Make the decision for yourself. COVID-19 vaccines are readily available across Michigan and the research and data from across the country show that the vaccine is safe and it works. You can find a vaccine provider here or consult with your doctor about the best option for you.
Hear directly from a paramedic
A fourth generation pharmacist answers some commonly asked questions on the COVID-19 vaccine.
We know you have questions and suggest you ask your doctor. Until you do, here are some answers to questions you might have.
These answers are NOT from the government. The FAQs below are from actual doctors with Michigan State Medical Society and this FAQ video is with a fourth-generation Michigan pharmacist.
Yes, the COVID-19 vaccination teaches your body how to fight the virus and protects you from severe illness, hospitalization and death. In fact, Michigan hospitals reported that more than 99% of their COVID patients in July 2021 were unvaccinated individuals.
Why do I need the vaccine if I already had COVID?
Doctors recommend everyone get vaccinated, as it is unclear how long antibodies from the virus last. Vaccines protect against getting the virus again and against variants, which will help your immune response should you get exposed.
Will the COVID-19 vaccine make me sick?
No. While you may feel some short-term side effects from the vaccine, a COVID-19 vaccine does not contain a live COVID-19 virus and cannot make you sick with the virus.
Will I test positive for COVID-19 after getting the vaccine?
No. The vaccines cannot cause you to test positive on viral tests, which are used to see if you have a current infection.
If your body develops an immune response—the goal of vaccination—there is a possibility you may test positive on some antibody tests. Antibody tests indicate you had a previous infection and that you may have some level of protection against the virus. Experts are currently looking at how COVID-19 vaccination may affect antibody testing results.
Does the COVID-19 vaccine change my DNA?
No. This is not true – COVID-19 mRNA vaccines do not change or interact with your DNA in any way.
Will I have long-term side effects from the vaccine?
Over 180 Million Americans have been vaccinated, and over 5 million fellow Michiganders have been vaccinated. It is unlikely that any side effects would occur beyond a few weeks, if at all.
Won’t the vaccine affect my chances of getting pregnant?
No, this is false. Studies have shown that the COVID-19 vaccine does not impact pregnancy or fertility. In fact, doctors recommend individuals who are pregnant or trying to get pregnant get the vaccine because contracting COVID during pregnancy can be dangerous.
How can the vaccine be safe when it was created too quickly and hasn’t even been approved by the FDA?
Mrna technology used in COVID-19 vaccines was in development for many years to prepare for a pandemic-type situation. The COVID-19 vaccine underwent the same level and timeframe of vigorous testing that any other vaccine does. While the vaccines were initially approved for emergency use by the FDA, the Pfizer vaccine has been fully FDA approved and the other vaccines are expected to receive full approval soon.
Should I bother getting the vaccine if I can still get COVID with the Delta Variant?
Yes. While the Delta Variant is more contagious than earlier strains of the virus, most people who are vaccinated are still not getting the virus. When breakthrough cases do occur in vaccinated people, symptoms have been relatively mild and don’t require hospitalization. Michigan hospitals reported that more than 99% of their COVID patients in July 2021 were unvaccinated individuals.
FAQ Source: Michigan State Medical Society