

Similarly, Johnson & Johnson's viral vector vaccine also cannot make you ill. "The mRNA is then quickly degraded, so there's also no chance for it to affect your body beyond its role in helping to confer immunity." But, it can stimulate an immune response to the virus," explains Dr. Since this component cannot assemble into a complete virus, it can't actually make you sick. "These new mRNA vaccines rely on synthetic, noninfectious RNA material - which your cells then use to create a harmless viral component. Not only are these much quicker to produce, one of the major advantages of this type of vaccine is that there's no chance that the vaccine can result in infection. The Pfizer and Moderna vaccines are mRNA vaccines. There will ultimately be several different types of COVID-19 vaccines, and each vaccine will work in a slightly different way. "Instead, what you may feel are the so-called 'reactogenic' effects of the vaccine working on your body and immune system." "These vaccines cannot cause COVID-19," Dr.

While there are potential side effects to the vaccines, these reactions are a feature of receiving a vaccine - not of being infected with COVID-19. "Ultimately, when compared to the very severe symptoms a person can develop while ill with COVID-19, vaccination remains one of the most effective ways to protect your health and keep your community safe during this pandemic," explains Dr. If they are not severe, call your doctor's office or use Houston Methodist Virtual Urgent Care. If you do become concerned about side effects you're experiencing, seek medical attention immediately or call 911 if the effects are severe.

"One way to reduce the chance of uncomfortable side effects is to take a pain reliever, such as Tylenol, if you experience any discomfort," adds Dr.

Dirk Sostman, president of the Academic Institute at Houston Methodist. "What we certainly don't want is for people to avoid getting vaccinated because they're afraid of side effects," says Dr. But it's also important to know that, upon granting authorization and approval, the FDA stated that the "known and potential benefits clearly outweigh its known and potential risks" of each of these vaccines. There are potential side effects to these new vaccines. You probably have a few questions about the COVID-19 vaccines, such as: What about side effects?
