Frequently Asked Questions
Regarding the COVID-19 Vaccines
Q: How do COVID-19 vaccines work?
A: Vaccines work by triggering a person’s immune system to develop protection against a disease.
Q: Are COVID-19 vaccines safe and effective? How were they tested and approved?
A: COVID-19 vaccines that are authorized for use have gone through clinical trials involving tens of thousands of participants to determine their safety and efficacy. The known and potential benefits of approved vaccines outweigh the known and potential harms of becoming infected with COVID-19. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has granted Emergency Use Authorizations (EUAs) for COVID-19 vaccines which have been shown to be safe and effective as determined by data from the manufacturers and findings from clinical trials. Get more information here: https://www.state.nj.us/health/cd/topics/covid2019_vaccination.shtml
Q: Why would a vaccine be needed if we can do other things, like social distancing and wearing masks, to prevent the virus that causes COVID-19 from spreading?
A: 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. Other steps, like covering your mouth and nose with a mask and staying at least six feet away from others, help reduce your chance of being exposed to the virus or spreading it to others. Together, COVID-19 vaccination and following the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s recommendations to protect yourself and others will offer the best protection from COVID-19.1
Q: How will New Jersey distribute a COVID-19 vaccine? Is there a plan?
Q: Will I have to pay for the vaccine?
