Health Advisories
For information about the coronavirus (COVID-19) visit the Coronavirus Information page.
Student Health Services encourages everyone to get the COVID-19 vaccine. As of May 12, 2021 all individuals 12 and older are eligible to get the COVID-19 vaccine. For the Fall 2021 semester all students returning to campus in-person will be required to show proof of the COVID-19 vaccine. If you live, work or go to school in New Jersey you are eligible to get the vaccine in the state. The entire clinical staff has received their two doses of the vaccine are are happy to talk with anyone about their experience. Our experience varied from a sore arm to flu like symptoms for 24-48 hours, but we all believe that getting the vaccine is the right thing to do. Below are some common myths about the vaccine that we what to debunk.
To find out where you can get a vaccine visit the NJDOH vaccine finder page.
Myth:The COVID Vaccine can make me sick with COVID-19.
Fact: The Covid vaccines that are approved for administration can not cause you to become infected with COVID-19. They do not contain any live virus. Vaccines are designed to help your body build a natural defense against the virus, in this process you may have symptoms similar to a mild flu. This could include body aches, headache or fever, which could last 24-48 hours. Many people have more reaction to the second dose. Having a little discomfort is a small price to pay for achieving herd immunity and ending this pandemic.
Myth: The COVID vaccine will alter my DNA
Fact: The two messenger RNA (mRNA) vaccines that are available today; Pfizer and Moderna. The mRNA when delivered via vaccine, teaches our immune system how to create antibodies to fight the virus. This mRNA never enters the nucleus of our cells which is where our DNA exists. The mRNA actually breaks down pretty quickly once it has done its job of building our immune response to COVID-19.
The J&J Janssen vaccine is a one dose vaccine that is viral vector vaccine that uses a modified version of a different virus (the vector) to deliver the information to our cells. This allows our cells to create the spike protein similar to the corona virus so our body can build an immune response. Viral vector vaccines do not interact with our DNA. The J&J Janssen vaccine had been paused while the CDC investigated the potential for a rare blood clot possibly as a side effect from the vaccine. As of April 23, 2021 the vaccine is available again. Read more on the CDC's decision to make the vaccine available again.
Myth: I will test positive for COVID-19 after I get the vaccine.
Fact: The tests that are available for COVID-19 detection look for active infection. Therefore, since the vaccine causes your body to build antibodies, you will not have a positive COVID-19, PCR or antigen test, as a result of getting the vaccine.
Since the purpose of the vaccine is to create an immune response and build antibodies to COVID-19, you could test positive on an antibody test, which is a blood test. Antibody tests are not used to detect active COVID-19 infections.
Myth: If I had COVID-19 I do not need to get the vaccine.
Fact: At this time experts still do not know how long someone who was infected with COVID-19 is protected from reinfection or getting sick again. Due to the severity of this virus, it is recommended that all individuals get vaccinated even if they have been diagnosed with COVID-19 in the past. It is recommended that you wait 90 days after your positive test result before getting the vaccine.
Myth: The vaccine will effect my ability to have a baby someday.
Fact: Any vaccine that is developed is studied for side effects and adverse outcomes for many years. The current scientific evidence does not indicate that the COVID-19 vaccine will put someone who wants to become pregnant at any undo risk. There is no evidence that the antibodies that our bodies create in response to the vaccine cause any problems with pregnancy or fertility. If you are currently pregnant or trying to get pregnant, you should discuss this with your OB/GYN.
What you should know.
The vaccine is free to all who are 12 and older regardless of immigration or insurance status
Find out where you or your family can get the vaccine by visiting the NJDOH Vaccine finder page
For those who live outside NJ, you can find vaccine locations at vaccinefinder.org
As we learn more about the current vaccines, new vaccines and availability we will update this page.
For more information on the COVID-19 Vaccines visit the CDC.