COVID-19 vaccine FAQs

Which type of COVID-19 vaccine is preferred?

The CDC is expressing a clinical preference for individuals to receive an mRNA COVID-19 vaccine (Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna) over Johnson & Johnson’s COVID-19 vaccine. This recommendation followed a robust discussion of the latest evidence on vaccine effectiveness, vaccine safety and rare adverse events, and consideration of the U.S. vaccine supply.

However, ACIP reaffirmed that receiving any vaccine is better than being unvaccinated. Individuals who are unable or unwilling to receive an mRNA vaccine will continue to have access to Johnson & Johnson’s COVID-19 vaccine.

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Who is eligible to receive COVID-19 booster vaccines?

Individuals age 12+ are eligible to receive the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine booster if they completed the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine series 5 months ago.

Adults 18 years and older can get any of the COVID-19 vaccine boosters authorized in the United States as long as they completed the Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna vaccine series 5 months ago, or received the single dose Johnson & Johnson vaccine 2 months ago.

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Which booster should you get?

If you are 18 and older, you may choose any of the three available COVID-19 vaccines in the United States as a booster shot. Some people may prefer the vaccine type that they originally received, and others may prefer to get a different booster. CDC’s recommendations now allow for this type of mix and match dosing for booster shots.

Children 12-17 years are eligible to receive the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine booster if they completed the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine series 5 months ago.
Learn more

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Do children younger than 12 years old need to be vaccinated? Are they at increased risk of getting sick from COVID-19?

With many children back in school and participating in extracurricular activities, COVID-19 vaccination among children ages 5 through 11 years is critical to preventing infection and possible severe disease, as well as reducing the spread of COVID-19. There are approximately 28 million children between the ages of 5 and 11 in the United States, and there have been nearly 2 million cases of COVID-19 within this age group during the pandemic. While fewer children have been sick with COVID-19 compared to adults, children can be infected with the virus, and there is no way to tell in advance if a child will get a severe or mild case. Some children have developed a rare but serious disease that is linked to COVID-19 called multisystem inflammatory syndrome (MIS-C).

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Are COVID-19 vaccines safe for children in this age group?

Based on data from the clinical trial, children may have some side effects from COVID-19 vaccination, which are normal signs that their body is building protection. These side effects may affect your child’s ability to do daily activities, but they should go away in a few days. Serious side effects are rare but may occur.

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Which stores will have vaccines available for ages 5 to 11?

Select Winn-Dixie Pharmacy locations will be offering the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine for ages 5 to 11. Click here to view our store list.

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What should a parent do if a child turns 12 after they get their first dose of the pediatric vaccine but before the second dose is due?

As opposed to many medications, vaccine dosages are based on age and not size or weight. If a child turns from 11 to 12 years of age in between their first and second dose, they should receive the age- appropriate dose at the time of administration.

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Is this Pfizer vaccine the same one that’s given to adolescents and adults?

The Pfizer-BioNTech Vaccine for children ages 5 through 11 has the same active ingredients as the vaccine given to adults and adolescents. The Pfizer-BioNTech Vaccine that is given to adults and adolescents cannot be used for children ages 5 through 11 years. Children ages 5 through 11 will receive an age-appropriate dose that is one third of what adolescents and adults receive. Smaller needles, designed specifically for children, are used for children ages 5 through 11 years. COVID-19 vaccine dosage does not vary by patient weight but by age on the day of vaccination. Children are still required to get two doses three weeks apart to be considered fully vaccinated.

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Is there a fertility/development concern with vaccinating children before they reach puberty?

No. There is no evidence that any vaccines, including COVID-19 vaccines, can cause female or male fertility problems.

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Is it safe to co-administer COVID-19 vaccines with other vaccines, like flu?

Yes, if a patient is eligible, both flu and COVID-19 vaccines can be administered at the same visit, as recommended by CDC and ACIP. In addition to flu vaccine, COVID-19 vaccine can be given with other vaccines as well.

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Will COVID-19 vaccines for children be free?

