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.
Yes. They are >90% effective based on vaccine efficacy clinical trial data. More information on how the COVID-19 vaccine works can be found on the CDC website.
Learn more about the COVID-19 Vaccine in Marin County on our vaccine information webpage.
Where and how you will be vaccinated will depend on your place within the vaccine distribution framework and the available supply at the time you become eligible. Currently, vaccines are offered at community vaccine sites. Later in 2021, when vaccines are more widely available, Marin residents will be able to be vaccinated at doctors offices, clinics and pharmacies. Remember, vaccine production is slowly increasing in the United States and Marin County is provided with only small amounts of vaccine each week. There may be vaccine shortages for several months before everyone who wants a vaccine can get one.
As vaccine supply becomes more available, more information about where to obtain vaccine for groups of people within each priority tier will be posted on our COVID-19 vaccine webpage.
Not yet. Marin Public Health is working in partnership with local hospitals, healthcare facilities, clinics and pharmacies to establish multiple vaccination sites to complete COVID-19 vaccinations. As additional COVID-19 vaccination sites are activated, details will be provided on this website.
Are you a Marin County resident and want to be notified when you can get the COVID-19 vaccine? Answer a few simple questions to be subscribed to receive email or text notifications when your turn has arrived.
The goal is for everyone to be able to easily get a COVID-19 vaccine as soon as large quantities are available. However, not everyone will be able to get vaccinated right away due to limited supply. Where and how you will be vaccinated will depend on your place within the vaccine distribution framework and the available supply at the time you become eligible. Currently, vaccines are offered at community vaccine sites. Later in 2021, when vaccines are more widely available, Marin residents will be able to be vaccinated at doctors offices, clinics and pharmacies.
Remember, vaccine production is slowly increasing in the United States and Marin County is provided with only small amounts of vaccine each week. There may be vaccine shortages for several months before everyone who wants a vaccine can get one.
We are also working with local partners including hospitals, long-term care facilities, and clinics, for vaccine distribution. More information about our vaccine partners can be found at Vaccination Options | Marin County Coronavirus Information (marinhhs.org).
Are you a Marin County resident and want to be notified when you can get the COVID-19 vaccine? Answer a few simple questions and to be subscribed to receive email or text notifications when your turn has arrived.
Vaccine purchased by the U.S. government will be provided free of charge. Providers that participate in the CDC COVID-19 Vaccination Program contractually agree to administer a COVID-19 vaccine regardless of an individual’s ability to pay and regardless of their coverage status, and also may not seek any reimbursement, including through balance billing, from a vaccine recipient. People without health insurance or whose insurance does not provide coverage of the vaccine can also get COVID-19 vaccine at no cost. Providers administering the vaccine to people without health insurance or whose insurance does not provide coverage of the vaccine can request reimbursement for the administration of the COVID-19 vaccine through the Provider Relief Fund. Additional information can be found on the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services website.
Learn more about the COVID-19 Vaccine in Marin County on our vaccine information webpage.
COVID-19 vaccines are a critical part of the response to the pandemic. Even as they become available, it will be important to continue to wear masks, maintain social distancing, and wash hands often to reduce the spread of illness. The impact of the vaccines will depend on how effective they are at combating the virus, how quickly supplies of vaccine can be manufactured and delivered, and how many people get vaccinated. The clinical trial results for the initial vaccines we expect to become available are very promising. Government experts have suggested that vaccines will be widely available in the second half of 2021. If most people get the vaccine, the pandemic could be stopped.
Learn more about the COVID-19 Vaccine in Marin County on our vaccine information webpage.
Yes, for now. Even with a vaccine, people will still need to practice other infection prevention and control (IPC) precautions like wearing a mask, social distancing, handwashing and other hygiene measures, which are helpful in preventing the spread of other illnesses, such as seasonal influenza. Wearing a mask is still mandatory when you leave your home for all California residents.
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. Live virus vaccines are known to cause more systemic side effects. This is not a live virus vaccine. It is an mRNA vaccine. 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.
Learn more about the COVID-19 Vaccine in Marin County on our vaccine information webpage.
Nearly all COVID-19 vaccines being studied in the United States require two shots. The initial vaccine and the second vaccine must be from the same vaccine company (e.g., you cannot mix Moderna and Pfizer). The first shot starts building protection, but everyone must come back 3-4 weeks later for the second one to get the most protection the vaccine can offer. The first shot primes the immune system, helping it recognize the virus, and the second shot strengthens the immune response.
Learn more about the COVID-19 Vaccine in Marin County on our vaccine information webpage.
Both this disease and the vaccine are new. We don’t know how long protection lasts for those who get infected or those who are vaccinated. 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.
COVID-19 vaccines are being tested in large clinical trials (>30,000 participants) to assess their safety, a core analytical measure when studying all vaccines. However, it does take time and more people getting vaccinated before we learn about very rare or long-term side effects. That is why safety monitoring will continue. CDC has an independent group of experts that reviews all the safety data as it comes in and provides regular safety updates. If a safety issue is detected, immediate action will take place to determine if the issue is related to the COVID-19 vaccine and determine the best course of action. Getting the vaccine is still the safer choice than the serious risk of COVID-19 infection.
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.
Learn more about the COVID-19 Vaccine in Marin County on our vaccine information webpage.
The focus of COVID-19 vaccine development has been on adults. A COVID-19 vaccine may not be available for children and teens until more studies are completed.
Such studies are underway in older children and are planned in younger children. COVID-19 is generally less severe in children than adults; nevertheless, the risk of severe disease in children with underlying medical conditions, and the general desire to prevent COVID-19 in children remain compelling reasons for vaccine studies in children.
Learn more about the COVID-19 Vaccine in Marin County on our vaccine information webpage.
There is not enough information currently available to say if or for how long after infection someone is protected from getting COVID-19 again; this is called natural immunity. Re-infections have been documented. Early evidence suggests natural immunity from COVID-19 may not last very long, but more studies are needed to better understand this. Until we have a vaccine available and the ACIP makes recommendations to CDC on how to best use COVID-19 vaccines, CDC cannot comment on whether people who had COVID-19 should get a COVID-19 vaccine.
Learn more about the COVID-19 Vaccine in Marin County on our vaccine information webpage.
Stopping a pandemic requires using all the tools available. Vaccines work with your immune system so your body will be ready to fight the virus if you are exposed. Other steps, like covering your mouth and nose with a mask and staying at least 6 feet away from others, help reduce your chance of being exposed to the virus or spreading it to others. Together, COVID-19 vaccination and following CDC’s recommendations to protect yourself and others will offer the best protection from COVID-19.
Learn more about the COVID-19 Vaccine in Marin County on our vaccine information webpage.