COVID-19 Vaccine Basics Guide COVID-19 Vaccine Basics Guide How to Encourage COVID-19 Vaccination Distribution Timeline Vaccination Sites Cost Safety Side Effects By Colleen Doherty, MD Updated on August 24, 2023 Medically reviewed by Kashif J. Piracha, MD Our Conversation Coach Can Help The COVID-19 pandemic has brought uncertainty and a whirlwind of challenges. After months of coping with numerous stressors—social isolation, remote work and learning, and fears of contracting the virus—we are now faced with the opportunity to get vaccinated and turn the tide against this disease. While getting one of the available COVID-19 vaccines may be an easy choice for many people, there are still those who remain hesitant. In fact, according to an ongoing survey conducted by Verywell, 1 in 5 Americans still aren’t sure if they'll agree to receive the vaccine. Learn how to effectively discuss sensitive issues and concerns related to the vaccine. Our Healthy Conversation Coach will simulate a real chat with a friend or loved one who is uncertain about getting vaccinated. Throughout this interactive dialogue, the Conversation Coach will provide tips for navigating difficult exchanges in a calm, respectful, and clear manner. La pandemia del COVID-19 ha traído incertidumbre y un torbellino de desafíos. Después de meses de sobrellevar numerosas causas de estrés–aislamiento social, aprendizaje y trabajo remotos y el miedo de contraer el virus–ahora tenemos la oportunidad de ser vacunados y cambiar el curso de esta enfermedad. Aunque recibir una de las vacunas disponibles contra el COVID-19 puede ser una decisión fácil para muchas personas, aún hay algunas que siguen indecisas. De hecho, según una encuesta en desarrollo llevada a cabo por Verywell, más de 1 de cada 4 estadounidenses dicen que no se vacunarán, y alrededor de 1 de cada 5 dicen que todavía no están seguros. Practique el discutir temas sensibles y preocupaciones sobre las vacunas. Nuestro Instructor de Conversaciones Saludables simula una conversación real con un amigo o un ser querido que está inseguro sobre recibir la vacuna. Por medio de este diálogo interactivo, el Instructor de Conversación provee consejos para navegar los diálogos difíciles de una manera tranquila, respetuosa y clara. Sources Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. Baden LR, El Sahly HM, Essink B et al. Efficacy and safety of the mRNA-1273 SARS-CoV-2 vaccine. N Engl J Med. 2021 Feb 4;384(5):403-416. doi:10.1056/NEJMoa2035389. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Understanding mRNA COVID-19 vaccines. Updated December 18th, 2020. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Workplace vaccination program. Updated January 27th, 2021. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Safety of COVID-19 vaccine. Updated February 11th, 2021. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. CDC seasonal flu vaccine effectiveness studies. Updated December 11th, 2020. Health Resources and Services Administration. COVID-19 claims reimbursement to health care providers and facilities for testing, treatment, and vaccine administration for the uninsured. Updated January 2021. Lauring AS, Hodcroft EB. Genetic variants of SARS-CoV-2-what do they mean? JAMA. 2021 Feb 9;325(6):529-531. doi: 10.1001/jama.2020.27124. Muik A, Wallisch A-K , Sänger B et al. Neutralization of SARS-CoV-2 lineage B.1.1.7 pseudovirus by BNT162b2 vaccine-elicited human sera. Science 2021 Jan 29;eabg6105. doi: 10.1126/science.abg6105. Polack FP, Thomas SJ, Kitchin N et al. Safety and efficacy of the BNT162b2 mRNA Covid-19 vaccine. N Engl J Med. 2020 Dec 31;383(27):2603-2615. doi:10.1056/NEJMoa2034577. By Colleen Doherty, MD Dr. Doherty is a board-certified internist and writer living with multiple sclerosis. She is based in Chicago. See Our Editorial Process Meet Our Medical Expert Board Share Feedback Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! What is your feedback? Other Helpful Report an Error Submit