What to expect after your COVID-19 vaccination
As more Iowans and individuals across the country become vaccinated against COVID-19, you might wonder about what it means to be fully vaccinated and what you might expect to change.
How can I tell when I'm fully vaccinated?
You'll be fully vaccinated after meeting different criteria based on which vaccine you received. Use Richard, Kate, Ahmed, and Chonda as examples to determine where you are at in the process:
Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine (Comirnaty)
Richard has received the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine (Comirnaty):
- Two doses needed
- Two doses received
- Two weeks since second dose
RICHARD IS FULLY VACCINATED
Johnson & Johnson Janssen COVID-19 vaccine
Kate has received the Johnson & Johnson Janssen COVID-19 vaccine:
- One dose needed
- One dose received
- Two weeks since dose
KATE IS FULLY VACCINATED
Moderna COVID-19 vaccine
Ahmed has received the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine:
- Two doses needed
- Two doses received
- Two weeks since second dose
AHMED IS FULLY VACCINATED
Are you immunocompromised?
- Chonda has had a solid organ transplant and is moderately to severely immunocompromised.
- She received an additional dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine (Comirnaty).
- Two weeks after her additional dose, Chonda is fully vaccinated.
You're fully vaccinated–now what?
It has been more than two weeks since the final dose of your vaccine. What can you do now?
Individuals in an area of substantial or high transmission should wear face masks and social distance when indoors.
Continue to follow these safety guidelines
You should continue to follow federal, state, and local guidelines as well as wear your mask when required, like on buses or in certain businesses.
You should stay home and get tested for COVID-19 if you begin to feel ill.
When do you need a booster?
If you received Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna
Who should get a booster:
Everyone 18 years or older
When to get a booster:
At least 6 months after completing your primary COVID-19 vaccination series.
If you received Johnson & Johnson (Janssen)
Who should get a booster:
Everyone 18 years or older
When to get a booster:
At least 2 months after completing your primary COVID-19 vaccination.