident of a long-term care facility, you are eligible now to receive the vaccine as part of Phase 1a.

If you are in Phase 1b, you are also eligible, depending on availability. Vaccine supply remains limited. Phase 1b recipients include:

- People 65 years of age and older

- People 18 years of age and older with at least one chronic medical condition, such as but not limited to:

- Cancer

- Chronic kidney disease

- COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease)

- Heart conditions, such as heart failure, coronary artery disease or cardiomyopathies

- Solid organ transplantation

- Obesity and severe obesity (body mass index of 30 kg/m2 or higher)

- Pregnancy

- Sickle cell disease

- Type 2 diabetes mellitus

Please follow the steps above to schedule an appointment. You must schedule an appointment to recieve the vaccine. We will not accept walk-in patients.

1) Face mask

2) Health insurance card, if you are insured

3) Driver’s license or social security card

4) Health care workers should bring an employer-issued badge or identification card

5) Cell phone

The FAQ title can be adjusted in the settings tab of the App Settings. You can also remove the title by unchecking its checkbox in the settings tab.

Front-line healthcare workers and residents at long-term care facilities (called Phase 1A) plus people over 65 or with a chronic medical condition that puts them at increased risk for severe illness from COVID‑19 (called Phase 1B) are currently eligible to receive the COVID‑19 vaccine.

Phase 1B recipients include:

• People 65 years of age and older

• People 16 years of age and older with at least one chronic medical condition that puts them at increased risk for severe illness from the virus that causes COVID-19, such as but not limited to:

  • Cancer

  • 
    

  • COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease)

  • Down Syndrome

  • Heart conditions, such as heart failure, coronary artery disease or cardiomyopathies

  • Solid organ transplantation

  • Obesity and severe obesity (body mass index of 30 kg/m2 or higher)

  • Pregnancy

  • Sickle cell disease

  • Type 2 diabetes mellitus

From the Texas Department of State Health Services:

If you are in Phase 1A or 1B, you have two options to get the vaccine: you can get vaccinated at a large vaccine hub or a local vaccine provider.

Beginning in January, Texas established large vaccination sites or hubs around the state. The goal of these hubs is to provide more people the vaccine and a simpler way to sign up for an appointment.

Please check the COVID‑19 Vaccination Hub Providers page to find a hub near you and learn how to register. Remember, vaccine supply is still limited in Texas, even though more arrives each week.

Please note:

• Do not show up at a vaccine hub without first signing up or checking the provider’s instructions for scheduling.

• Hub providers may already have long waiting lists or may be no longer accepting appointments for the week.

• Each hub’s registration process is different, so look carefully at the hub’s registration site for details.

  • Depending on the provider, you may be placed on a waiting list and/or may be contacted (phone, email, or text) when vaccines become available.

Another option is to check with a vaccine provider near you. Local vaccine providers, like pharmacies, may have vaccine available. Use the Texas COVID‑19 Vaccine Availability Map to find a provider near you with vaccine available. Check the provider’s website for how to best sign up for a vaccine.

Remember:

• Do not show up at a hospital or clinic looking for vaccine.

• Instead please check their website for information about vaccine availability and/or a wait list.

• Call only if the website doesn’t answer your questions.

Thank you for your patience as Texas receives more vaccine every week.

We are offering Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine.

The FDA has authorized the emergency use of the Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine to prevent COVID-19 in individuals 18 years of age and older under an Emergency Use Authorization (EUA).

The Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine contains the following ingredients: messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA), lipids (SM-102, polyethylene glycol [PEG] 2000 dimyristoyl glycerol [DMG], cholesterol, and 1,2-distearoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine [DSPC]), tromethamine, tromethamine hydrochloride, acetic acid, sodium acetate, and sucrose.

Please fill out our waiting list form above, and we will contact you when it's time to schedule your appointment. An appointment must be scheduled. We will not accept walk-in patients.

1) Face mask

2) Health insurance card, if you are insured

3) Driver’s license or social security card

4) Health care workers should bring an employer-issued badge or identification card

5) Cell phone

We are continuously updating information as it becomes available. If you have filled our waitlist form, we will contact you directly, when it's time to schedule your appointment.

Please be aware that it may be several weeks before you receive a phone call to schedule your appointment.

