Vaccination

There are two vaccines being produced, by pharmaceutical companies Pfizer and Moderna. Both vaccines require two doses of the vaccine approximately 21 days apart. The companies report that both vaccines are around 95% effective.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there different COVID-19 vaccines?

There currently are two vaccines. The vaccine produced by Pfizer has received Emergency Use Authorization from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and is currently being distributed. The vaccine produced by Moderna is awaiting approval by the FDA. The Pfizer vaccine requires much colder temperatures to store and transport. The Moderna vaccine requires more standard frozen/refrigerated temperatures.

What vaccines will Colorado receive?

Colorado will receive vaccines made by Moderna and Pfizer. Currently the Pfizer vaccine is the only one to have been approved for distribution and emergency use by the FDA.  Colorado has received its first doses of this vaccine. We are waiting for FDA approval for Moderna.

What are the differences among the vaccines?

The Pfizer vaccine requires much colder temperatures to store and transport. The Moderna vaccine requires more standard frozen/refrigerated temperatures. Both vaccines require two doses, approximately 21 days apart (Pfizer) or 28 days apart (Moderna).

Are certain vaccines more effective than others?

Both the Moderna and Pfizer vaccines are about 95% effective in preventing a person from contracting COVID-19, the disease caused by the COVID virus. We are awaiting more information from the FDA review of both Moderna and Pfizer, but both appear to be safe for those it was administered to.

Can I choose what vaccine I receive?

Different providers will receive which ever vaccine is available from the state’s supply. It is possible that there will be more options by the time vaccines are available to the general public, but we won’t know until later in 2021.

Until a vaccine is widely available, Coloradans should continue to avoid in-person interactions, physical distance, and wear a mask.

An official timeline for vaccination from CDPHE or the federal government has not yet been released. There are currently no concerns that any vaccine production will be halted or interrupted. We fully anticipate broad vaccination for all individuals to be available sometime in 2021. The Denver Department of Public Health and Environment, in partnership with health departments across the region, will continue to share information with the public as we receive it.

The initial supply of vaccines will be very limited and will be distributed in a swift, fair and efficient way. To slow the spread for everyone, Phase 1 prioritizes the highest risk health care workers and Coloradans who are most at risk for getting severely sick or even dying of COVID-19. The first round of the vaccine will be provided by the federal government and will be distributed to healthcare workers and front-line first responders, including EMTs and Fire Fighters.

Over the next few months, those who are working in essential jobs and are at risk to exposure, such as teachers and those performing critical government functions, will be able to access the vaccine.

We recognize people are eager to get the vaccine right away, but the phased approach will help us protect workers and those that are most at-risk to have severe reactions or negative health outcomes due to COVID-19. Once a vaccine is available to all Denver residents, we will provide information on available vaccine providers.

Frequently Asked Questions

When will vaccines start arriving in Denver?

Vaccines started to arrive in Denver on December 14. We expect a steady supply to continue coming as more vaccine doses are produced and distributed to the states.

Who will get the first vaccines?

The first vaccines will be given to healthcare workers and support staff who care for patients with COVID-19. Additional healthcare workers and first responders, such as fire fighters and emergency medical technicians, will receive available doses next. The Federal government also is working with pharmacy partners to provide vaccine to staff, residents and patients at long-term care facilities, as they are extremely vulnerable to COVID-19. 

The city is working with the state on an updated vaccine distribution schedule. Updated information will be posted here once finalized. For additional information, visit the state’s COVID-19 vaccination webpage. 

When will everyone be able to get a vaccination?

Depending on supply, we are expecting the vaccine to be available to the general public by summer of 2021.

Will family or other members of the household of individuals in Phase 1 and 2 be included for vaccine?

No, only the worker will be vaccinated. This is to reduce their risk of contracting COVID-19 while performing their job duties.  Whether or not an individual has received a vaccine, they and those around them should continue following all guidance regarding mask use, social distancing and hand washing to protect others.

Are there people who should not get a vaccination?

Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should not get the vaccine until more guidance is released by Food and Drug Administration or the Centers for Disease Control. Children under the age of 16 are not approved to receive the vaccine at this time.

Will I need to get the vaccination more than once?

Both the Moderna and Pfizer vaccines require two doses to be effective. Moderna doses are separated by 28 days and Pfizer doses are separated by 21 days.  Both doses must be with the same vaccine. There are not yet data regarding how long these vaccines will provide immunity from COVID-19.

The vaccine will be distributed under Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) after review and approval by the federal Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The FDA independently reviews the information from these tests to make sure the vaccine is safe and works well, and then decides whether the vaccine can be licensed and made available to the public. This involves strict and rigorous approval protocols to ensure the safety of all vaccine recipients.

The Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment (CDPHE) and the Governor’s Office have been reviewing available vaccine data and preliminary safety information and will continue their review as they receive EUA information. The safety of vaccine recipients is the priority of these reviews.

The vaccine is safe and effective, with an efficacy of approximately 95%. Vaccine side effects are minimal, are similar to some COVID-19 symptoms, and last approximately one day. Side effects may include fatigue, headache, chills, muscle pain and joint pain.