Yes, COVID-19 vaccines are available for everyone at no cost, including the Pfizer-BioNTech Vaccine for children ages 5 through 11 years. COVID-19 vaccines will continue to be given to all eligible people living in the United States, regardless of insurance or immigration status.

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Will children younger than 12 receive a vaccine card?

Yes, all vaccine recipients, including children ages 5 through 11 years, will receive a CDC vaccination card upon initial vaccination.

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What’s the difference between a booster dose and an additional dose?

Certain individuals who are moderately to severely immunocompromised may not build enough (or any) protection when they first get a vaccination. When this happens, getting another dose of the vaccine can sometimes help them build more protection against the disease. CDC recommends moderately to severely immunocompromised people consider receiving an additional (third) dose of an mRNA COVID-19 vaccine (Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna) at least 28 days after the completion of the initial 2-dose mRNA COVID-19 vaccine series.

In contrast, a “booster dose” refers to another dose of a vaccine that is given to someone who built enough protection after vaccination, but then that protection decreased over time (this is called waning immunity).

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What are the risks to getting a booster?

For many who have completed their primary series with Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine, the benefits of getting a booster shot outweigh the known and potential risks. So far, reactions reported after the third PfizerBioNTech shot were similar to that of the 2-shot primary series. Fatigue and pain at the injection site were the most commonly reported side effects, and overall, most side effects were mild to moderate. However, as with the 2-shot primary series, serious side effects are rare, but may occur.

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Am I able to book my first and second dose in two different locations?

You can walk-in or schedule an appointment for your second dose Moderna or Pfizer vaccine even if you received your first dose Moderna or Pfizer vaccine at a different location.

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Which vaccines have been FDA approved for COVID-19?

As of August 23, 2021, the FDA has issued full approval of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine for ages 16+. The FDA has rigorous scientific and regulatory processes in place to facilitate development and ensure the safety, effectiveness and quality of COVID-19 vaccines. Other COVID-19 vaccines are in development and will be reviewed by the FDA under EUA. Find the current status of the vaccine approvals and EUAs.

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Is the additional dose covered by insurance?

Yes, the additional dose is available at no cost to any eligible patient either through insurance or a federal program for the uninsured.

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What do I need to know about the COVID-19 variants, including the Delta variant?

Please visit the CDC's page on variants for more information.

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What type of vaccine is Winn-Dixie Administering?

Winn-Dixie will be administering the Pfizer and Moderna vaccine. The type of vaccine will vary by state. Click to learn more about each vaccine, the Moderna Vaccine Fact Sheet and Pfizer Vaccine Fact Sheet.

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Are COVID-19 vaccines safe?

The U.S. vaccine safety system ensures that all vaccines are as safe as possible. Safety is a top priority while federal partners work to make this and other COVID-19 vaccines available.

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/safety.html

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How do I report if I had a bad reaction or a problem after receiving the COVID-19 vaccine?

The CDC and FDA encourage the public to report possible side effects (called adverse events) to the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS). This national system collects these data to look for adverse events that are unexpected, appear to happen more often than expected, or have unusual patterns of occurrence. Learn about the difference between a vaccine side effect and an adverse event. Reports to VAERS help the CDC monitor the safety of vaccines. Safety is a top priority. Healthcare providers will be required to report certain adverse events following vaccination to VAERS. Healthcare providers also have to adhere to any revised safety reporting requirements according to FDA’s conditions of authorized use throughout the duration of any Emergency Use Authorization; these requirements would be posted on FDA’s website.

The CDC is also implementing a new smartphone-based tool called v-safe to check-in on people’s health after they receive a COVID-19 vaccine. When you receive your vaccine, you should also receive a v-safe information sheet telling you how to enroll in v-safe. If you enroll, you will receive regular text messages directing you to surveys where you can report any problems or adverse reactions you have after receiving a COVID-19 vaccine.

V-Safe information sheet
V-Safe information poster

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How does the COVID-19 vaccine work?

