COVID-19 vaccines contain a small piece of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, typically a protein found on the surface of the virus (https://doh.wa.gov/emergencies/covid-19/vaccine-information/how-vaccines-work).
This small piece of the virus is not alive and cannot cause COVID-19 (https://doh.wa.gov/emergencies/covid-19/vaccine-information/how-vaccines-work).
When you receive the vaccine, your body recognizes this protein as foreign and produces an immune response (https://doh.wa.gov/emergencies/covid-19/vaccine-information/how-vaccines-work).
Your immune system makes special proteins called antibodies that recognize and neutralize the virus if it enters your body (https://doh.wa.gov/emergencies/covid-19/vaccine-information/how-vaccines-work).
The vaccine stimulates the production of special cells called T-cells, which can help fight the virus if it enters your body (https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/different-vaccines/how-they-work.html).
These immune responses, especially the antibodies, will be ready to protect you if you are exposed to the virus in the future (https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/different-vaccines/how-they-work.html).
Vaccines are safe and effective and have undergone rigorous testing and clinical trials (CDC.gov, January 30, 2023).
Getting vaccinated protects you and helps protect those around you, especially people at higher risk for severe illness from COVID-19 (CDC.gov, December 22, 2022).
It is important to get the vaccine as soon as it is available and to continue following public health guidelines to protect yourself and others (CDC.gov December 22, 2022).
It is important to note that the vaccines may not provide 100% protection, but it reduces the risk of severe illness, hospitalization, and death and makes it less likely to spread the virus to others (https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/effectiveness/index.html).
