COVID-19 Vaccination (2023)

What You Need to Know

  • Vaccine recommendations are based on age, time since last dose, and in some cases, the first vaccine received.
  • People who are moderately or severely immunocompromisedhave specific recommendations for COVID-19 vaccines.
  • Side effects after a COVID-19 vaccine are common, however severe allergic reactionsafter getting a COVID-19 vaccine arerare.

Types of COVID-19 Vaccines Available

COVID-19 Vaccination (1)

Vaccines authorized by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) currently include:

  • Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna COVID-19 vaccines which are mRNA vaccines.
  • Novavax COVID-19 vaccine which is a protein subunit vaccine.
  • J&J/Janssen COVID-19 vaccine, a viral vector vaccine has expired and is no longer available for use in the United Statesas of May 6, 2023.

These vaccines are given as a shot in the muscle of the upper arm or in the thigh of a young child. COVID-19 vaccine ingredients are considered safe for most people. Nearly all of the ingredients in COVID-19 vaccines are ingredients found in many foods—fats, sugar, and salts.None of the COVID-19 vaccines affect or interact with our DNAand the following arenotincluded in the vaccines:

  • No preservatives such as thimerosal or mercury or any other preservatives.
  • No antibiotics such as sulfonamide or any other antibiotics.
  • No medicines or therapeutics such as ivermectin or any other medications.
  • No tissues such as aborted fetal cells, gelatin, or any materials from any animal.
  • No food proteins such as eggs or egg products, gluten, peanuts, tree nuts, nut products, or any nut byproducts. (COVID-19 vaccines are not manufactured in facilities that produce food products).
  • No metals such as iron, nickel, cobalt, titanium, or rare earth alloys. They also do not have any manufactured products like microelectronics, electrodes, carbon nanotubes or other nanostructures, or nanowire semiconductors.
  • No latex. The vial stoppers used to hold the vaccine also do not contain latex.

After the body produces an immune response, it discards all of the vaccine ingredients, just as it would discard any substance that cells no longer need. This process is a part of normal body functioning.

Dosage: COVID-19 vaccine dose amountscan vary depending on the type of vaccine being given, or due to the recipient’s age.

COVID-19 vaccine doses and timing are different for people who are moderately or severely immunocompromised.

Vaccines for Immunocompromised

Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna mRNA COVID-19 vaccines

mRNA vaccines use mRNA created in a laboratory to teach our cells how to make a protein—or even just a piece of a protein—that triggers an immune response inside our bodies. The mRNA from the vaccines is broken down within a few days after vaccination and discarded from the body.

Vaccine Schedule

Learn about the recommended timing for Pfizer-BioNTech updated COVID-19 vaccines for people:

Children Aged 6 Months—5 YearsEveryone Aged 6 Years and Older

Ingredients in Vaccine Formula for Children

The Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine for children ages 6 months–11 years contains only the following ingredients:

Type

Type

Type

Ingredient

Ingredient

Ingredient

Purpose

Purpose

Purpose

Messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA)

Type

Messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA)

  • Nucleoside-modified mRNA encoding the viral spike (S) glycoprotein of SARS-CoV-2

Ingredient

  • Nucleoside-modified mRNA encoding the viral spike (S) glycoprotein of SARS-CoV-2

Provides instructions the body uses to build a harmless piece of a protein from the virus that causes COVID-19. This protein causes an immune response that helps protect the body from getting sick with COVID-19 in the future.

Purpose

Provides instructions the body uses to build a harmless piece of a protein from the virus that causes COVID-19. This protein causes an immune response that helps protect the body from getting sick with COVID-19 in the future.

Lipids (fats)

Type

Lipids (fats)

  • 2[(polyethylene glycol (PEG))-2000]-N,N-ditetradecylacetamide
  • 1,2-distearoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine
  • Cholesterol (plant derived)
  • ((4-hydroxybutyl)azanediyl)bis(hexane-6,1-diyl)bis(2-hexyldecanoate)

Ingredient

  • 2[(polyethylene glycol (PEG))-2000]-N,N-ditetradecylacetamide
  • 1,2-distearoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine
  • Cholesterol (plant derived)
  • ((4-hydroxybutyl)azanediyl)bis(hexane-6,1-diyl)bis(2-hexyldecanoate)

Work together to help the mRNA enter cells.

Purpose

Work together to help the mRNA enter cells.

Sugar and acid stabilizers

Type

Sugar and acid stabilizers

  • Sucrose (table sugar)
  • Tromethamine
  • Tromethamine hydrochloride

Ingredient

  • Sucrose (table sugar)
  • Tromethamine
  • Tromethamine hydrochloride

Work together to help keep the vaccine molecules stable while the vaccine is manufactured, frozen, shipped, and stored until it is ready to be given to a vaccine recipient.

