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Can you get COVID if you are vaccinated?

Health care workers answer questions about the COVID-19 vaccines.

Rhea Boyd, MD, MPH explains how the COVID vaccines work to protect you even if you get infected.

So, we knew from early on that even people who get the COVID vaccine can get infected with COVID.  But the reason the COVID vaccines are important, and the reason that we say they’re incredibly effective, is because they protect you from dying of COVID or from even being hospitalized with severe illness if you get infected, which is super important. So, if you get the vaccine, you may get infected with COVID, but you are less likely, far, far, far less likely to have a complication of COVID to have long COVID or to die of COVID. And that’s all we have the vaccines, to save our lives.

This information is shared for educational purposes only and should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice. The views expressed are those of the featured medical professional and reflect information available to that professional at time of filming. Always consult a health care provider for any personal health decisions. Click here for vaccine FAQs from the CDC.

Stay up to date with your COVID vaccine, including boosters!

COVID vaccines are safe and effective for everyone ages 6 months and older.

Immunity wanes over time. Keep up your protection against COVID by getting boosted when eligible.

Updated boosters are available for adults and children 6 months and older. 

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