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1. Are the COVID-19 vaccines safe?

Yes, the vaccines are safe, vetted by state and federal experts, and authorized for public use. In fact, the CDC reports that the COVID-19 vaccines have undergone the most intense safety monitoring in U.S. history. 

All vaccines undergo rigorous clinical trials to test their safety and effectiveness, including vaccines for COVID-19. The manufacturers must present required data, which is then thoroughly reviewed by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). After a vaccine is authorized or approved for use, many safety monitoring systems are in place to watch for possible side effects. 

Sources:

• Minnesota Dept. of Health - Vaccine Safety
• CDC - Understanding COVID-19 mRNA Vaccines
• CDC - COVID-19 Vaccine Effectiveness Research
• CDC- Ensuring COVID-19 Vaccine Safety in the US

Last Reviewed: 11/8/23

2. I lost my vaccine card or need to obtain my vaccination records. What should I do?

The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) is not issuing replacement CDC cards at this time, but you can obtain your records from the Minnesota Immunization Information Connection (MIIC) in a variety of ways listed below. Your MIIC record will have the same information as your CDC vaccination card. MIIC is an immunization information system (IIS) that combines a person's immunizations into a single record, even if they were given by different health care providers in the state.

Option 1) Use the Docket App
Minnesotans can now easily access their MIIC immunization record through their smartphones or other mobile devices by using an MDH-approved app called Docket. Docket also allows you to conveniently export a PDF with your records and email it to yourself. To get started, download the free app by searching "Docket" in your app store. 

• Docket How-To Tip Sheet (PDF)
• MDH News Release 9/15/21 - Docket App
• Download Docket on Google Play (Android devices)
• Download Docket on iOS (iPhones & iPads)

Option 2) Submit a MIIC Request
MDH is experiencing a high volume of requests, so you will likely experience delays. Using the Docket app instead is highly recommended. Once you submit a MIIC request, MDH will send records to you within 21 business days. A parent or legal guardian can request records for children under 18. Individuals over 18 must request their own record. You cannot request a record for your spouse/partner. 

• MIIC Immunization Request Form
• Email MDH about record requests: [email protected] 
• Call MDH about record requests: 651-201-3980
• MDH - Find My Immunization Record 

Option 3) Call Scott County Public Health - For Scott County clients only
If you were vaccinated by Scott County Public Health and have questions about your COVID-19 vaccination record, please contact us. Please note that we cannot search for your records if you were vaccinated by other providers. 

• Hotline Phone: 952-496-8555 (in English and Spanish)

Last Reviewed: 11/8/23

3. If I previously had COVID-19 and recovered, do I still need to be vaccinated?

Yes, you should still get vaccinated if you previously had COVID-19. The vaccine will help prevent you from other COVID-19 variants and reinfection. 

Source: Minnesota Dept. of Health - If I had COVID-19

Last Reviewed: 11/8/23

4. Does the COVID-19 vaccine contain live coronavirus cells?

No, there are no live coronavirus cells in any approved COVID-19 vaccine. 

• Pfizer & Moderna: Both the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines are mRNA vaccines, which do not use the live virus that causes COVID-19. Messenger RNA vaccines – also called mRNA vaccines – are a type of vaccine to protect against infectious diseases. They may seem new, but they've been studied for decades as a strategy to combat other infectious diseases such as Zika and rabies. In short: mRNA vaccines teach our immune system cells how to recognize and respond in case they encounter the real thing. 
• Novavax: A protein subunit vaccine that contains spike proteins of the virus that causes COVID-19. The Novavax COVID-19 vaccine contains another ingredient called an adjuvant. It helps the immune system respond to that spike protein. After learning how to respond to the spike protein, the immune system will be able to respond quickly to the actual virus spike protein and protect you against COVID-19.

Sources: 

• Overview of COVID-19 Vaccines
• Understanding How COVID-19 Vaccines Work

Last Reviewed: 11/8/23

5. What if I have a weakened immune system or a medical condition? Should I still get a vaccine?

COVID-19 vaccines may be given to people with underlying medical conditions, as long as they are not allergic to any of the ingredients in the vaccine. They should work with their health care provider to make sure they stay up to date with COVID-19 vaccination, including getting the 2023-2024 vaccine formulation.

Source: Minnesota Dept. of Health - Considerations for Special Populations

Last Reviewed: 11/8/23