VaxFacts

Vaccines are one of the safest and most effective ways to combat illness. Both the Pfizer/BioNTech and Moderna COVID-19 vaccines have received full approval from the FDA for use in ages 16 and up (Moderna is approved for 18 and up). 

The Johnson & Johnson vaccine for COVID-19 has been granted Emergency Use Authorization by the FDA for people age 18 and up, as well as Pfizer for ages 5-16. 

Question: Should I get vaccinated if I've already had COVID-19?  

Answer: Individuals who have had COVID-19 should get vaccinated. Although we know some natural immunity occurs, reinfections are occurring. The vaccine will help boost a person’s immunity to prevent severe illness. Learn more.

Question: Can I trust the safety and efficacy of the vaccine?

Answer: Vaccines are one of the safest and most effective ways to combat illness. This includes the COVID-19 vaccines. Millions of people in the United States have received COVID-19 vaccines under the most intense safety monitoring in U.S. history. Learn more.

Question: Can I get COVID-19 from the vaccine?

Answer: None of the COVID-19 vaccines can give you COVID-19. Vaccines stimulate the immune system to produce antibodies to fight off serious vaccine-preventable diseases, but do not infect you with COVID-19. Learn more.

Recursos de vacunas

Ponerse la vacuna para protegerse a usted, a su familia y a la comunidad.

Verdades acerca de las Vacunas

Vacunas contra el COVID-19

Question: Can I still become infected with COVID-19 even if I'm vaccinated?

Answer: Some people who are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 will still get sick because no vaccine is 100% effective. However, even among the uncommon cases of COVID-19 among the fully or partially vaccinated, vaccines make people more likely to have a milder and shorter illness compared to those who are unvaccinated. Learn more.

Question: Can the Pfizer and Moderna mRNA vaccines alter your DNA?

Answer: mRNA provides a set of instructions to your cells to create an immune response specific to COVID-19. Doctors and scientists have verified that using mRNA will not alter a person’s DNA.  mRNA never enters the nucleus of the cell, which is where our DNA is kept. Learn more.

Question: Will the COVID-19 vaccine cause serious side effects years after vaccination?

Answer: No, there have been no long-term side effects from any other non-live vaccines - ever. The vaccine itself leaves your body within 72 hours, the antibodies your own immune system creates stick around. Serious side effects are extremely RARE and most occur within 6 - 8 weeks. COVID-19 has been proven to cause long-term health problems in many people. Learn more. You can also learn more about the different vaccine types (mRNA, viral vector, live, inactivated, etc.) here. 

Question: Can the mRNA vaccines cause autoimmune disorders?

Answer: The mRNA in the COVID-19 vaccines is heavily modified to not trigger the immune system in a way that would cause autoimmunity as a complication. Learn more.

Question: Do I need a COVID-19 vaccine if I'm healthy?

Answer: COVID-19 is a deadly disease that can cause severe illness – and in some cases, long term symptoms that we have yet to fully understand. Hundreds of Greene County residents have died from COVID-19. The highly contagious and aggressive Delta variant is causing many unvaccinated young and healthy individuals in our community to be hospitalized. Learn more.

Question: Do the COVID-19 vaccines contain a tracking chip and are they magnetic?

Answer:  The vaccines are not magnetic and don’t include tracking mechanisms. Learn more.

Question: Can the COVID-19 vaccines affect fertility?

Answer: None of the vaccines cause infertility. This myth arose from a false report on social media. The fact is, getting a COVID-19 will not affect the fertility of women who are pregnant or seeking to become pregnant. Learn more.

Question: Since I'm breastfeeding, should I avoid getting a COVID-19 vaccine?

Answer: Based on how the vaccines work in the body, COVID-19 vaccines are thought not to be a risk to lactating people or their breastfeeding babies. Although not required, a conversation with your healthcare provider might help you make an informed decision. Learn more.

Question: Is it safe for my child (5+) to get a COVID-19 vaccine?

Answer: The FDA has authorized the Pfizer vaccine for children 5 and older. COVID-19 vaccines have been used under the most intensive safety monitoring in U.S. history, including studies in children 5 years and older. Your child cannot get COVID-19 from any COVID-19 vaccine. Learn more.

Question: Can I get a COVID-19 vaccine if I have an underlying health condition?

Answer: People with underlying medical conditions can receive a COVID-19 vaccine as long as they have not had an immediate or severe allergic reaction to a COVID-19 vaccine or to any of the ingredients in the vaccine. Learn more.

Question: Can I get a COVID-19 booster shot?

Answer: In anticipation of the updated mRNA COVID-19 booster shots, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has revoked authorization of Pfizer and Moderna's current booster doses for individuals 12 and older. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is expected to recommend the updated booster, which will help fight against the original COVID-19 strain and subvariant Omicron, in the coming weeks. Due to the decision made by the FDA to pull any current boosters available in preparation for the one-dose booster, the Health Department will not be offering Moderna or Pfizer/BioNTech boosters until further notice.

When and where can I get the vaccine?

Vaccine is available for anyone 5 years old and older. You can schedule an appointment or attend a walk-in vaccine event. Click here for available events and appointments. You can also call the Health Department's COVID-19 call center at 417-874-1211 for assistance.

The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services is committed to providing a free COVID-19 vaccination experience to all Missourians, including those without insurance. No person can be billed for the COVID-19 vaccine. Vaccination providers may charge an administration fee to insurance, Medicaid or Medicare, if applicable in your situation. Uninsured Missourians will be able to receive the vaccination regardless of their health insurance status.