14325MERDES (Rev. 3-21)
What is Emergency
Use Authorization
(EUA)?
During a public health
emergency, the FDA
uses an EUA to make
vaccines available more
quickly. For an EUA, the
vaccine must be proven
safe and effective when
tested on large groups
of people. The vaccine
also must meet other
criteria.
Experts agree that the benefits of
the vaccines far outweigh the risk
of COVID-19.
All the vaccines are highly effective
at preventing severe illness.
The vaccines have been tested by
more than 110,000 people.
About
one-third of them were from racial and
ethnic minorities. This research will
continue and include even more people,
such as children under the age of 16.
The COVID-19 vaccines have
been tested the same way as any
other vaccines, but faster.
The
manufacturers followed the same strict
rules for quality and safety. They also
had to prove their vaccines work.
The vaccines have not been tested
in people who are pregnant.
If you
are pregnant, you can choose to be
vaccinated when the vaccine is available
to you. If you have questions, talk to
your provider about the vaccine.
The vaccines will not give you
COVID-19.
None of the vaccines contain
the live virus that causes COVID-19.
The vaccines will not change
your DNA.
Messenger RNA (mRNA)
vaccines are a new type of vaccine
that teaches our cells how to make a
harmless protein—or even just a piece
of a protein. Our cells break down the
mRNA quickly.
Depending on which brand of
COVID-19 vaccine you receive,
you
may receive a single dose or you
may need to return to the same
location for a second dose.
Most people have only a few or
mild side effects.
You might get a
fever, feel tired or be sore where you
got the shot. This is normal and a sign
that your immune system is learning
how to recognize and fight the virus.
We know not everyone will be able to
get vaccinated right away.
Even after
you get the vaccine, continue to
wear a mask, wash your hands
and stay at least six feet away
from others.
Stopping COVID-19 will take all our tools: wearing masks, getting
vaccinated, washing hands and staying six feet apart.
Facts about the
COVID-19
Vaccines
mercy.com