A diverse group of people participated in every phase of the clinical trials, including populations disproportionately impacted by COVID-19. In Pfizer’s clinical trials, about 42% of volunteers identified as Asian, Black/African American, Hispanic/Latino/a, or Native American. About 37% of volunteers for Moderna’s trials identified as Asian, Black/African American, Hispanic/Latino/a, or other.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are the COVID vaccines safe?

COVID-19 vaccines go through the same rigorous safety assessment as all vaccines before they are authorized or approved for use in the United States by the Food and Drug Administration. This process includes large clinical trials and data review by a safety monitoring board.

Are the COVID vaccines safe for older adults and children?

There are not yet data available about safety for children. The Moderna and Pfizer vaccines are shown to be safe for older adults.  The Pfizer vaccine has been approved via the EUA for people who are ages 16 and older.

Will the vaccine make me sick?

The COVID-19 vaccines do not contain a live virus and do not carry a risk of causing disease in the vaccinated person.  Possible side effects are minimal and last about one day. These may include soreness around the vaccination site, fatigue, headache, chills, muscle pain and joint pain. If you have any serious side effects, you should contact your health care provider.

What about the warning of vaccines for people with allergies?

We do not have information at this time about reactions among people who have allergies. We will know more when the Food and Drug Administration releases the Emergency Use Authorization.

If I’ve had a vaccination, should I still wear a mask or physical distance?

Yes. Both Moderna and Pfizer are shown to be about 95% effective in preventing the person who is vaccinated from contracting the disease. That means there is still risk you could get the virus and pass it on to others. Until everyone has received the vaccine we won’t know who has and who hasn’t received it, so wearing a mask and physical distancing will still be part of our lives until we have a better understanding of the broad level of protection. Until there is widespread vaccine availability and distribution, we'll need to rely on reducing in-person gatherings, maintaining physical distancing, and wearing masks.

Can I still get COVID-19 even after I’ve been vaccinated?

Yes. Both Moderna and Pfizer are shown to be about 95% effective in preventing you from contracting COVID-19. That means there is still some risk you could get the virus.

What should I do if I have a reaction or side effects after I receive the vaccine?

All adverse reactions should be reported to a provider. Each person receiving the vaccine will receive information about how to report any adverse reactions. They also will be provided with a list of common side effects that shouldn’t be considered dangerous or need to be reported. If you have a reaction requiring medical attention, call 911 (emergency) or your provider. These visits should be covered by your health insurance.

How could safe, effective vaccines have been developed so quickly?

Creating vaccines for COVID viruses allows for a more rapid, targeted approach to vaccine development. Testing meets the minimum standard of the Federal Drug Administration for approval under Emergency Use Authorization.

Are there security needs for vaccine or supplies?

Denver Office of Emergency Management and Denver Police Department are working closely with the Colorado Information Analysis Center (CIAC) to monitor for and communicate to partners any credible threats.

The COVID-19 vaccine, while developed quickly, is safe and effective. Leading scientists in the private sector rigorously tested the vaccines before the FDA authorized them for use. This rapid development and distribution is an amazing scientific triumph for humanity.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get COVID from the vaccination?

No. These vaccines do not contain a live virus and do not carry a risk of causing disease in the vaccinated person.

Will the vaccination change my DNA?

The information in the vaccine never enters the cell’s nucleus or affects genetic material so they can’t change your DNA.

Can a vaccine affect my brain or mental health?

No. You should consult with your provider for specific concerns, as everyone is different.

Can a vaccine make me sterile or cause birth defects if I become pregnant?

The data currently available have not shown any side effects related to fertility or birth defects. Consult with your provider before receiving the vaccine if you have specific questions or concerns.

Can the vaccination be used to track me?

No.

Colorado is currently in the early stages of vaccinating individuals identified as part of Phase One A of the state's vaccination timeline.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I get a vaccination?

Please consult your health care provider or visit covid19.colorado.gov/vaccine for information.

How much will vaccinations cost?

The vaccine is free. There may be an administration cost from your provider. This cost will be covered if you have insurance. If you are uninsured, the state is creating ways to cover the administration cost. The city is coordinating with our critical workforce partners to establish clinics to vaccinate their employees.

How long does the immunization last? Will I need to get revaccinated in the future? 

It is possible that immunity will not last a lifetime. We do not yet know how frequently people will need to get immunized or a booster shot.

COVID-19 vaccine may be available for healthcare workers, responders, or other critical personnel with risk to exposure to COVID-19. If you believe you meet the State’s requirements, please consult with your agency/employer for information about how to access vaccine. The Denver Department of Public Health & Environment can provide registration information to any agencies requesting Phase 1A or Phase 1B vaccine access by contacting 720-865-5419.

Additional information specific to workers and residents outside of Denver can be obtained by visiting the State's vaccination page or by contacting Colorado Health Emergency Line for the Public (CO HELP), the state's toll-free hotline for up-to-date statewide public heath information: 1-800-462-2911.

If you are interested in volunteering, please register through our state-wide system managed by CDPHE.