Teachers, School Staff & Childcare Workers

What Teachers, School Staff, and Childcare Workers Need to Know About COVID-19 Vaccines

Everyone 12 years of age and older is now eligible to get a COVID-19 vaccination. Get a COVID-19 vaccine as soon as you can. Widespread vaccination is a critical tool to help stop the pandemic.

Tips for How to Get a COVID-19 Vaccine

If you have not been vaccinated against COVID-19, you can:

• Visit Vaccines.govexternal icon to find out where vaccines are available in your community.

• Look at your state health department’s website to find additional vaccination providers in your area.

Find a COVID-19 vaccine: Search vaccines.gov, text your ZIP code to 438829, or call 1-800-232-0233 to find locations near you in the U.S.

Information about COVID-19 Vaccines for Teachers, School Staff, and Childcare Workers

You can help protect yourself and the people around you by getting a COVID-19 vaccine as soon as you can.

• Studies show that COVID-19 vaccines are safe and effective.

• A COVID-19 vaccine cannot make you sick with COVID-19.

• Depending on the kind of COVID-19 vaccine you get, you might need a second shot 3 or 4 weeks after your first shot.

After getting vaccinated, some people have side effects. Common side effects include:

• Pain, redness, or swelling where you get your shot

• Tiredness

• Headache

• Muscle pain

• Chills

• Fever

• Nausea

These are normal signs that your body is building protection against COVID-19. Learn more about possible side effects and what to expect after getting your COVID-19 vaccination. If you are fully vaccinated, you can resume activities that you did prior to the pandemic. Learn more about what you can do when you have been fully vaccinated. Fast, Easy, Free, and Nearby COVID-19 Vaccination The federal government is providing the vaccine free of charge to all people living in the United States, regardless of their immigration or health insurance status. COVID-19 Vaccines Are Free

Visit CDC’s Schools and Child Care Programs page for more information on school reopening and strategies to reduce the spread of COVID-19.

COVID-19 Vaccine Toolkit for School Settings and Childcare Programs Information and materials for school districts, administrators, teachers, school staff, and other education and childcare professionals, to help promote COVID-19 vaccination and address common questions and concerns. View Toolkit

Common Questions

• Will I be required to get vaccinated for work?

• Do I need to wear a mask and avoid close contact with others after I am vaccinated?

• How can I report vaccine side effects?

• Do I still need a vaccine if I already had COVID-19?

• What can my employer do to manage staff experiencing vaccine side effects?