There is no cost to be vaccinated against COVID-19. Those with insurance should bring their prescriptions insurance information with them for billing of the administration fee. Those without insurance will need to provide their driver’s license.

For all but one of the COVID-19 vaccines currently in development, you will need two shots for full protection. You will need two doses from the same manufacturer, spaced 21 or 28 days apart, depending on the vaccine manufacturer. You will get full protection from the vaccine usually 1–2 weeks after getting your second dose. Get the second shot even if you have side effects from the first shot, unless the vaccination provider or your healthcare provider tells you not to get the shot.

When you get the vaccine, you will receive information about what kind of vaccine you got and when you need to come back for your second dose. You can register and use the new V-safe After Vaccination Health Checker to receive health check-ins after you receive a COVID-19 vaccination, as well as reminders to get your second dose if you need one.

If you choose to get only one dose, the amount of protection you may have is not known.

No, you do not have to get your second dose from the same location as you got the first dose. Providers should receive second doses for those who received their first dose. However, if you need to locate a second dose, be sure it’s from the same manufacturer and after the recommended dose interval. For more information, refer to the vaccination materials you received from your provider when you received your first dose. Those may include a vaccination fact sheet and/or record card.

No, you do not have to start all over. Missing the suggested interval delays full protection. But you can still get the second dose later if you have difficulty getting it within the recommended time. Just don’t get it earlier than recommended.

According to CDC, if you need help scheduling your vaccine appointment for your second shot, contact the location that set up your appointment for assistance. Both COVID-19 mRNA vaccines will need two shots to get the most protection.

The timing between your first and second shot depends on which vaccine you received. You should get your second shot:

• for the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine: 3 weeks (or 21 days) after your first shot;

• for the Moderna vaccine: 1 month (or 28 days) after your first shot.

You should get your second shot as close to the recommended 3-week or 1-month interval as possible. However, there is no maximum interval between the first and second doses for either vaccine. You should not get the second dose earlier than the recommended interval.

For more information, visit the What to Expect after Getting a COVID‑19 Vaccine section of the CDC website.

For information about the Pfizer vaccine, visit the Information about the Pfizer-BioNtech COVID-19 Vaccine section of the CDC website.

For information about the Moderna vaccine, visit the Information about the Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine section of the CDC website.

For the two-dose vaccines, the process of getting fully vaccinated takes over a month in total. You will get full protection from the vaccine usually 1–2 weeks after getting your second dose.

Talk to a healthcare provider to get information specific to your COVID-19 vaccine.

People who currently have COVID-19 should not be vaccinated while being sick.

Talk to your healthcare provider about the timing of your vaccination(s) if you have been sick with COVID-19.

Manufacturing very large quantities of vaccine takes time. The goal is for everyone to be able to easily get a COVID-19 vaccine when large quantities are available for distribution.

CDC and the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices have published recommendations for which groups should be vaccinated first to help guide decisions about how to distribute limited initial supplies of COVID-19 vaccine.

CDC makes recommendations for who should be offered COVID-19 vaccine first, and each state has its own plan to prioritize, distribute, and allocate vaccine. Learn more about how CDC makes vaccine recommendations. As more vaccines are authorized for use in the United States and the supply of vaccines increases, several thousand vaccination locations will be available, such as doctors’ offices, retail pharmacies, hospitals, and federally qualified health centers. Please contact your state health department for more information on its plan for COVID-19 vaccination.

CDC determines how many doses of vaccine Texas will receive each week, based on population. Once the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) is notified of the number of doses expected the following week, DSHS staff presents possibilities for vaccine distribution to the Expert Vaccine Allocation Panel (EVAP). The panel makes modifications and recommendations to the Commissioner of Health, who makes the final decision on that week’s distribution.

Spring 2021 is the best estimate of when vaccine will be available for the general public, but that may change. It depends on vaccine production and how quickly other vaccines become available. The Expert Vaccine Allocation Panel (EVAP) is considering what criteria could be used for later stages of vaccine distribution. This webpage will be updated when those decisions are completed.

In Texas, DSHS distributes the vaccine with the guidance of the EVAP, appointed by the Health Commissioner, Dr. John Hellerstedt.

Spring 2021 is the best estimate of when vaccine will be available for the general public who are not considered Phase 1B. No specific occupation or group is specifically identified in 1B; however, all occupations will have some individuals who meet the 1B criteria. It depends on vaccine production and how quickly other vaccines become available.

