The vaccine was tested in trials with thousands of Americans and no serious safety concerns were reported. The FDA takes these approvals very seriously. In addition, the science to develop this vaccine is NOT new. Scientists have been doing research on this type of vaccine for many years with previous outbreaks caused by related viruses. This research gave us a big head start. Safety is the top priority!

VACCINE UPDATE -- It's recommended that moderately to severely immunocompromised people consider an additional (third) dose of the Pfizer or Moderna COVID-19 vaccine. Those eligible include people who have:

• Been in active cancer treatment for tumors or cancers of the blood
• Received an organ transplant and are taking medicine to suppress the immune system
• Received a stem cell transplant within the last 2 years or are taking medicine to suppress the immune system
• Moderate or severe primary immunodeficiency (i.e., DiGeorge syndrome, Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome)
• Advanced or untreated HIV infection
• Been in active treatment with high-dose corticosteroids or other drugs that may suppress immune response

Also note:

• The additional (third) dose should be received at least 28 days after the initial 2-dose COVID-19 vaccine series has been completed and be the same vaccine as previous doses
• It's not recommended that people who received the Johnson & Johnson vaccine receive an additional dose at this time.
• Additional doses or booster shots are not recommended for any other population at this time.