Get the Facts: COVID-19 Vaccine

• Moderna Fact Sheet for Recipients
  
• Pfizer Fact Sheet for Recipients
  • Spanish Version
    
• Moderna Fact Sheet for Providers
• Pfizer Fact Sheet for Providers
  • Spanish Version
    
• COVID-19 Vaccine Fraud Prevention

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.

As of December 12th, 2020 the FDA has approved the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine for emergency use in the United States.

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.  

Based on what we know about existing vaccines, experts believe that getting a COVID-19 vaccine may help keep you from getting seriously ill.

1. 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.