TULSA, Okla. — The Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine arrived in Oklahoma on Dec. 14th. The first doses in Tulsa County were administered Tuesday, Dec. 15th.
READ MORE: First doses of COVID-19 vaccine given in Tulsa Tuesday
2 Works for You is getting lots of questions about the vaccine. How much does the vaccine cost? When can I get vaccinated? What are the side effects?
So, we've got some answers:
When can I get vaccinated?
Oklahoma State Department of Health leaders and health experts announced the coronavirus Vaccine Priority Groups.
CLICK HERE to see where you are in OSDH's four phases for the coronavirus vaccine
How much will it cost?
The vaccine does not require any out-of-pocket expense for recipients, Tulsa Health Department officials said.
Should I still wear a mask?
Yes, people should still wear a mask.
"While this announcement is good news, it’s important to remember that distributing this vaccine will take time. We have lost 28 Tulsa County residents to this virus in the last week, and active cases and hospitalizations continue to remain dangerously high. It is critical for our residents to continue to follow public health guidelines to stay safe,” said THD Executive Director Dr. Bruce Dart.
There is not enough information available yet to determine when the Centers for Disease Control will stop recommending the public wear masks.
How long will the vaccine protect me?
It could take several months until researchers know how long people who received the vaccine are protected.
Can a vaccinated person pass the virus on to other people?
Yes. As with the flu shot, sometimes happens to people, though at much lower rates than an unvaccinated person.
If my first vaccine is from Pfizer, does my second vaccine need to be from Pfizer too? Or can it be from Moderna?
If you receive one dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine, you should receive a second dose of this same vaccine 21 days later to complete the vaccination series, says the FDA.
What are the side effects to the COVID-19 vaccine?
According to the CDC, below are the common side effects due to the coronavirus vaccine:
On the arm where you got the shot:
- pain
- swelling
Throughout the rest of your body:
- fever
- chills
- tiredness
- headache
If someone already had COVID-19, do they need the vaccine?
According to the CDC, currently, there isn't enough information available to say for how long after infection or if someone is protected from getting COVID-19 again. Early evidence shows natural immunity may not last very long.
Do we need the vaccine if we are social distancing and wearing masks?
The CDC says stopping a pandemic requires using all the tools available.
“Vaccines work with your immune system so your body will be ready to fight the virus if you are exposed,” the CDC says on its website. “Other steps, like covering your mouth and nose with a mask and staying at least 6 feet away from others, help reduce your chance of being exposed to the virus or spreading it to others.”
For more information on frequently asking questions on the coronavirus vaccine, CLICK HERE.
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