We have had a lot of questions about COVID vaccines, so we will try to address those questions here for everyone

Center Drug strongly recommends that everyone get the COVID-19 vaccine once it is widely available. We will let you know by means of our website, in-store signage, and social media when we have the vaccine, and when you can make an appointment to get your shot!

Frequently Asked Questions:

• * Is the vaccine safe?
  Yes, the vaccine is safe. The reason it was able to be brought into emergency use so quickly is because it uses technology that has been being studied for over a decade. It uses mRNA technology. Vaccines that use mRNA do not contain live virus, and do not carry a risk of causing disease in the vaccinated person. The mRNA from the vaccine never enters the nucleus of the cell and does not affect or interact with a person’s DNA. Like all vaccines, the COVID-19 mRNA vaccines have been rigorously tested for safety before being authorized for use in the United States. These vaccines were tested in large clinical trials to make sure they meet safety standards. Thousands of patients participated in the trials to see how the vaccines offer protection to people of different ages, races, and ethnicities, as well as those with different medical conditions. Emergency authorization is only given to vaccines when the expected benefits outweigh any potential risks. The FDA and CDC continue to monitor safety and any side effects that people experience to make sure that even rare side effects are identified.
• * There are two vaccines out there right now. One from Pfizer, and one from Moderna. Does it matter which one I get?
  No, which ever vaccine you are offered, you should choose to get it. Both vaccines require 2 shots, and yes, you need to get both shots. The 1st shot primes your immune system helping it to recognize the virus and starts building protection for you. The 2nd shot strengthens your immune response. To get the most protection that the vaccine can offer, you need to get both shots. Even if you have unpleasant side effects from the 1st shot, it is important that you make sure you get the 2nd shot. You should make sure your 2nd shot is from the same manufacturer that your 1st shot was from.
• * Will I get COVID from the vaccine?
  No, you cannot get COVID from this vaccine. However, you may experience some side effects from the vaccine like you would with the flu vaccine. You may experience a sore arm, redness or warmth around the area of the injection, a fever, muscle aches, a headache, and fatigue. These symptoms usually will disappear in 3 to 5 days. You may not see any of these side effects with the first shot, but after you get the 2nd shot you will be more likely to see these side effects. These side effects appear because your immune system is doing what it is supposed to do, and it shows you that your body is working to build up immunity to the COVID disease.
• * I have already had COVID-19, should I still get a vaccination when it comes out?
  Yes, you should still get the vaccine because we do not know how long your immunity will last from the infection that you had. At this point, we don’t know how long your immunity will last from the vaccine either—time and continued studies will determine that, so it may not be as urgent that you get the vaccine, but you should still be vaccinated.
• * Natural immunity vs. vaccination?
  Both the COVID-19 disease and the vaccine are new, but we do know that receiving the COVID-19 vaccination is the safer choice than waiting to get the disease to provide immunity. We do know that COVID has caused very serious illness and death for a lot of people. If you do get COVID-19, you also risk giving it to loved ones who may also get very sick, or could die from it. You will not get COVID from the vaccine, and from what we have seen so far in the trials, there are very few side effects from getting the vaccine.
• * Will Center Drug be giving COVID vaccinations?
  Yes, we will be giving COVID vaccinations. No, we currently don't have any vaccine. We are at the mercy of the CDC and the government as to when they will allow us to order vaccine. You may have recently heard that 6500 pharmacy's would be getting the vaccine. Unfortunately, we are not included in that round of pharmacies. We will have updates on our website when we have received the vaccine. We are not starting any wait list at this point since we don't know how long it will be before the vaccine arrives in our pharmacy.
• * Do we know which vaccine we will get?
  No, we don't know until we are slated to receive the vaccine which manufacturer we will be getting. The recommendation is to not be picky about which vaccine you get, and to accept the first vaccine offered to you.
• * Will I need an appointment to get the vaccine?
  Yes, you will be required to have an appointment to get the vaccine. When the time comes, we will have an on-line schedule system on our website that will enable you to make an appointment for a day and time that works best for you. If you do not have any web access, you will be able to call the store, and a clerk will be able to help you make an appointment.
• * What is the minimum amount of time needed between the first and second dose of vaccine?
  The Pfizer vaccine is 21 days and the Moderna vaccine is 28 days.
• * What is the maximum amount of time between the first and second doses?
  The CDC recommends that if you are late for the second dose that you get the second dose as soon as possible. You do not need to restart the vaccine series. The vaccine will be less effective if you don't get both doses of vaccine.
• * How long after I am vaccinated will I be fully immune?
  It will take about a week or two after you have completed the vaccination series of 2 shots before you are immune.
• * Do either of the vaccines contain any preservatives or latex?
  No, both are preservative and latex free.
• * What if I am pregnant or breastfeeding?
  You should talk with your healthcare provider about the risks/benefits of getting the vaccine. However, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recommends that vaccines are not withheld in pregnant and lactating patients.
• * Can I get other vaccines at the same time as the COVID vaccine?
  It is recommended that you space other vaccines such as the influenza, pneumonia, and shingrix vaccines 14 days apart from the COVID vaccine.
• * Who is paying for the COVID vaccine?
  The vaccine doses are being purchased with U.S. taxpayer dollars and will be given to the American people at no cost. However, vaccination providers can bill your insurance for an administration fee for giving you the shot. That is why we will request your insurance information when you get a shot. No one will be denied a vaccine if you have no insurance, or if your insurance doesn't cover the administration fee.
• * Where can I find out the ingredients of the vaccines to know if I have an allergy to any of them?
  The pharmacy has a chart with the ingredients of both the Pfizer and the Moderna vaccines. We would be happy to provide you with this list.
  Absolute contraindications to receiving the vaccine are:
  
  * If you have had a severe anaphylactic reaction to your first shot.
  * If you have ever had an immediate allergic reaction to polyethylene glycol or polysorbate.
• * After I am vaccinated do I still need to wear a mask?
  Yes, you will still need to wear a mask, maintain a distance of 6 feet from others, avoid crowds and poorly ventilated spaces, and wash your hands often. Not enough information is currently available to say when the CDC will stop recommending that people stop wearing masks to help prevent the spread of the virus.

If you want more information about Covid-19, go to www.cdc.gov/covid-19.

If you have any questions, call 952-938-2719.
Thanks, and stay safe!