Skip to content

Will the vaccine give me COVID?

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

Susana Morales, MD explains that the COVID vaccines do not use a live virus and won’t give you COVID.

The vaccines do not have a COVID virus in them. They cannot give you COVID. I’ve heard that too from patients. They’ve asked—actually that was one of the first questions that one of my patients asked me was, “I heard that there’s a virus inside it, and it can give you COVID.” That is totally not true.

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. 

FIND FREE COVID VACCINES & BOOSTERS