Additional information for educators and school staff is available in the Texas Education Agency (TEA) K-12 COVID-19 Vaccine FAQ.

Yes. Recent data suggest COVID-19 vaccine effectiveness at preventing infection or severe illness wanes over time, especially for certain groups of people, such as people ages 65 years and older and people who are immunocompromised.

The emergence of COVID-19 variants further emphasizes the importance of vaccination, boosters, and prevention efforts needed to protect against COVID-19.

Data show that an mRNA booster increases the immune response, which improves protection against getting a serious COVID-19 infection.

CDC recommends COVID-19 vaccines for everyone ages 6 months and older, and boosters for everyone 5 years and older, if eligible.

Learn more about COVID-19 vaccine recommendations, including recommendations for people who are moderately or severely immunocompromised. Use CDC’s COVID-19 Booster Tool to learn if and when you can get boosters to stay up to date with your COVID-19 vaccines.

Yes. COVID-19 vaccines are working well to prevent severe illness, hospitalization, and death. However, public health experts are seeing reduced protection over time against mild and moderate disease, especially among certain populations.

Yes. COVID-19 boosters are the same ingredients (formulation) as the current COVID-19 vaccines.

Adults and children may have some side effects from a COVID-19 vaccine, including pain, redness or swelling at the injection site, tiredness, headache, muscle pain, chills, fever, and nausea. Serious side effects are rare, but may occur.

Yes, the definition of fully vaccinated does not include a booster. Everyone, except those who are moderately or severely immunocompromised, is still considered fully vaccinated two weeks after their second dose in a two-dose series, such as the Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna vaccines, or two weeks after the single-dose J&J/Janssen vaccine. Fully vaccinated, however, is not the same as having the best protection. People are best protected when they stay up to date with COVID-19 vaccinations, which includes getting boosters when eligible.

You are up to date with your COVID-19 vaccines when you have received all doses in the primary series and all boosters recommended for you, when eligible. Learn more about COVID-19 booster recommendations.

People (except those who are moderately or severely immunocompromised) who first received a J&J/Janssen COVID-19 vaccine and got it again for their booster may also receive a booster of an mRNA COVID-19 vaccine (Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna). Get the mRNA booster at least 4 months after the most recent J&J/Janssen booster.

• One CDC study found that adults who received the J&J/Janssen COVID-19 vaccine as both their primary and booster had lower levels of protection against COVID-19-associated emergency department and urgent care visits during Omicron compared to adults who received an mRNA COVID-19 booster.\

Use CDC’s COVID-19 Booster Tool to learn if and when you can get boosters to stay up to date with your COVID-19 vaccines.

An employer may require that their workers be vaccinated. Check directly with your employer to see if they have any vaccination requirements or rules that apply to you.

The number of vaccine doses you need to complete your primary series depends on which vaccine you receive.

• 2 doses of Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine 3–8* weeks apart for people 5 years and older, or

• 3 doses of Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine for ages 6 months through 4 years, first and second dose 3-8 weeks apart, second and third dose at least 8 weeks apart*.

• 2 doses of Moderna vaccine 4–8* weeks apart for people ages 6 months and older.

• 1 dose of Johnson & Johnson’s Janssen (J&J/Janssen) vaccine for people ages 18 and older.

• 2 doses of Novavax vaccine 3-8* weeks apart for people ages 18 years and older.

*Talk to your healthcare or vaccine provider about the timing for the second dose in your primary series. You should not get the second dose early.

People who are moderately or severely immunocompromised may have a different immune response following COVID-19 vaccination. Please see specific COVID-19 vaccination guidance for people who are moderately or severely immunocompromised.

No. If you receive your second dose of a COVID-19 vaccine at any time after the recommended date, you do not have to restart the vaccine series. This guidance might be updated as more information becomes available.

Learn more about staying up to date with your COVID-19 vaccines.

Scientists are monitoring how long COVID-19 vaccine protection lasts. COVID-19 vaccines work well to prevent severe illness, hospitalization, and death. However, public health experts are seeing decreases in the protection COVID-19 vaccines provide over time, especially for certain groups of people. Due to this, CDC recommends COVID-19 vaccines for everyone ages 6 months and older, and boosters for everyone 5 years and older, if eligible. Learn more about COVID-19 booster recommendations, including recommendations for people who are moderately or severely immunocompromised.

