If you think you have had an exposure to COVID-19, you should wait 4-5 days from day of exposure prior to getting tested. As defined by the CDC "The incubation period for COVID-19 is thought to extend to 14 days, with a median time of 4-5 days from exposure to symptoms onset.^1-3 One study reported that 97.5% of persons with COVID-19 who develop symptoms will do so within 11.5 days of SARS-CoV-2 infection.^3" 

Public health experts do not yet know what percentage of people would need to get vaccinated to achieve herd immunity to COVID-19. Community immunity is a term used to describe when enough people have protection—either from previous infection or vaccination—that it is unlikely a virus or bacteria can spread and cause disease. As a result, everyone within the community is protected even if some people don’t have any protection themselves. The percentage of people who need to have protection in order to achieve community immunity varies by disease.

Learn more about the COVID-19 Vaccine in Marin County on our vaccine information webpage.

Muslim communities have expressed concern over the contents of some of the COVID-19 vaccines currently in clinical trials and production around the world. At the center of their apprehension is whether the vaccines contain pig fat or pork products, which are prohibited under Islamic law.

On Dec. 23, 2020, the United Arab Emirates’ highest Islamic authority said that COVID-19 vaccines are permissible for Muslims, even if they contain pork gelatin. In other countries, including India, Muslim leaders are still debating their positions.

The COVID-19 vaccines from Pfizer and Moderna do not use pork gelatin in their formulas. Gelatin from pork and cow products is often used in vaccines to stabilize the drug’s ingredients and ensure they remain effective through the distribution process. The two COVID-19 vaccines also do not contain eggs, preservatives, or latex.

For a full list of ingredients, please see each vaccine’s Fact Sheet for Recipients and Caregivers:

• Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine
• Moderna COVID-19 vaccine

The federal government, under the umbrella of Operation Warp Speed, has been working since the start of the pandemic to make a COVID-19 vaccine available as soon as possible. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) carefully reviews all safety data from clinical trials and authorizes emergency vaccine use (EUA) only when the expected benefits outweigh potential risks. COVID-19 vaccines were tested in large clinical trials to make sure they meet safety standards. Many people (>30,000 for each trial) were recruited to participate in these trials to determine how the vaccines offers protection to people of different ages, races, and ethnicities, as well as those with different medical conditions. The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) reviews all safety data before recommending any COVID-19 vaccine for use. Learn how ACIP makes vaccine recommendations. FDA and CDC will continue to monitor the safety of COVID-19 vaccines, to make sure even very rare side effects are identified.

To ensure the COVID-19 vaccine meets safety requirements, California formed a Scientific Safety Review Work Group comprised of nationally recognized immunization, public health, academic and other subject matter experts. The work group is staying abreast of vaccine candidate(s) trials, evidence of safety and efficacy, and other information to independently provide recommendations to California leadership and vaccine planning efforts as well as ensure public confidence in vaccine safety, efficacy, and implementation efforts.

There are also several safety monitoring systems set up in the US, including:

•  Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS)
•  Vaccine safety datalink
•  Clinical Immunization Safety Assessment Project (CISA)
•  “V-safe”

These safety monitoring systems provide methods for checking in with vaccine recipients after vaccination and allow participants to report any side effects or health problems experienced after COVID-19 vaccination.

Learn more about the COVID-19 Vaccine in Marin County on our vaccine information webpage.

The State’s Regional Stay at Home Order, issued December 3, 2020, lists the California Health and Safety Code provisions that authorize the California Department of Public Health to take action necessary to protect public health. (California Health & Safety Code Sections 120125, 120130(c), 120135, 120140, 120140, 120145, 120175, 120195 and 131080.) 

Additional authority is provided by Governor Newsom’s Executive Orders N-25-20 and N-60-20, which were issued pursuant to the Emergency Services Act, California Government Code Section 8550 et seq. 

Local Health Orders issued by the Marin County Health Officer are issued pursuant to California Health and Safety Code Sections 101040, 101085, and 120175.