Purpose

Work together to help keep the vaccine molecules stable while the vaccine is manufactured, frozen, shipped, and stored until it is ready to be given to a vaccine recipient.

Messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA):
Nucleoside-modified mRNA encoding the viral spike (S) glycoprotein of SARS-CoV-2

Purpose
Provides instructions the body uses to build a harmless piece of a protein from the virus that causes COVID-19. This protein causes an immune response that helps protect the body from getting sick with COVID-19 in the future.

Lipids (fats):

  • 2[(polyethylene glycol (PEG))-2000]-N,N-ditetradecylacetamide
  • 1,2-distearoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine
  • Cholesterol (plant derived)
  • (4-hydroxybutyl)azanediyl)bis(hexane-6,1-diyl)bis(2-hexyldecanoate)

Purpose
Work together to help the mRNA enter cells.

Sugar and acid stabilizers:

  • Dibasic sodium phosphate dihydrate
  • Monobasic potassium phosphate
  • Potassium chloride (common food salt)
  • Sodium chloride (basic table salt)
  • Sucrose (basic table sugar)

Purpose
Work together to help keep the vaccine molecules stable while the vaccine is manufactured, frozen, shipped, and stored until it is ready to be given to a vaccine recipient.

Ingredients in Vaccine Formula for Teens and Adults

The Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine for teens and adults ages 12 years and older contains only the following ingredients:

Type

Type

Type

Ingredient

Ingredient

Ingredient

Purpose

Purpose

Purpose

Messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA)

Type

Messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA)

  • Nucleoside-modified mRNA encoding the viral spike (S) glycoprotein of SARS-CoV-2

Ingredient

  • Nucleoside-modified mRNA encoding the viral spike (S) glycoprotein of SARS-CoV-2

Provides instructions the body uses to build a harmless piece of a protein from the virus that causes COVID-19. This protein causes an immune response that helps protect the body from getting sick with COVID-19 in the future.

Purpose

Provides instructions the body uses to build a harmless piece of a protein from the virus that causes COVID-19. This protein causes an immune response that helps protect the body from getting sick with COVID-19 in the future.

Lipids (fats)

Type

Lipids (fats)

  • 2[(polyethylene glycol (PEG))-2000]-N,N-ditetradecylacetamide
  • 1,2-distearoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine
  • Cholesterol (plant derived)
  • ((4-hydroxybutyl)azanediyl)bis(hexane-6,1-diyl)bis(2-hexyldecanoate)

Ingredient

  • 2[(polyethylene glycol (PEG))-2000]-N,N-ditetradecylacetamide
  • 1,2-distearoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine
  • Cholesterol (plant derived)
  • ((4-hydroxybutyl)azanediyl)bis(hexane-6,1-diyl)bis(2-hexyldecanoate)

Work together to help the mRNA enter cells.

Purpose

Work together to help the mRNA enter cells.

Sugar and acid stabilizers

Type

Sugar and acid stabilizers

  • Sucrose (table sugar)
  • Tromethamine
  • Tromethamine hydrochloride

Ingredient

  • Sucrose (table sugar)
  • Tromethamine
  • Tromethamine hydrochloride

Work together to help keep the vaccine in good condition (molecules remain stable) while the vaccine is manufactured, frozen, shipped, and stored until it is ready to be given to a vaccine recipient.

Purpose

Work together to help keep the vaccine in good condition (molecules remain stable) while the vaccine is manufactured, frozen, shipped, and stored until it is ready to be given to a vaccine recipient.

Resources

Fact sheets for recipients and caregivers-Ingredients, how vaccine is administered, and other details from the FDA:

Other clinical information:

  • Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine Product Information

Messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA):
Nucleoside-modified mRNA encoding the viral spike (S) glycoprotein of SARS-CoV-2

Purpose
Provides instructions the body uses to build a harmless piece of a protein from the virus that causes COVID-19. This protein causes an immune response that helps protect the body from getting sick with COVID-19 in the future.

Lipids (fats):

  • 2[(polyethylene glycol (PEG))-2000]-N,N-ditetradecylacetamide1
  • 1,2-distearoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine
  • Cholesterol (plant derived)
  • ((4-hydroxybutyl)azanediyl)bis(hexane-6,1-diyl)bis(2-hexyldecanoate)

Purpose
Work together to help the mRNA enter cells.

Salts and sugar:

  • Sucrose (table sugar)
  • Tromethamine
  • Tromethamine hydrochloride

Purpose

Work together to help keep the vaccine molecules stable while the vaccine is manufactured, frozen, shipped, and stored until it is ready to be given to a vaccine recipient.

