Experts agree that the COVID-19 vaccine is safe if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding. However, if you have any concerns, feel free to talk to your healthcare provider before making a decision. If you have an underlying medical condition, you can get the vaccine as long as you haven’t had an allergic reaction to a vaccine before. You can learn more about underlying conditions and the COVID-19 vaccine by visiting https://www. cdc. gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/recommendations/underlying-conditions. html.

Most agencies are only vaccinating people with appointments. As the vaccine distribution gets wider, that may change. Your government or healthcare provider may be limiting the amount of people who can get the vaccine. Check on your local government’s website to see if you’re eligible before making an appointment. The COVID-19 vaccine shot is free for everyone, so you won’t have to pay to sign up.

If you do accidentally schedule 2 vaccines close together, that’s okay—you don’t need to restart the COVID-19 vaccine series.

Continue to wear a mask and social distance even after you’re vaccinated to keep those around you safe.

If you had COVID-19, but you weren’t treated with antibodies or plasma, you can make your vaccine appointment as soon as you’ve recovered.

You cannot be turned away from a vaccine appointment if you don’t have identification. If you have a health insurance card, bring that too. Your insurance will be billed at no cost to you.

Keep your mask on the entire time you’re in line and when you get the vaccine.

If you’re worried about pain in your arm, keep an ice pack or a cold washcloth in your car for after your appointment.

After you get your first dose, you’ll be monitored for 15 minutes to make sure you aren’t having any severe reactions. If you have any pain or swelling in your arm, you can hold a cool washcloth over the area to reduce the inflammation. If you have any severe side effects, you can report them to the CDC using V-Safe. Register online by visiting https://www. cdc. gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/safety/vsafe. html.

If you get the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine, get your second dose 21 days after your first dose. If you get the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine, get your second dose 28 days after your first dose. Many people report more severe side effects from the second dose of the vaccine. The process will be exactly the same, but you may need more rest time afterwards.