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1. Can I get a booster shot of the COVID vaccine?

Updated 12/14/21

Everyone ages 18 and older should get a booster shot either when they are 6 months after their initial Pfizer or Moderna series or 2 months after their initial Johnson & Johnson’s Janssen vaccine. Teens ages 16-17 are able to get a booster at least six months after their second Pfizer. 

Learn more on our website or from CDC: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/booster-shot.html

2. Will the COVID vaccines protect me from variants like Omicron?

Health experts are studying how effective the COVID-19 vaccines are against the Omicron variant. It will take several weeks or longer before there is enough data to understand how well the vaccines work against the variant. Many experts believe that current vaccines will remain effective, especially against severe disease.

For the highest amount of protection, all people eligible for a booster dose should get it as soon as possible.

Learn more about the Omicron variant.

3. How soon after having COVID can I get vaccinated?

You can get vaccinated after having COVID-19 as soon as you are able to end isolation. See the criteria for ending isolation here.

An exception would be for people who were treated for COVID-19 with monoclonal antibodies or convalescent plasma or people who have a history of multisystem inflammatory syndrome in adults or children (MIS-A or MIS-C). They may need to wait a while after recovering before they can get vaccinated and its recommended to talk to their doctor. 

4. Why should I get vaccinated if I've already had COVID-19?

Some recent studies indicate that immunity gained through infection can be highly effective. However, we are still learning exactly how long this natural immunity can last. Vaccination is also a much safer way to acquire immunity. While some people may have mild cases of COVID, it is not worth the risk of having a more serious case that requires medical intervention or results in long-term health issues.

Learn more

5. What do I do if I lose my vaccine card?

You can receive a copy of your vaccination record from Clay County Public Health Center by completing this online form. The record will include proof of your COVID-19 vaccination if you were vaccinated anywhere in Missouri. We cannot offer replacement cards at this time.

If you were vaccinated with Operation Safe or North Kansas City Hospital, a record of your vaccination can also be found in the myhealth patient portal. Learn more.

6. Can I stop wearing a mask and following public health protocols if I am vaccinated?

If you are vaccinated, you can resume many activities that you did before the pandemic. However, to maximize protection from variants and prevent possibly spreading it to others, it is recommended to wear a mask indoors in public if you are in an area of substantial or high transmission, even if you are vaccinated. Some cities, counties and businesses may require the use of a mask regardless of vaccination status. 

Please see CDC's guidance for When You've Been Fully Vaccinated.

7. After getting vaccinated, do I still need to quarantine after possible exposures?

See CDC's latest guidance for who needs to quarantine and when.

8. Can I still catch COVID after being vaccinated? Can I still spread COVID after being vaccinated?

Yes. It is still possible to contract COVID-19, with these cases being known as "breakthrough cases." Although the vaccine is highly effective at preventing COVID-19, is not 100% effective. There is some evidence that vaccination may make illness less severe for those who are vaccinated and still get sick.

If you've been vaccinated, you should still watch out for symptoms of COVID-19, especially if you’ve been around someone who is sick. If you have symptoms of COVID-19, you should get tested and stay home and away from others.

You may choose to continue to wear masks and practicing physical distancing, even after you have been vaccinated. Learn more about After You've Been Fully Vaccinated.

9. After I’ve gotten vaccinated, how long will it take to get immunity?

If it has been less than two weeks since your final dose of COVID-19 vaccine, regardless of your age, you are NOT considered fully vaccinated. Keep taking all precautions until you are fully vaccinated.

The Pfizer and Moderna vaccines both require two doses of the vaccine to reach maximum effectiveness. Even after receiving your second dose, you will not be immediately protected from COVID-19. Studies show that it takes about one to two weeks after your last dose for your body to be able to protect itself against illness.

The Johnson & Johnson vaccine takes about two weeks after your first and only dose.

10. Will I still be protected if I only get one dose? Why is important to get the second dose?

If you received a Pfizer or Moderna vaccine for your first dose, it is very important to get both doses of the vaccine so that your body develops enough antibodies to fight the COVID-19 virus if you get infected in the future.

It is also very important that you receive the second dose of your COVID-19 vaccine on time. The time frame between the vaccine’s first and second dose is determined by the companies producing the vaccine to maximize your body’s ability to create antibodies against the virus. Many vaccinators will go ahead and schedule your appointment for your second dose while making your first appointment or during your appointment.

Getting more than one dose for a vaccine is not unusual. In fact, it’s the norm. Many routine vaccines require more than one dose for maximum protection.

11. Will I have to get vaccinated for COVID-19 every year, like the flu? How long is the vaccine effective at protecting me?

We don’t know yet – researchers will continue to collect data on study participants to determine if immunity decreases over time and if repeat vaccination is necessary.

12. If I get symptoms shortly after I’ve been vaccinated, should I get tested?

If you have symptoms shortly after receiving the vaccine, these symptoms do not mean you have gotten COVID-19 from the vaccine. You may have some side effects, which are normal signs that your body is building protection. These side effects may feel like flu and may even affect your ability to do daily activities, but they should go away in a few days. For more information about symptoms after receiving the vaccine you can view the CDC’s What to Expect after Getting a COVID-19 Vaccine fact sheet.

13. What is community immunity or herd immunity? How many people need to get vaccinated to develop community immunity from COVID-19?

This term describes when enough people have protection - either because they’ve already had the disease or they’ve been vaccinated - it is unlikely a virus or bacteria can spread between people in a community and cause outbreaks of disease.

Public health experts are still learning about what percentage of a community would need to be vaccinated to achieve herd immunity against COVID-19. The percentage needed to reach herd immunity varies by disease.

14. Are the vaccines effective against variants?

Yes. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the COVID-19 vaccines offer protection against infection by most variants. Most important, they have prevented serious illness, hospitalization, and death, even at a time when new variants are spreading around the world.

11/29//21: The emergence of the Omicron variant further emphasizes the importance of vaccination, boosters, and other prevention efforts needed to protect against COVID-19. While there is much to learn about the Omicron variant, we do know that COVID-19 vaccines are our best tool to avoid serious illness & hospitalization.