Yes. The FDA issued emergency use authorization for the Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna, and Johnson and Johnson (Janssen) vaccines following an open and transparent review process that included input from independent scientific and public health experts, and a thorough evaluation by the agency’s career scientists to ensure it met the agency’s rigorous, scientific standards for safety, effectiveness, and manufacturing quality.  

It is not possible to get COVID-19 from the vaccines. Learn more about how each vaccine works.

After getting vaccinated, you may have some side effects, which are normal signs that your body is building protection. The most common side effects are pain and swelling in the arm where you received the shot. In addition, you may have fever, chills, tiredness, and headache. These side effects may affect your ability to do daily activities, but they should go away in a few days.

Learn more about what to expect after getting a COVID-19 vaccine.

According to the IDPH, while serious allergic reactions were not seen in vaccine clinical trials of thousands of patients, rare allergic reactions to vaccines are possible. If you have a history of serious allergic reactions, you should discuss your situation with your healthcare provider. The COVID-19 vaccine does not contain any animal products such as eggs.

Similar to the flu vaccine, it will take several weeks after receiving the COVID-19 vaccine before your body builds up the immune response to protect against COVID-19. The full immune response is not completed until a few weeks after the second dose is received.

The CDC has issued public health guidelines for individuals who’ve been fully vaccinated.  Individuals are considered fully vaccinated two or more weeks after receiving both doses of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines, or one dose of the Johnson and Johnson vaccine.

There is no federal or state mandate to receive the COVID-19 vaccine; however, Evanston’s Health and Human Services Department is strongly encouraging residents to take the vaccine as soon as it is available to them.

Yes. Those who have had COVID-19 are still recommended to get the vaccine. Though past infection may provide some immunity, it is not known how much protection is provided or how long this protection may last.

Information collected when you get the vaccine is protected. The Health and Human Services Department and medical provider will retain some information for dose tracking purposes. No information is shared with non-public public health agencies.