Resources

Fact sheets for recipients and caregivers-Ingredients, how vaccine is administered, and other details from the FDA:

Other clinical information:

  • Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine Product Information

Vaccine Schedule

Learn about the recommended timing for Moderna updated COVID-19 vaccines for people:

Children Aged 6 Months—5 YearsEveryone Aged 6 Years and Older

Ingredients

The Moderna COVID-19 vaccine for everyone ages 6 months and older contains only the following ingredients:

Type

Type

Type

Ingredient

Ingredient

Ingredient

Purpose

Purpose

Purpose

Messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA)

Type

Messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA)

  • Nucleoside-modified mRNA encoding the viral spike (S) glycoprotein of SARS-CoV-2

Ingredient

  • Nucleoside-modified mRNA encoding the viral spike (S) glycoprotein of SARS-CoV-2

Provides instructions the body uses to build a harmless piece of a protein from the virus that causes COVID-19. This protein causes an immune response that helps protect the body from getting sick with COVID-19 in the future.

Purpose

Provides instructions the body uses to build a harmless piece of a protein from the virus that causes COVID-19. This protein causes an immune response that helps protect the body from getting sick with COVID-19 in the future.

Lipids (fats)

Type

Lipids (fats)

  • PEG2000-DMG: 1,2-dimyristoyl-rac-glycerol, methoxypolyethylene glycol
  • 1,2-distearoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine
  • BotaniChol® (non-animal origin cholesterol)
  • SM-102: heptadecane-9-yl 8-((2-hydroxyethyl) (6-oxo-6-(undecyloxy) hexyl) amino) octanoate

Ingredient

  • PEG2000-DMG: 1,2-dimyristoyl-rac-glycerol, methoxypolyethylene glycol
  • 1,2-distearoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine
  • BotaniChol® (non-animal origin cholesterol)
  • SM-102: heptadecane-9-yl 8-((2-hydroxyethyl) (6-oxo-6-(undecyloxy) hexyl) amino) octanoate

Work together to help the mRNA enter cells.

Purpose

Work together to help the mRNA enter cells.

Salt, sugar, acid stabilizers, and acid

Type

Salt, sugar, acid stabilizers, and acid

  • Sodium acetate
  • Sucrose (basic table sugar)
  • Tromethamine
  • Tromethamine hydrochloride
  • Acetic acid (the main ingredient in white household vinegar)

Ingredient

  • Sodium acetate
  • Sucrose (basic table sugar)
  • Tromethamine
  • Tromethamine hydrochloride
  • Acetic acid (the main ingredient in white household vinegar)

Work together to help keep the vaccine in good condition (molecules remain stable) while the vaccine is manufactured, frozen, shipped, and stored until it is ready to be given to a vaccine recipient.

Purpose

Work together to help keep the vaccine in good condition (molecules remain stable) while the vaccine is manufactured, frozen, shipped, and stored until it is ready to be given to a vaccine recipient.

Resources

Fact sheets for recipients and caregivers- Ingredients, how vaccine is administered, and other details from the FDA:

Other clinical information:

  • Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine Product Information

Messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA):
Nucleoside-modified mRNA encoding the viral spike (S) glycoprotein of SARS-CoV-2

Purpose
Provides instructions that the body uses to build a harmless piece of a protein from the virus that causes COVID-19. This protein causes an immune response that helps protect the body from getting sick with COVID-19 in the future.

Lipids (fats):

  • PEG2000-DMG: 1,2-dimyristoyl-rac-glycerol, methoxypolyethylene glycol
  • 1,2-distearoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine
  • BotaniChol® (non-animal origin cholesterol)
  • SM-102: heptadecane-9-yl 8-((2-hydroxyethyl) (6-oxo-6-(undecyloxy) hexyl) amino) octanoate

Purpose
Work together to help the mRNA enter cells.

Salt, sugar, acid stabilizers, and acid:

  • Sodium acetate
  • Sucrose (basic table sugar)
  • Tromethamine
  • Tromethamine hydrochloride
  • Acetic acid (the main ingredient in white household vinegar)

Purpose
Work together to help keep the vaccine molecules stable while the vaccine is manufactured, frozen, shipped, and stored until it is ready to be given to a vaccine recipient.

Resources

Fact sheets for recipients and caregivers- Ingredients, how vaccine is administered, and other details from the FDA:

Other clinical information:

  • Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine Product Information

1 If you are allergic to polyethylene glycol (PEG), you shouldnotget Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna COVID-19 vaccine. If you are allergic to polysorbate, you shouldnotget Novavax or J&J/Janssen COVID-19 vaccine. Talk to your doctor about your options.

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