If you have misplaced your vaccine card you may request a proof of vaccine record from the Tennessee Immunization Information System (TennIIS). Simply fill out a  request form here: https://redcap.link/recordrequest.The TennIIS Team will provide you with a copy of your immunization record, as reported to TennIIS, by email, mail, or fax.  For questions about TennIISimmunization records, contact [email protected].

Yes! These vaccines have already been given to millions of people and have been shown to be safe and very good at preventing them from getting sick with COVID-19. The safety of COVID-19 vaccines is a top priority. The vaccine will continue to be monitored to make sure any rare problems are found as soon as possible and studied to see if they were caused by the vaccine.

mRNA vaccines provide the body with a genetic “recipe” so the body can produce the “spike protein” that is found on the surface of the virus. The body sees the protein as foreign and makes antibodies to destroy it. If the body is later infected with the virus, the antibodies recognize the spike protein and destroy the virus before it can cause illness. COVID-19 mRNA vaccines are given in the upper arm muscle.

We have learned from clinical trials involving tens of thousands of people who took the vaccine that vaccination helps protect adults and children ages 5 years and older from getting severely ill with COVID-19.

No, they do not affect or interact with our DNA in any way. mRNA never enters the nucleus of the cell, which is where our DNA (genetic material) is kept. The cell breaks down and gets rid of the mRNA soon after it is finished using the instructions.

American College of Gynecology recommends that COVID-19 vaccines should not be withheld from pregnant individuals who meet criteria for vaccination based on ACIP-recommended priority groups.

Adults of any age with certain underlying medical conditions are at increased risk for severe illness from the virus that causes COVID-19. mRNA COVID-19 vaccines may be administered to people with underlying medical conditions provided they have not had a severe or immediate allergic reaction to any of the ingredients in the vaccine.

Reach out to your primary care physician to discuss if receiving the COVID-19 vaccine is recommended for your individual circumstance.

If you have had an immediate allergic reaction—even if it was not severe—to any ingredient in an mRNA COVID-19 vaccine, CDC recommends that you should not get either of the currently available mRNA COVID-19 vaccines.

If you had an immediate allergic reaction after getting the first dose of an mRNA COVID-19 vaccine, you should not get the second dose.

CDC recommends that people with a history of severe allergic reactions not related to vaccines or injectable medications—such as food, pet, venom, environmental, or latex allergies—get vaccinated. People with a history of allergies to oral medications or a family history of severe allergic reactions may also get vaccinated.

Reach out to your primary care physician and/or your allergy specialist to provide more care or advice.

COVID-19 vaccination will help protect you from getting COVID-19. You may have some side effects, which are normal signs that your body is building protection. These side effects may affect your ability to do daily activities, but they should go away in a few days. If you have pain or discomfort, talk to your doctor about taking an over-the-counter medicine, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen. Common side effects include pain and swelling in the arm where you receive the shot.

Most people do not have serious problems after being vaccinated. However, your arm may be sore, red, or warm to the touch. These symptoms usually go away on their own within a week. Some people report getting a headache or fever when getting a vaccine. These side effects are a sign that your immune system is doing exactly what it is supposed to do. It is working and building up protection to disease.

I didn’t feel well after the first dose. Will I feel bad after the second?

Just as with the first dose, it is not uncommon to experience low-grade fever, fatigue, or headache after you receive the vaccine. These symptoms usually go away after a day or two. The symptoms of COVID-19 are often much worse and can be life-threatening. It’s important to get the second dose to protect yourself, your family and your community.

Just as with the first dose, it is not uncommon to experience low-grade fever, fatigue, or headache after you receive the vaccine. These symptoms usually go away after a day or two. The symptoms of COVID-19 are often much worse and can be life-threatening. It’s important to get the second dose to protect yourself, your family and your community.