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Frequently Asked Questions
We know it can be hard to find accurate and reliable information about COVID-19, the vaccines, and what’s going on in your community to stop the spread of COVID-19. That’s why we’ve pulled together the below FAQs to help you make the best decisions for you and your family.
All information has been sourced from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Johns Hopkins Medicine, and other reputable sources. Learn more about finding credible information.
Scroll down or click the links to jump to each section:
Latest from the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services
Q: Do I have to wear a mask inside?
A: The CDC has provided guidance that fully vaccinated individuals can safely do most activities without wearing a mask or the need to social distance from others. Therefore, North Carolina has removed its indoor mask mandate for most settings. You still need to wear a mask in the following settings:
- On public transportation;
- In health care settings like hospitals, doctor’s offices and long-term care settings like nursing homes; and
- In certain congregate settings like correctional facilities and homeless shelters.
Learn more from NC DHHs: files.nc.gov/governor/documents/files/FAQ-For-Executive-Order-No.-215.pdf
Q: Where can I find accurate information about COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations, deaths, and vaccination status?
A: The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services offers a complete dashboard with the latest statistics updated daily, Monday to Friday, by approximately noon. See the latest information available here: https://covid19.ncdhhs.gov/
Q: My family has faced financial hardships as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Is there any help available?
A: The North Carolina Department of Revenue recently expanded the Extra Credit Grant through July 1. This grant offers $335 to families with children who DID NOT already receive the $335 grant. Learn more and appy here: https://www.ncdor.gov/extracredit
Information about getting the Vaccine
Q: Who is currently eligible for a COVID-19 vaccine in NC?
A: Everyone age 12 and older is available for a vaccine in North Carolina. North Carolinians 18 and older can receive any of the three available vaccines. Youth ages 12-17 may only receive the Pfizer vaccine per FDA guidelines. For more information, click here: https://covid19.ncdhhs.gov/vaccines
Q: How do I find a vaccine?
A: Use www.myspot.nc.gov to find a vaccine location. You can also use it to sort by specific vaccine brands, which is helpful for finding Pfizer vaccines for North Carolinians ages 12-17.
Q: Do I need ID or health insurance?
A: No. No government-issued ID or health insurance is required. Everyone can be vaccinated regardless of immigration status and getting vaccinated will not affect your immigration status.
Q: Does the COVID-19 vaccine cost anything?
A: No. The vaccine is provided free of charge.
Q: Do I need to make an appointment for the COVID-19 vaccine?
A: Some locations do require appointments. Use MySpot to find a vaccine location and if required, make an appointment.
Q: How do I know when and where to go for a second dose of the COVID-19 vaccine?
A: If you receive either the Pfizer or Moderna COVID-19 vaccine, you will require a second dose. In most cases, you will return to the same location you received the first dose of the vaccine. Follow the instructions of the clinician providing your vaccine for more information.
Q: If I have recovered from COVID-19, should I still get the vaccine?
A: Yes. People who have gotten sick with COVID-19 may still benefit from getting vaccinated. Due to the severe health risks associated with COVID-19 and the fact that re-infection with COVID-19 is possible, people may be advised to get a COVID-19 vaccine even if they have been sick with COVID-19 before. In addition, there is not enough information currently available to say if or for how long people are protected from getting COVID-19 after they have had it (natural immunity). The CDC is still studying how long the vaccines provide immunity for as well.
Information About the Vaccine
Q: Is the COVID-19 vaccine safe? Is one safer than another?
A: All FDA-approved COVID-19 vaccines have been proven safe and effective. No steps were skipped in the development of any of the vaccines. Recent developments in vaccine technology, in addition to decades of research, scientific work, and development, made the quick development of COVID-19 vaccines possible. No shortcuts were taken in the development of the COVID-19 vaccines. Learn more.
Q: Can the vaccine give me COVID-19?
A: No. The vaccines do not contain any living virus that can give you COVID-19.
Q: Do any of the COVID-19 vaccines authorized for use in the United States shed or release any of their components?
A: No. Vaccine shedding is the term used to describe the release or discharge of any of the vaccine components in or outside of the body. Vaccine shedding can only occur when a vaccine contains a weakened version of the virus. None of the vaccines authorized for use in the United States contain a live virus. The mRNA and viral vector vaccines are the two types of currently authorized COVID-19 vaccines available.
Q: Does the COVID-19 vaccine make you magnetic? Does it include a micro-chip?
A: No. Receiving a COVID-19 vaccine will not make you magnetic, including at the site of vaccination which is usually your arm. COVID-19 vaccines do not contain ingredients that can produce an electromagnetic field at the site of your injection. All COVID-19 vaccines are free from metals such as iron, nickel, cobalt, lithium, and rare earth alloys, as well as any manufactured products such as microelectronics, electrodes, carbon nanotubes, and nanowire semiconductors. In addition, the typical dose for a COVID-19 vaccine is less than a milliliter, which is not enough to allow magnets to be attracted to your vaccination site even if the vaccine was filled with a magnetic metal. Learn more about the ingredients: https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/covid-19/clinical-considerations/covid-19-vaccines-us.html#Appendix-C
Q: Does the COVID-19 vaccine affect my fertility or chances of getting pregnant?
A: No. If you are pregnant, or trying to become pregnant, it is safe for you to get the COVID-19 vaccine. There is currently no evidence that COVID-19 vaccination causes any problems with pregnancy, including the development of the placenta. In addition, there is no evidence that fertility problems are a side effect of any vaccine, including COVID-19 vaccines. Check with your doctor for more information.
Q: Where can I find more information about COVID-19 vaccines?
The CDC has several useful pages with easy to understand information about the vaccines. Check out FAQs, myths vs facts, and more here: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/about-vaccines/index.html