COVID-19 Frequently Asked Questions
With the arrival of the COVID-19 vaccines and the immense amount of information available online and on social media, it’s not unusual to have many questions about what is accurate and what information you can safely ignore. Whether you have questions about COVID-19 in general or about the safety and effectiveness of the COVID-19 vaccines and where you can get one in your area, we have all that information and more right here.
COVID-19 Vaccines FAQs
The arrival of the COVID-19 vaccine is exciting news, and Baptist is dedicated to keeping you informed about available vaccines, and how to schedule an appointment to receive your vaccination.
Are the vaccines safe?
Yes. Since the federal government launched Operation Warp Speed to accelerate the process of making a COVID-19 vaccine, safety has been the top priority. The U.S. vaccine safety system ensures that all vaccines are as safe as possible through exhaustive clinical trials, monitoring and reporting.
How many doses will I need to get?
That depends on which vaccine you receive. Both the Pfizer/BioNTech and Moderna vaccines require two-doses 2-3 weeks apart, depending on which vaccine you receive in the first dose. It is very important that you get BOTH doses for the vaccine to be effective. The Johnson & Johnson vaccine requires only one dose.
Are there any side effects?
As with other vaccines, you may experience soreness at the injection site, fatigue, achiness or headache the day after receiving the vaccine. The second dose, if you need it, may result in more pronounced side effects. Acetaminophen or ibuprofen may help ease any discomfort.
For more, visit our COVID-19 Vaccine FAQ page.
See all our COVID-19 Vaccine FAQs
General COVID-19 FAQS
Even though we have been living with the impact of COVID-19 for more than year, you may still have questions about the disease and how it can impact you and your family. We hope the answers to the questions below help you feel better informed as work together to bring an end to the pandemic.
Should I wear a continue to wear a mask?
Even though the COVID-19 vaccine is now available, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention still recommends wearing cloth face coverings in public settings where other social distancing measures are difficult to maintain (e.g., grocery stores and pharmacies), especially in areas of significant community-based transmission.
Who is most at risk of developing serious illness due to COVID-19?
For most individuals who contract COVID-19, the symptoms will be mild and moderate. Symptoms can be more pronounced and become severe for people who are age 60 or older, have a compromised immune system, and patients of any age with an underlying health issue such as diabetes, heart disease or lung disease.
What is monoclonal antibody therapy?
Monoclonal antibody therapy, also called monoclonal antibody infusion treatment, is used to treat COVID-19 in individuals who have tested positive for the virus and are at high risk for developing severe illness. Monoclonal antibodies are human-made antibodies that are given to patients directly through an infusion.
For more answers to your frequently asked questions, visit our COVID-19 FAQ page.