Updated 1/26/2021
SONJ will continue to provide updated information as it becomes available.
COVID-19 Vaccine FAQs
Expand each for full details
New Jersey is currently providing vaccines for individuals in Groups 1A and 1B. This includes Healthcare personnel, long-term care residents and staff, first responders, and individuals at high risk. High risk includes those with chronic kidney and lung disease (COPD), heart conditions, obesity, Down Syndrome, smoking, Type 2 diabetes, cancer, and sickle-cell disease. – https://covid19.nj.gov/faqs/nj-information/slowing-the-spread/who-is-eligible-for-vaccination-in-new-jersey-who-is-included-in-the-vaccination-phases
No. The 2 approved vaccines do not contain the live virus which causes COVID-19. – https://covid19.nj.gov/faqs/nj-information/slowing-the-spread/how-do-covid-19-vaccines-work
Maybe! As of now, experts do not know how long someone is protected after getting sick. https://covid19.nj.gov/faqs/nj-information/slowing-the-spread/how-do-covid-19-vaccines-work
The current medical information shows that the vaccine protects most people by creating an immune response without making you sick. – https://covid19.nj.gov/faqs/nj-information/slowing-the-spread/how-do-covid-19-vaccines-work
The vaccine is not able to alter or change a person’s genetic makeup (DNA). – https://covid19.nj.gov/faqs/nj-information/slowing-the-spread/how-do-covid-19-vaccines-work
After receiving an injection of a COVID-19 vaccine, you will be observed for 15 minutes by healthcare staff to monitor any side effects. Observation may be longer (30 minutes) if you have a history of anaphylaxis (severe allergic reaction).
Like many vaccines, a COVID-19 vaccine may cause some temporary discomfort. In addition to a sore arm, side effects of the vaccines may include tiredness, headache, muscle pain, chills, joint pain, fever, injection site swelling, injection site redness, nausea, feeling unwell, and swollen lymph nodes. There is a small chance that vaccines could cause a severe allergic reaction. A severe allergic reaction would usually occur within a few minutes to one hour, which is why all individuals should be observed for at least 15 minutes after vaccination and 30 minutes if they have a history of a severe allergic reaction due to any cause. – https://covid19.nj.gov/faqs/nj-information/slowing-the-spread/are-covid-19-vaccines-safe-and-effective-how-were-they-tested-and-approved
Noone will have to pay for the vaccine. Your insurance may be billed, however, there will be no cost to the individual. – https://covid19.nj.gov/faqs/nj-information/assistance-and-benefits/is-the-covid-19-vaccine-free-what-if-i-dont-have-insurance
Maybe. You may be able to ask which vaccine your site is giving.
You currently need 2 doses of the vaccine. You should get your second dose within 2-3 weeks from the first dose and it should be the same vaccine as the first one.
Once you register and receive an email to schedule an appointment, you can use this list to find a site. – https://covid19.nj.gov/pages/covid-19-vaccine-locations-for-eligible-recipients
The NJ COVID-19 Information Hub. https://covid19.nj.gov/ – This is the State of New Jersey’s central hub for all information regarding the pandemic, vaccines, travel, and workplace restrictions.
COVID-19 Vaccine information – https://covid19.nj.gov/pages/vaccine – you can register for the vaccine, determine eligibility, and find out where the vaccines will be distributed.
The Arc of New Jersey webpage with additional resources and videos for individuals with I/DD, DSP’s, and families – https://www.arcnj.org/information/covid-19-updates-information/covid-19-vaccine-information.html