What's the difference between the available vaccines?
  • All three vaccines work very well to prevent you from getting very sick from COVID-19. 
    • The best vaccine is the one you are able to get the soonest. The more people are vaccinated, the closer we can get to the end of the pandemic.
  • All authorized COVID-19 vaccines teach your body how to make spike proteins like the ones that cover the COVID-19 virus. Your body learns how to fight the spike protein without having to fight off the full virus. If you are exposed to a person with COVID-19 after vaccination, your body will recognize the spike proteins and remember how to fight them before the virus makes you sick.
  • While all COVID-19 vaccines contain instructions for how to make spike proteins, these instructions are written in different ways. Viral vector vaccines, like the Janssen (Johnson & Johnson) vaccine, use a piece of double-stranded DNA to teach your body how to fight COVID-19. mRNA vaccines, like the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines, use single-stranded mRNA. The goal of every vaccine is the same -- they just use a different strategy to achieve that goal.
  • Janssen’s (Johnson & Johnson) vaccine is more durable than either of the authorized mRNA vaccines. It can be stored for up to three months at normal refrigeration temperatures (36–46°F or 2–8°C).
  • The Janssen (Johnson & Johnson) vaccine only requires one dose. The Pfizer and Moderna vaccines require two doses.

Show All Answers

1. Can I get a vaccine now?
2. How do I set up an appointment to get a vaccine?
3. What's the difference between the available vaccines?
4. Is the COVID-19 vaccine safe?
5. What are the side effects of the vaccine?
6. Can I get COVID-19 from the vaccine?
7. How many doses are in the vaccine, and how does that work?
8. How long does it take for the vaccine to be effective?
9. After I have been vaccinated, can I stop wearing a mask and social distancing?
10. Can my employer require COVID-19 vaccinations or ask about vaccine status?