It’s important in some diseases, like COVID-19, to prime the body to get an optimal immune response. The first dose primes the immune system — prepares the body to respond appropriately to the next dose and form antibodies. That first dose helps ensure a robust immune response that will get coded into the memory cells in the body. These are the cells we will rely on when we see COVID-19 the next time around.

As of right now, we understand that the vaccine produces a robust immune response for at least 3 months; however, as time goes by, we will learn more.

Yes, people should still wear masks, even after receiving the vaccine. Until we learn more about the protection COVID-19 vaccines provide under real-life conditions, it will be important for everyone to continue wearing a mask, washing hands often and staying at least 6 feet away from others.

In adherence with guidelines from the CDC, all people age 2 and older should wear a face mask while out in a public setting and/or among people who do not live in their household. When wearing a face mask, it should be close-fitted and cover your nose and mouth. Currently, the CDC recommends that N-95 respirators and other medical-grade masks be reserved for use by health care professionals. To learn more about face masks, click here.

The CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists have recommended that pregnant people should not be limited from receiving COVID-19 vaccines.

In addition, preliminary research published in the New England Journal of Medicine suggests that COVID-19 mRNA vaccines, such as those produced by Pfizer and Moderna, appear to be relatively safe when administered to people who are pregnant. This research also found that pregnant people experienced side effects similar to those in people who were not pregnant.

People who are pregnant are at increased risk for severe illness from COVID-19. If you have concerns, talk to your primary care doctor to weigh the risks and benefits of the vaccine versus COVID-19 infection.

Current evidence shows that people whose immune systems are compromised may be more at risk for severe COVID-19. The most recent COVID-19 vaccine guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) state that people who are immunocompromised may receive the vaccine if they do not have any contraindications to vaccination. People who are immunocompromised should speak to their doctor about the risks and benefits of vaccination, including the potential for a decreased response to the vaccine.

While the most recent COVID-19 vaccine guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) do not directly address people with cancer, they state that people who are immunocompromised (such as people undergoing cancer treatment) may receive the vaccine if they do not have any contraindications to vaccination. If you are receiving cancer treatment, you should review the risks and benefits of vaccination — including the potential for a decreased response to the COVID-19 vaccine — with your doctor.

According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), there is no clear evidence that the vaccine causes Bell’s palsy, a condition that causes weakness or paralysis of facial muscles. If you have a history of Bell’s palsy, talk to your primary care doctor to discuss your options. Keck Medicine will continue to monitor data in this area.

Transplant recipients are at increased risk for severe illness from COVID-19. Talk to your primary care doctor or specialist to weigh the risks and benefits of the vaccine versus COVID-19 infection.

The Pfizer and Moderna vaccines require a cold-chain distribution system to transport and store them. Keck Medicine has developed these systems, including securing 6 specialty freezers for this purpose.