COVID-19 vaccines help our bodies develop immunity to the virus that causes COVID-19 without us having to get the illness. Different types of vaccines work in different ways to offer protection, but with all types of vaccines, the body is left with a supply of “memory” T-lymphocytes as well as B-lymphocytes that will remember how to fight that virus in the future. It typically takes a few weeks for the body to produce T-lymphocytes and B-lymphocytes after vaccination. Therefore, it is possible that a person could be infected with the virus that causes COVID-19 just before or just after vaccination and then get sick because the vaccine did not have enough time to provide protection. Sometimes after vaccination, the process of building immunity can cause symptoms, such as fever. These symptoms are normal and are a sign that the body is building immunity.

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/different-vaccines/how-they-work.html?CDC_AA_refVal=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cdc.gov%2Fcoronavirus%2F2019-ncov%2Fvaccines%2Fabout-vaccines%2Fhow-they-work.html

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How much does the COVID-19 vaccine cost?

Vaccine doses will be given to the American people at no cost. The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG), and Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) are warning the public about several emerging fraud schemes related to COVID-19 vaccines. If you believe you have been the victim of a COVID-19 fraud, immediately report it to the FBI (ic3.gov, tips.fbi.gov, or 1-800-CALL-FBI) or HHS OIG (tips.hhs.gov or 1-800-HHS-TIPS)

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What is an N95 filtering facepiece respirator (mask)?

An N95 FFR is a type of respirator which removes particles from the air that are breathed through it. These respirators filter out at least 95% of very small (0.3 micron) particles. N95 FFRs are capable of filtering out all types of particles, including bacteria and viruses.

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What makes an N95 mask different from other facemasks (sometimes called surgical mask)?

Understanding the difference between a surgical mask and an N95 mask (CDC infographic)

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Can you explain the guidance for people who are moderately or severely immunocompromised?

CDC clarified an existing recommendation that people who are moderately or severely immunocompromised—and who receive an mRNA (Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna) vaccine—receive 4 doses total (a primary series of 3 doses, plus 1 booster dose). In addition, CDC now recommends that people who are moderately or severely immunocompromised—who received the 3-dose primary mRNA COVID-19 vaccine series—receive their booster dose at least 3 months (instead of at least 5 months) after the last primary dose.




CDC also now recommends that people who are moderately or severely immunocompromised—who received a single J&J/Janssen COVID-19 vaccine primary series—receive a total of three vaccine doses: 1 J&J/Janssen dose, followed by 1 additional mRNA dose, then 1 booster dose. mRNA vaccines are preferred for the booster dose.

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How many doses of a Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna (mRNA) vaccine are needed for people who are moderately or severely immunocompromised, and whose initial COVID-19 vaccine series was an mRNA vaccine?

Four doses total. A primary series of 3 doses, plus 1 booster dose. In terms of timing:

For the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine, the second dose for people who are moderately or severely immunocompromised is given 21 days (3 weeks) after the first dose, the third dose is given at least 28 days (4 weeks) after the second dose, and the fourth dose (booster dose) is now recommended to be given at least 3 months after the third dose.




For the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine, the second dose for people who are moderately or severely immunocompromised is given 28 days after the first dose, the third dose is given at least 28 days after the second dose, and the fourth dose (booster dose) is now recommended to be given at least 3 months after the third dose.

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How many vaccine doses are recommended for people who are moderately or severely immunocompromised who received the Janssen vaccine as their initial COVID-19 vaccine?

Three doses total–1 J&J/Janssen dose, followed by 1 additional mRNA dose, then 1 booster dose. mRNA vaccines are preferred for the booster dose.




The additional (second) dose is given at least 28 days (4 weeks) after the Janssen dose. The booster dose (third) dose) is given at least 2 months after the additional mRNA dose.




The additional dose must be an mRNA COVID-19 vaccine, and an mRNA COVID-19 vaccine is preferred for the booster dose due to concerns about an increased risk for thrombosis with thrombocytopenia syndrome (TTS) when using the Janssen vaccine. TTS is a rare but serious adverse event that causes blood clots or issues with clotting.

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