COVID-19 Information & Frequently Asked Questions

What current COVID-19 vaccines are available in the U.S.?

Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson are the available vaccines.

I’ve heard that the vaccine can change my DNA. Is this true?

No, the Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccines do not change our DNA. Both the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines use mRNA technology and the Johnson & Johnson vaccines uses the more traditional virus-based technology. mRNA is essentially a little piece of code that the vaccine delivers to your cells. mRNA vaccines do not affect or interact with our DNA in any way.

Who can receive a COVID-19 vaccine?

Everyone 12 years of age and older is eligible to get a COVID-19 vaccination; however, the vaccines have different age requirements. The Pfizer vaccine is approved for everyone 5 years and older. The Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccines are only recommended for people 18 years and older.

How many shots are in the primary dose series?

Both Pfizer and Moderna are two doses with Pfizer recommending the doses occur 3 weeks apart and Moderna 4 weeks apart. The Johnson & Johnson vaccine is one dose.

I’ve already had my primary series of vaccinations. Should I receive a booster?

It is currently recommended that if you are 18 and older, you can receive a booster 6 months after your last dose of either the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines, or 2 months after receiving the Johnson & Johnson vaccine.

I received a Johnson & Johnson vaccine, but I would like a Moderna or Pfizer booster shot. Is that possible?

Yes, if you received a Johnson & Johnson vaccine, you can choose either a Moderna or Pfizer booster to be given at least 2 months after the primary series. In addition, if you received either the Pfizer or Moderna primary series of vaccines and qualify for a booster, you can receive a booster of any vaccine brand at least 6 months after your second dose.

How can I receive a COVID-19 vaccine or booster?

Contact your local PMS health center to schedule an appointment.

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