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COVID-19 vaccines: Get the facts

Coronavirus vaccine research Coronavirus vaccine challenges Pathways to develop and produce a COVID-19 vaccine The vaccine development timeline How to protect yourself and prevent COVID-19 infection Content What are the benefits of getting a COVID-19 vaccine? Should I get the COVID-19 vaccine even if I've already had COVID-19? What COVID-19 vaccines have been authorized or approved and how do they work? Can a COVID-19 vaccine give you COVID-19? What are the possible general side effects of a COVID-19 vaccine? What are the long-term side effects of the COVID-19 vaccines? Can COVID-19 vaccines affect the heart? What is the connection between the Janssen/Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine and Guillain-Barre syndrome? What are the symptoms of a blood clotting reaction to the Janssen/Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine? Do the COVID-19 vaccines protect against the COVID-19 variants? Are COVID-19 vaccines free? Can I get a COVID-19 vaccine if I have an existing health condition? Is it OK to take an over-the-counter pain medication before or after getting a COVID-19 vaccine? Is there anyone who should not get a COVID-19 vaccine? What are the signs of an allergic reaction to a COVID-19 vaccine? Can I get a COVID-19 vaccine if I have a history of allergic reactions? Can pregnant or breastfeeding women get the COVID-19 vaccine? Can a COVID-19 vaccine affect fertility or menstruation? What COVID-19 vaccine has been approved for kids? If children don’t frequently experience severe illness with COVID-19, why do they need a COVID-19 vaccine? How did the FDA determine the safety and effectiveness of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine for use in kids ages 12 through 15? Can I stop taking safety precautions after getting a COVID-19 vaccine? Can I still get COVID-19 after I’m vaccinated? Are COVID-19 vaccine additional doses or boosters recommended?

Can I get a COVID-19 vaccine if I have a history of allergic reactions?

If you have a history of severe allergic reactions not related to vaccines or injectable medications, you may still get a COVID-19 vaccine. You should be monitored for 30 minutes after getting the vaccine.

If you've had an immediate allergic reaction to other vaccines or injectable medications, ask your doctor if you should get a COVID-19 vaccine. If you�ve ever had an immediate or severe allergic reaction to any ingredient in a COVID-19 vaccine, the CDC recommends not getting that specific vaccine.

If you have an immediate or severe allergic reaction after getting the first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine, don't get the second dose. However, you might be able to get a different vaccine for your second dose.