CDC continues to review evidence and updates guidance as new information becomes available.

Results from recent research studies show that people who menstruate may observe small, temporary changes in menstruation after COVID-19 vaccination, including:

• Longer duration of menstrual periods

• Shorter intervals between periods

• Heavier bleeding than usual

Despite these temporary changes in menstruation, there is no evidence that COVID-19 vaccines cause fertility problems.

Learn more about COVID-19 vaccination for people who would like to have a baby.

Although COVID-19 vaccines were developed quickly, research and development on vaccines like these have been underway for decades. All vaccine development steps were taken to ensure COVID-19 vaccine safety and effectiveness, including:

• Clinical Trials – All vaccines in the United States must go through three phases of clinical trials to ensure they are safe and effective. The phases overlapped to speed up the process, but all phases were completed.

• Authorization or Approval – Before vaccines are available to people, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) reviews data from clinical trials. FDA has determined COVID-19 vaccines meet FDA’s standards and has granted those vaccines Emergency Use Authorizations (EUAs) or full FDA approval.

• Tracking Safety Using Vaccine Monitoring Systems – Like every other vaccine approved for use in the United States, COVID-19 vaccines continue to be monitored for safety and effectiveness. Hundreds of millions of people in the United States have safely received COVID-19 vaccines. CDC and FDA continue to provide updated information on the safety of U.S. authorized or approved COVID-19 vaccines using data from several monitoring systems.

Learn more about developing COVID-19 vaccines.

Vaccine ingredients vary by manufacturer. None of the vaccines contain eggs, gelatin, latex, or preservatives. All COVID-19 vaccines are free from metals, such as iron, nickel, cobalt, lithium, and rare earth alloys. They are also free from manufactured products such as microelectronics, electrodes, carbon nanotubes, and nanowire semiconductors. None of the COVID-19 vaccines authorized or approved in the United States contain any live virus.

To learn more about the ingredients in authorized or approved COVID-19 vaccines, see

• Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine Overview and Safety

• Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine Overview and Safety

• Johnson & Johnson’s Janssen COVID-19 Vaccine Overview and Safety

• Novavax COVID-19 Vaccine Overview and Safety

• Ingredients Included in COVID-19 Vaccines

Yes, COVID-19 vaccination is recommended for people who are pregnant, breastfeeding, or trying to get pregnant now, as well as people who might become pregnant in the future. People with COVID-19 during pregnancy are more likely to deliver a preterm (earlier than 37 weeks) or stillborn infant and may also be more likely to have other pregnancy complications.

COVID-19 vaccination during pregnancy helps:

• Prevent severe illness and death in people who are pregnant

• Protect babies younger than 6 months old from hospitalization caused by COVID-19

Learn more about vaccination considerations and the safety and effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccinations for people who are pregnant or breastfeeding.

If you are pregnant and have received a COVID-19 vaccine, we encourage you to enroll in v-safe, CDC’s smartphone-based system that provides personalized health check-ins after vaccination. A v-safe pregnancy registry has been established to gather information on the health of pregnant people who have received a COVID-19 vaccine.

COVID-19 can make children and teens very sick and sometimes requires treatment in a hospital. Getting eligible children and teens vaccinated against COVID-19 can help keep them from getting really sick if they do get COVID-19, including protecting them from short and long-term complications and hospitalization. Vaccinating children can also help keep them in school or daycare and safely participating in sports, playdates, and other group activities.

The benefits of COVID-19 vaccination outweigh the known and potential risks. CDC recommends COVID-19 vaccines for everyone ages 6 months and older, and boosters for everyone 5 years and older, if eligible.

Learn 6 Things About the COVID-19 Vaccine for Children.

Use CDC’s COVID-19 Booster Tool to learn if and when your child or teen can get boosters to stay up to date with their COVID-19 vaccines.

COVID-19 vaccination significantly lowers your risk of severe illness, hospitalization, and death if you get infected. Compared to people who are up to date with their COVID-19 vaccinations, unvaccinated people are more likely to get COVID-19, much more likely to be hospitalized with COVID-19, and much more likely to die from COVID-19.

