COVID-19 Vaccination

Pfizer BioTech Vaccine (Comirnaty):

This vaccine is an mRNA vaccine

mRNA vaccine: 

• mRNA- stands for messenger ribonucleic acid which is a single stranded molecule of RNA that correlates to the genetic sequence of a gene
• Most vaccines consist of a weakened or inactivated germ that is put into our body to fight off the virus or disease, but mRNA vaccines do not
• mRNA vaccines utilize mRNA that is created in a laboratory to teach our cells how to make a protein 
• This protein triggers an immune response which in return produces antibodies and protects us from getting the real virus 
• mRNA vaccines do not contain live COVID-19 virus and do not cause the infection
• mRNA vaccines do not change your DNA or genetic makeup

HOW IS THE VACCINE GIVEN?

The vaccine will be given as an injection into the muscle. For each of the primary vaccine doses 0.3mL will be injected into the muscle, which is the same amount for the booster dose. 

Primary Series:

In individuals 5 years of age and older, the vaccine is administered as a 2-dose series, 3 weeks apart.

In individuals 5 years of age and older, a third primary series dose may be administered at least 28 days after the second dose to individuals who are determined to have certain kinds of immunocompromise.

Booster Dose:

• A single booster dose of the vaccine may be administered at least 5 months after completion of a primary series of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine or COMIRNATY® (COVID-19 Vaccine, mRNA) to individuals 12 years of age and older
• A single booster dose of the vaccine may be administered to individuals 18 years of age and older who have completed primary vaccination with a different authorized COVID-19 vaccine. Individuals should check with their healthcare provider regarding timing of the booster dose

Who should not receive the vaccine:

• Individuals who had a severe reaction to a previous dose of this vaccine
• Individuals who are severely allergic to any of the ingredients of this vaccine

Common side effects from the vaccine:

• Myocarditis
• Injection site pain
• Headache
• Fever
• Chills
• Diarrhea
• Feeling unwell
• Decreased appetite
• Vomiting
• Arm pain 

Still have questions? Visit the Comirnaty vaccine website for the most up to date information on the vaccine. 

https://www.comirnaty.com/?gclid=CjwKCAiAl-6PBhBCEiwAc2GOVMvYPeNotK1DhC67-SxUDw56vzYlb3fVSHkQ8tVe4itJ2rA3EwrJchoCJAoQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds