Get the Facts: COVID-19 Vaccine
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The safety of COVID-19 vaccines is top priority.
The U.S. has a longstanding vaccine safety system to ensure that all vaccines are as safe as possible.
The FDA’s rigorous scientific and regulatory processes will ensure the safety, effectiveness and quality of COVID-19 vaccines. This includes extensive clinical trials and expanded vaccine safety monitoring.
At first, it is likely that Oklahoma’s COVID-19 vaccines will be used under an Emergency Use Authorization from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
COVID-19 vaccines undergo a strict testing and approval process before they can be administered to Oklahomans.
As of December 12th, 2020 the FDA has approved the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine for emergency use in the United States.
The COVID-19 vaccines that will likely be available to Oklahomans are mRNA vaccines.
mRNA vaccines are a type of vaccine to protect against infectious diseases. mRNA vaccines teach our cells how to make a protein — or even just a piece of a protein — that triggers an immune response inside our bodies. That immune response, which produces antibodies, is what protects us from getting infected if the real virus enters our bodies.
COVID-19 mRNA vaccines give instructions for our cells to make a harmless piece of what is called the “spike protein.” The spike protein is found on the surface of the virus that causes COVID-19. Our immune systems recognize that the protein doesn’t belong there and begin building an immune response and making antibodies, like what happens in natural infection against COVID-19.
At the end of the process, our bodies have learned how to protect against future infection.
The approved vaccine will help keep you from getting COVID-19.
Based on what we know about existing vaccines, experts believe that getting a COVID-19 vaccine may help keep you from getting seriously ill.
- The benefit of mRNA vaccines, like all vaccines, is that those vaccinated gain protection without having to risk the serious consequences of getting sick with COVID-19.
Getting vaccinated may also protect your family, friends and people around you, especially those who are most at risk from COVID-19.
In the meantime, it’s still important to work together to prevent the spread of COVID-19: wear a mask, wash your hands and watch your distance.