Is there a grace period for receiving the COVID-19 vaccine?
David Craig
Updated on March 15, 2026
Is there a grace period for receiving the COVID-19 vaccine?
Individuals who receive the second dose of an mRNA COVID-19 vaccine no more than 4 days before (referred to as the “grace period”) or at any time after the recommended second dose date are considered to have completed the primary series.
How can I get a new COVID-19 vaccination card?
See full answerIf you need a new vaccination card, contact the vaccination provider site where you received your vaccine. Your provider should give you a new card with up-to-date information about the vaccinations you have received.If the location where you received your COVID-19 vaccine is no longer operating, contact your state or local health department’s immunization information system (IIS) for assistance.CDC does not maintain vaccination records or determine how vaccination records are used, and CDC does not provide the CDC-labeled, white COVID-19 vaccination record card to people. These cards are distributed to vaccination providers by state and local health departments. Please contact your state or local health department if you have additional questions about vaccination cards or vaccination records.
How do you know if you are allergic to the COVID-19 vaccine?
An immediate allergic reaction happens within 4 hours after getting vaccinated and could include symptoms such as hives, swelling, and wheezing (respiratory distress).
What are some ways to find a COVID-19 vaccine provider?
Find COVID-19 Vaccine Near You 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. There are several ways you can look for vaccination providers near you in the United States.
Can I get the Moderna and J&J COVID-19 vaccines at Walgreens?
Walgreens Now Offering Moderna and Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 Vaccine Booster Shots Nationwide.Millions more Americans are now eligible for booster shots as Walgreens remains committed to addressing barriers to access Share
What happens if you don’t take the second shot of the COVID-19 vaccine?
Put simply: Not receiving the second vaccine increases your risk of contracting COVID-19.
What is the recommended interval between doses of the Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna COVID-19 vaccines?
The recommended interval between doses is 21 days for Pfizer-BioNTech and 28 days for Moderna; however, up to 42 days between doses is permissible when a delay is unavoidable.
Can I take ibuprofen after the COVID-19 booster?
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends people talk to their doctors about taking over-the-counter medicines like ibuprofen, acetaminophen, aspirin, or antihistamines, for any pain and discomfort after getting vaccinated.
How much does the COVID-19 vaccine cost without insurance?
COVID-19 vaccines are available for everyone ages 5 years and older at no cost. Vaccines were paid for with taxpayer dollars and will be given free of charge to all people living in the United States, regardless of insurance or immigration status.
What to do if you get an allergic reaction from the COVID-19 vaccine?
If you get a COVID-19 vaccine and you think you might be having a severe allergic reaction after leaving the vaccination provider site, seek immediate medical care by calling 911.
Are there any allergic reactions to the Moderna and Pfizer COVID-19 vaccines?
The Moderna and Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccines are the first two COVID-19 vaccines authorized by the Food and Drug Administration for emergency use and already have been given to millions of Americans. Most of the rare, severe allergic reactions to these vaccines have occurred in people with a history of allergies.