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COVID-19 Vaccines and new Americans

What are some common questions and concerns immigrants may have about the COVID-19 vaccine?

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VISIT cianainc.org for more info!

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Por favor levante su mano si quiere recibir la presentación en español, y vamos a ponerlo a usted en la sala de español.

Please raise your hand if you wish to receive the presentation in Spanish, and we will place you in the Spanish breakout room.

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how the vaccines work

Part 1

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Everyone should get a vaccine

  • Vaccines are effective.
  • Vaccines are safe.
  • They are the most important tool to end the pandemic and key to re-opening New York City.
  • When you are fully vaccinated, all activities become safer. Continue to take COVID precautions. Visit nyc.gov/covidvaccine for latest guidance.

(cdc.gov, nyc.gov)

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The Second dose

  • The Pfizer and Moderna vaccines both require two doses. J&J only requires one dose. The second dose is scheduled 21 days (Pfizer) or 28 days (Moderna) after the first dose.
  • If you are unable to do so, get your second dose within 42 days after the first dose.
  • Make sure you bring your vaccination card to your second dose appointment!

(nyc.gov)

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SIDE EFFECTS

  • You may experience side effects like arm soreness, headache, body aches, tiredness, and fever for a few days, especially after the second dose.
  • Over-the-counter pain medicine can help relieve any pain after you get the shot.
  • Call your health care provider if you have side effects that concern you.

(nyc.gov)

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Post-Vaccine Abilities

  • You are considered fully vaccinated two weeks after your second dose (or two weeks after your first/only dose for J&J).
  • When you are fully vaccinated, all activities become safer. Continue to take COVID precautions. Visit nyc.gov/covidvaccine for latest guidance.

(nyc.gov)

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Vaccine Access for new americans

Part 2

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Vaccines are accessible to immigrants

    • COST: The vaccine is FREE, and you do not need health insurance.
    • ELIGIBILITY: All Americans (12+), including immigrants and undocumented immigrants can receive the vaccine.
    • DOCUMENTATION: You don’t need to provide a Social Security Number or proof of immigration status.
              • Your vaccination provider may ask for some form of documentation, like an ID (more on documentation in later slide).

(nyc.gov)

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Getting vaccinated won’t impact immigration status

    • ICE has said they will not come to vaccine sites.
    • Your personal data will not be used for prosecution or immigration enforcement.
    • Receiving the vaccine will not impact immigration status or future immigration applications.

(dhs.gov, nyc.gov, protectingimmigrantfamilies.org)

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  • Everyone 12 and older is eligible to receive the vaccine.

  • Many vaccination sites in the city no longer require appointments. Just walk up!

  • For either option, visit vaccinefinder.nyc.gov or call 877-VAX-4NYC (877-829-4692).

HOW TO GET YOUR VACCINE IN NYC

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The only documentation you must bring to your appointment is proof of age.

Proof you are 12 or older may include:

documentation

You will NOT need to provide proof of immigration status or a social security number, and your privacy and confidentiality will be protected.�

  • Driver's license/non-driver ID
  • IDNYC (good option for undocumented immigrants)
  • State or government-issued birth certificate
  • Current U.S. passport or valid foreign passport
  • Permanent resident card
  • Certificate of Naturalization/Citizenship
  • Life insurance policy with birthdate
  • Marriage certificate with birthdate
  • For youth under 18, a parent or guardian can accompany them to the vaccination site to attest to their age

(nyc.gov)

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Vaccine incentives

  • If you get your 1st vaccine dose at a NYC run vaccine location, you are eligible for free tickets and gifts!

  • Once your first dose is complete, you will receive an email with more information on how to select incentives. You can also call 877-VAX4NYC to learn more.

(nyc.gov)

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FAQs

Part 3

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Can the vaccines give me COVID-19? 

No. None of the COVID-19 vaccines currently used or in development in the United States contain the live virus that causes COVID-19, and thus, cannot make you sick with COVID-19.

are there serious long-term side effects of covid-19 vaccines?

The vaccines have been tested very thoroughly and millions of people have already gotten the vaccine. Very rarely do vaccines have long term side effects. CDC and the FDA will keep closely monitoring the vaccines to look for safety issues after they are authorized and in use.

(sfdph.org)

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Q:  How were the vaccines developed so quickly? Are COVID-19 vaccines safe?

COVID-19 vaccines are safe and effective. Although COVID-19 is new, medical experts have been working on vaccines to the coronavirus family of viruses for years.

Before being authorized for use, all COVID-19 vaccines were tested in clinical trials involving tens of thousands of people to make sure they met safety standards and protected adults of different ages, races, and ethnicities. And, the CDC and the FDA continue to monitor the vaccines to make sure they are safe.

(sfdph.org)

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Can I still get COVID-19 After Getting the Vaccine?

While current vaccines are shown to be highly effective in preventing people from getting sick from the virus, you can still get COVID-19 with very mild symptoms even if you get the vaccine. The vaccines are very effective in reducing the length and severity of the COVID-19 illness.

It is difficult to get an appointment / I don’t have time to get a vaccine.

Getting a vaccine now is easier than ever. You don’t need an appointment at most city sites— just walk-up when you’re free! Go to vaccinefinder.nyc.gov to find the site closest to you.

(sfdph.org, nyc.gov)

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should I get a covid-19 vaccine if I am pregnant?�

Yes you should. Pregnant and recently pregnant people are more likely to get severely ill with COVID-19 compared with non-pregnant people. Getting a COVID-19 vaccine during pregnancy can protect you from severe illness from COVID-19. 

Will the vaccines affect my fertility?

No. If you are trying to become pregnant now or want to get pregnant in the future, you may get a COVID-19 vaccine. There is currently no evidence that COVID-19 (or any) vaccination causes any problems with fertility or pregnancy.

(cdc.gov)

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Should I get the vaccine if I have a chronic illness?

Yes. Adults of any age with certain underlying medical conditions are at increased risk for severe illness from the virus that causes COVID-19. COVID-19 vaccines are recommended for most people with underlying medical conditions.

(cdc.gov)

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REFERENCES and Additional RESOURCES

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Thank you

Contact us!

(718) 545-4040

info@cianainc.org

www.cianainc.org