Novel simply means new, so novel coronavirus is the new virus from the coronavirus family. The official name of the virus is Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) but that name is rarely used.

COVID-19 is the disease caused by the novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2.

Source: World Health Organization

• Although the overall risks are low, if you are pregnant or were recently pregnant, you are more likely to get very sick from COVID-19 compared to people who are not pregnant. Pregnant people who contract COVID-19 are at higher risk for pregnancy complications affecting them and their developing baby, such as preterm birth (delivering the baby earlier than 37 weeks), high blood pressure, bleeding disorders, death, and stillbirth. 
• Having certain underlying medical conditions, and other factors, including age, can further increase a pregnant or recently pregnant (for at least 42 days following end of pregnancy) person’s risk for developing severe COVID-19 illness.
• Pregnant and recently pregnant people and those who live with or visit them need to take steps to protect themselves from getting sick with COVID-19.
• To maximize protection from variants and prevent possibly spreading the virus to others, wear a mask indoors in public in areas with a high COVID-19 Community Level. People who are pregnant or have other conditions that could put them at higher risk for severe illness should speak with their healthcare provider about wearing a mask in public indoor spaces at the medium COVID-19 Community Level.
• Recent reports have shown that breastfeeding people who have received mRNA COVID-19 vaccines have antibodies in their breastmilk, which could help protect their babies. More data are needed to determine what level of protection these antibodies may provide to the baby.

If you would like to speak to someone about COVID-19 vaccination during pregnancy, please contact MotherToBaby. MotherToBaby experts are available to answer questions in English or Spanish by phone or chat. The free and confidential service is available Monday–Friday 8am–5pm (local time). To reach MotherToBaby:

• Call 1-866-626-6847
• Chat live or send an email MotherToBaby

Additional Resources:

• CDC Pregnant People and Recently Pregnant People
• CDC COVID-19 Vaccines While Pregnant or Breastfeeding
• CDPH Pregnancy and the COVID-19 vaccine fact sheet (Available in multiple languages)

No – that would be discrimination. For information on your tenant rights and support available, visit the county's Renter and Landlord Resources webpage.

The COVID-19 vaccines from Pfizer/ BioNTech and Moderna provide a 95% effectiveness in preventing people from developing coronavirus symptoms. This data is based on clinical trials that included tens of thousands of people from both companies.  

We don’t know how long natural immunity lasts for those who get infected. What we do know is that COVID-19 has caused very serious illness and death for a lot of people. If you get COVID-19, you also risk giving it to loved ones who may get very sick. Getting a COVID-19 vaccine is a safer choice. It is not known whether getting COVID-19 disease will protect everyone against getting it again, or, if it does, how long that protection might last.

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

Most people do not have serious problems after being vaccinated. This type of vaccine (i.e. mRNA vaccine) has a unique modality making it safer than many.  However, your arm may be sore, red, or warm to the touch. These symptoms usually go away on their own <72 hours. Some people report getting a headache or fever when getting a vaccine. These side effects are a sign that your immune system is doing exactly what it is supposed to do. It is working and building up protection for the disease.