Please browse this collection of resources and information regarding COVID-19 vaccines and boosters. The links below can serve to educate you on the safety, efficacy, and availability of COVID-19 vaccines and boosters. This is not intended to be a comprehensive or complete list of resources but can serve as a starting point to answer some of the questions you may be having about your choice to vaccinate, concern about side effects, or when to receive a booster.
Vaccines 101: How do vaccines work? Are they safe? What should I expect when getting a vaccine?
- WHO – How do vaccines work?
- This page provides basic information regarding how vaccines work to protect us from diseases. See also the infographic, How Do Vaccines Work to Protect Me From COVID-19?
- https://www.who.int/news-room/feature-stories/detail/how-do-vaccines-work
- CDC – Understanding How COVID-19 Vaccines Work
- This is another page that explains how vaccines work. This page also breaks down how the different types of COVID-19 vaccines work (mRNA, Viral Vector, and Protein Subunit).
- https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/different-vaccines/how-they-work.html
- WHO – Manufacturing, safety and quality control of vaccines
- This page discusses how vaccines are produced, approved for safety, and sent out for people to receive.
- https://www.who.int/news-room/feature-stories/detail/manufacturing-safety-and-quality-control
- CDC – Safety of COVID-19 Vaccines
- This page discusses the safety of vaccines and the more severe side effects that may occur in extremely rare cases.
- https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/safety/safety-of-vaccines.html
- WHO – Safety of COVID-19 Vaccines
- Check out the video on this page which discusses the production of COVID-19 vaccines.
- https://www.who.int/news-room/feature-stories/detail/safety-of-covid-19-vaccines
- CDC – Getting Your COVID-19 Vaccine
- This page breaks down how people can prepare for receiving their COVID-19 vaccine.
- https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/expect.html
- WHO – Getting the COVID-19 Vaccine
- This page helps you know what to expect when you receive your COVID-19 vaccine.
- https://www.who.int/news-room/feature-stories/detail/getting-the-covid-19-vaccine
- CDC – COVID-19 Vaccine Recommendations for Children and Teens
- This page specifies the vaccine and booster recommendations for children and teenagers.
- https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/recommendations/children-teens.html
- Infographic – How Do Vaccines Work to Protect Me From COVID-19? (canva)
Side Effects: What are the side effects of the COVID-19 vaccines? Are there long-term side effects? Do those side effects outweigh the benefits I receive from getting the COVID-19 vaccine (i.e. protecting against severe cases for COVID-19)?
- HEALTHY LIVING RESOURCES with Amy and Rae – How Vaccines are Safe
- This video features a conversation with pharmacist, Dr. Myriam Shaw Ojeda, who goes over the production of vaccines and how they are safe.
- https://go.osu.edu/vaccinesafetytelecast
- CDC – Possible Side Effects After Getting a COVID-19 Vaccine
- This page lists out the common side effects that a person may experience after receiving their vaccine.
- https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/expect/after.html
- WHO – Side Effects of COVID-19 Vaccines
- Check out the video on this page which talks about why side effects are common following a vaccination and what types of mild-to-moderate side effects are common.
- https://www.who.int/news-room/feature-stories/detail/side-effects-of-covid-19-vaccines
- Cleveland Clinic – How COVID-19 (and the Vaccine) Can Impact Your Fertility
- This page breaks down the myths surrounding receiving the COVID-19 vaccine while pregnant. Hint: it’s safe for you and your baby!
- https://health.clevelandclinic.org/covid-vaccine-and-fertility/
- CDC – Stay Up to Date with COVID-19 Vaccines Including Boosters
- There is a great tool on this page, called Find Out When You Can Get Your Booster, which can help you determine when you are due for your next vaccine or booster.
- https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/stay-up-to-date.html
- CDC – Myocarditis and Pericarditis After mRNA COVID-19 Vaccination
- This page provides information on myocarditis and pericarditis, which were found to be associated with mRNA COVID-19 vaccines at a very low risk.
- https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/safety/myocarditis.html
- JAMA Cardiology – SARS-CoV-2 Vaccination and Myocarditis in a Nordic Cohort Study of 23 Million Residents
- This is a study that was completed which included 23 million recipients of mRNA COVID-19 vaccines from Denmark, Finland, Norway, and Sweden. The risk of myocarditis from the COVID-19 vaccines were evaluated.
- https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamacardiology/fullarticle/2791253
- CDC – Flu Vaccine and COVID-19 Vaccine Coadministration
- This page answers questions about receiving your seasonal flu vaccine with a COVID-19 vaccine or booster.
- https://www.cdc.gov/flu/season/faq-flu-season-2022-2023.htm
Boosters: When am I due for my COVID-19 booster shot and which booster shot do I need?
- CDC – COVID-19 Vaccine Recommendations for Children and Teens
- This page specifies the vaccine and booster recommendations for children and teenagers.
- https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/recommendations/children-teens.html
- CDC – Stay Up to Date with COVID-19 Vaccines Including Boosters
- There is a great tool on this page, called Find Out When You Can Get Your Booster, which can help you determine when you are due for your next vaccine or booster.
- https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/booster-shot.html#when-you-can-get-booster
Find Vaccine Locations Near You
- CDC – How Do I Find a COVID-19 Vaccine or Booster?
- This page can help you find and schedule your, COVID-19 vaccine or booster.
- https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/How-Do-I-Get-a-COVID-19-Vaccine.html
- CDC – Vaccines.gov
- This page helps you search for COVID-19 vaccines or booster by your zip code.
- https://www.vaccines.gov/
I have more questions! Who can I ask to answer those?
- Your healthcare provider
- The Ohio Department of Health call center at 1-833-4-ASK-ODH (1-833-427-5634)
Written and Compiled by: Sarah Overstrom, MPH student, guest author
