It is normal to have concerns about the COVID-19 vaccine. We understand. Let's talk.
Vaccines are safe and effective but we understand that you may have concerns. We are here to talk about those concerns and share well researched resources and facts to help you feel more confident in whatever decision is the right one for you.
Ways to Talk to Us
Submit Questions
Send your questions or request to set up a virtual meeting with someone from Student Wellness by emailing studentwellness@weber.edu. We will respond within three business days.
On the Socials
Follow us on Instagram and Facebook for facts, resources, and videos from our WSU faculty who are well educated in the science and research surrounding the vaccine.
COVID-19 has a wide range of symptoms.
Some people have cold-like symptoms such as coughing, running a fever, or feeling tired and achy. Other people have more serious symptoms, like having trouble breathing.
People can spread COVID-19 without having any symptoms.
Some people with COVID-19 feel totally fine. But even if you don't feel sick, you can still spread the virus to other people.
COVID-19 mainly spreads through the air.
People with COVID-19 can spread the virus to other people around them when they talk, cough, sneeze, sing — or even just breathe.
Some people develop long-term health problems from COVID-19 called “long COVID.”
Researchers are working to find out why this happens to some people who get COVID-19.
You can get COVID-19 more than once.
Researchers think that after you get COVID-19, you may have a short period of “natural immunity” but they're not sure how long it lasts. Even if you already had COVID-19, getting vaccinated can help your immune system fight the virus better in the future.
The COVID-19 vaccines are very effective at preventing people from getting very sick.
Vaccinated people are much less likely to go to the hospital or die from COVID-19.
Vaccines work by training your immune system to recognize and fight off a specific germ before it has a chance to make you sick.
No vaccine is 100% effective.
It's still possible for fully vaccinated people to get COVID-19, but unvaccinated people are at far higher risk.
When you get a COVID-19 vaccine, you're not just protecting yourself.
You're also protecting other people around you who are more likely to get very sick from COVID-19 like older people, pregnant people, and people with disabilities or other health conditions.
Do I need a COVID-19 vaccine booster?
Check out the current booster dose recommendations. The CDC has approved "mixing-and-matching" of COVID-19 vaccines, meaning you do not have to get the same brand that you got for your first two doses.
Vaccines approved for Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) are safe and effective.
Though the process is sped up, vaccines approved for EUA go through the same FDA approval process as fully approved vaccines. Safety and efficacy must be demonstrated before EUA is granted and no steps are skipped along the way.
Experts around the world worked together to develop the COVID-19 vaccines quickly and safely.
The development process was fast because international researchers, scientists, and government agencies worked together in new ways to put an end to the pandemic. They didn't skip any safety steps.
Scientists have been working on the mRNA technology used in the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines for more than 20 years.
These vaccines work by delivering a small strip of genetic code (the mRNA) that teaches your immune system to protect against a key protein — in this case, the spike protein on the surface of the COVID-19 virus.
It's normal to have some side effects.
Some feel tired and achy for a day or two after getting vaccinated. These side effects are signs that your body is building up protection and that means the vaccine is working.
There is no evidence that COVID-19 vaccines can affect your ability to have kids.
Researchers haven't found any long-term side effects from COVID-19 vaccines.
You cannot get COVID-19 from a vaccine.
The vaccines teach your body to fight off COVID-19. There’s no live COVID-19 virus in the vaccines, so they can't give you COVID-19.
Variants are new versions of COVID-19.
Some variants spread more easily and some may cause more serious health problems.
Getting a COVID-19 vaccine is the best way to protect yourself from variants.
Fully vaccinated people are less likely to get very sick, go to the hospital, or die from any type of COVID, including the variants.
When more people get vaccinated, it's harder for new variants to form.
That's because the COVID-19 virus needs to infect someone before it can change into a new variant and vaccinated people are less likely to get infected.
Asking about your vaccination status is not a HIPAA violation.
The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) prevents “covered entities,” such as your doctor and health insurance, from disclosing your health information without your consent, except for treatment, payment, or public health purposes. Other entities can ask about and even require proof of vaccination status. If you disclose your status to a business, employer or other organization (for example, to attend a concert), that would not be a HIPAA violation.
Should I still get my annual flu shot even though I got the COVID-19 vaccine?
Yes! Influenza and COVID-19 are completely different viruses. Before the COVID-19 outbreak, Influenza (the flu) was the No. 9 cause of death in the state of Utah. Experts are predicting a pretty bad flu season this year in terms of cases and the severity of the illness.
Getting the flu may have a negative impact on your academics.
Remember, if you get the flu or COVID-19, you will likely be missing some class. Students who reported having the flu also reported that it had a negative impact on their academic performance. You likely have gotten, or plan on getting the COVID-19 vaccine to protect yourself and others - Well, the flu shot can do the same!
Where can I get the flu shot?
Flu shots are available at the Student Health Center for $5, as well as just about any other pharmacy which will likely accept your insurance and be free.
Student Wellness can present in your classroom or for your department. Contact us: studentwellness@weber.edu | 801-626-7524
This website is not intended to be all-encompassing and should not be considered to be providing medical or legal advice. In all instances, you should consult with a relevant expert for guidance specific to your circumstances.