Like all vaccines, COVID-19 vaccines are not 100% effective at preventing infection. Some people who are up to date with their COVID-19 vaccinations will get COVID-19 breakthrough infection. However, staying up to date with your COVID-19 vaccinations means that you are less likely to have a breakthrough infection and, if you do get sick, you are less likely to get severely ill or die. Staying up to date with COVID-19 vaccination also means you are less likely to spread the disease to others and increases your protection against new variants of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19.

There is no recommended waiting period between getting a COVID-19 vaccine and other vaccines. You can get a COVID-19 vaccine and other vaccines, including a flu vaccine, at the same visit. Experience with other vaccines has shown that the way our bodies develop protection, known as an immune response, and possible side effects after getting vaccinated are generally the same when given alone or with other vaccines.

You should get a COVID-19 vaccine even if you already had COVID-19.

Getting a COVID-19 vaccine after you recover from COVID-19 infection provides added protection against COVID-19. You may consider delaying your vaccine by 3 months from when your symptoms started or, if you had no symptoms, when you received a positive test.

People who already had COVID-19 and do not get vaccinated after their recovery are more likely to get COVID-19 again than those who get vaccinated after their recovery.

Learn more about the benefits of getting a COVID-19 vaccine.

No. You should wait to be vaccinated until after you complete your isolation period. People who have symptoms will end isolation at a different time than people who do not have symptoms. This also applies to people who have been vaccinated but get COVID-19 before getting any additional or booster doses. Additionally, you may consider delaying your next vaccine (primary dose or booster) by 3 months from when your symptoms started or, if you had no symptoms, when you received a positive test.

People who have had a known COVID-19 exposure should not seek vaccination until their quarantine period has ended to avoid potentially exposing healthcare personnel and others during the vaccination visit. This recommendation to wait also applies to people with a known COVID-19 exposure who have received their first dose and need additional or booster doses.

Learn more about how to stay up to date with your COVID-19 vaccines.

Yes, depending on your age, you can choose which COVID-19 vaccine to get.

Learn more about which vaccine is available by age and how to stay up to date with your COVID-19 vaccination.

If you have lost your CDC COVID-19 Vaccination card or don’t have a copy of it, contact your vaccination provider directly to request a new vaccination card. They may be able to reissue a CDC COVID-19 Vaccination card.

• If you cannot contact your vaccination provider directly or your vaccination provider cannot reissue a CDC COVID-19 Vaccination card, contact your state health department’s immunization information system (IIS). Your state’s IIS cannot issue you a vaccination card, but they can provide a digital or paper copy of your full vaccination record, including your COVID-19 vaccinations.

• If you need another COVID-19 vaccine dose and are unable to get a copy of your vaccination card or vaccination record, talk to a vaccination provider to learn about your possible options.

• Some vaccination providers and health departments may offer you access to a QR code or digital copy of your CDC COVID-19 Vaccination card in addition to giving you a physical card. Contact your vaccination provider or local health department to learn if you can get a digital copy of your card.

CDC does not provide the white CDC COVID-19 Vaccination card to people and does not maintain vaccination records. CDC distributes the white CDC COVID-19 Vaccination cards to vaccination providers and only a vaccination provider can give you this card.

Generally, if you are up to date on your COVID-19 vaccinations, you do not need to wear a mask in outdoor settings. Check your local COVID-19 Community Level for recommendations on when to wear a mask indoors and additional precautions you can take to protect yourself from COVID-19. If you are immunocompromised or more likely to get very sick from COVID-19, learn more about how to protect yourself.

If you have a condition or are taking medications that weaken your immune system, your immune response to COVID-19 vaccination may not be as strong as in people who are not immunocompromised. Check your county’s COVID-19 Community Level for recommendations on whether you should wear a mask and additional actions you can take to protect yourself from COVID-19. You may choose to wear a mask at any time based on your own level of comfort and personal risk.

Learn more about COVID-19 vaccinations for people who are moderately or severely immunocompromised.

The white CDC COVID-19 vaccination cards are only issued to people vaccinated in the United States. However, there are several ways you can update your records with vaccines you received while outside the United States. Learn more about COVID-19 Vaccines for People Who Were Vaccinated Abroad.

It depends on a number of factors. Learn more about COVID-19 Vaccines for People Who Were Vaccinated Abroad.