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COVID-19 VACCINE INFORMATION SHEET

The (Pfizer-BioNTech) COVID-19 Vaccine is a vaccine and may prevent you from getting COVID-19.

 WHAT IS COVID-19?

COVID-19 disease is caused by a coronavirus called SARS-CoV-2. You can get COVID-19 through contact with another person who has the virus. It is predominantly a respiratory illness that can affect other organs. People with COVID-19 have had a wide range of symptoms reported, ranging from mild symptoms to severe illness. Symptoms may appear 2 to 14 days after exposure to the virus. Symptoms may include: fever or chills; cough; shortness of breath; fatigue; muscle or body aches; headache; new loss of taste or smell; sore throat; congestion or runny nose; nausea or vomiting; diarrhea.

The FDA has authorized the emergency use of the Pfizer-COVID-19 Vaccine to prevent COVID-19 in individuals 16 years and older under an Emergency Use Authorization.

 WHAT SHOULD YOU MENTION TO YOUR VACCINATION PROVIDER BEFORE YOU GET THE PFIZER-BIONTECH COVID-19 VACCINE? Tell the vaccination provider about all of your medical conditions, including if you:

• have any allergies
• have a fever
• have a bleeding disorder or are on a blood thinner
• are immunocompromised or are on a medicine that affects your immune system
• are pregnant or plan to become pregnant
• breastfeeding
• have received another COVID-19 vaccine

WHO SHOULD NOT GET THE PFIZER-BIONTECH COVID-19 VACCINE?

You should not get the Pfizer-COVID-19 Vaccine if you: had a severe allergic reaction after a previous dose of this vaccine or  had a severe allergic reaction to any ingredient of this vaccine.

HOW IS THE PFIZER-COVID-19 VACCINE GIVEN?

The Pfizer-COVID-19 Vaccine will be given to you as an injection into the muscle in a series of 2 doses given 3 weeks apart. If you receive one dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine, you should receive a second dose of this same vaccine 3 weeks later to complete the vaccination series.

WHAT ARE THE RISKS OF THE PFIZER- COVID-19 VACCINE?

Side effects that have been reported with the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine include: injection site pain, tiredness, headache, muscle pain, chills, joint pain, fever, injection site swelling, injection site redness, nausea, feeling unwell, and swollen lymph nodes (lymphadenopathy). Severe side effects include : Difficulty breathing • Swelling of your face and throat • A fast heartbeat • A bad rash all over your body • Dizziness and weakness.

 WHAT SHOULD I DO ABOUT SIDE EFFECTS?

If you experience a severe allergic reaction, call 9-1-1, or go to the nearest hospital.

CDC WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT COVID-19 TO PROTECT YOURSELF AND OTHERS:

Know about COVID-19
• Coronavirus (COVID-19) is an illness caused
by a virus that can spread from person
to person.
• The virus that causes COVID-19 is a new
coronavirus that has spread throughout
the world.
• COVID-19 symptoms can range from mild
(or no symptoms) to severe illness.
Know how COVID-19 is spread
• You can become infected by coming into
close contact (about 6 feet or two
arm lengths) with a person who has
COVID-19. COVID-19 is primarily spread
from person to person.
• You can become infected from respiratory
droplets when an infected person coughs,
sneezes, or talks.
• You may also be able to get it by touching a
surface or object that has the virus on it, and
then by touching your mouth, nose, or eyes.
Protect yourself and others from COVID-19
• There is currently no vaccine to protect
against COVID-19. The best way to protect
yourself is to avoid being exposed to the
virus that causes COVID-19.
• Stay home as much as possible and avoid
close contact with others.
• Wear a mask that covers your nose and
mouth in public settings.
• Clean and disinfect frequently
touched surfaces.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water
for at least 20 seconds, or use an alcohol based
hand sanitizer that contains at least
60% alcohol.
Practice social distancing
• Buy groceries and medicine,
go to the doctor, and
complete banking activities
online when possible.
• If you must go in person,
stay at least 6 feet away from
others and disinfect items you
must touch.
• Get deliveries and takeout,
and limit in-person contact as
much as possible.
Prevent the spread of
COVID-19 if you are sick
• Stay home if you are sick,
except to get medical care.
• Avoid public transportation,
ride-sharing, or taxis.
• Separate yourself from other
people and pets in your home.
• There is no specific treatment
for COVID-19, but you can seek
medical care to help relieve
your symptoms.
• If you need medical attention,
call ahead.
Know your risk for
severe illness
• Everyone is at risk of
getting COVID-19.
• Older adults and people of
any age who have serious
underlying medical conditions
may be at higher risk for more
severe illness.

Provided By: Kourtni Atkins-Luster DNP, FNP-C