Currently, two vaccines are authorized and recommended to prevent COVID-19, Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine and Moderna COVID-19 vaccine.

Because the U.S. supply of COVID-19 vaccine is limited at first, CDC has provided recommendations to federal, state, and local governments about who should be vaccinated first. CDC’s recommendations are based on those from the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), an independent panel of medical and public health experts.

New Mexico is currently in Phase 1b of administering the COVID-19 vaccine. Phase 1b includes:

• All individuals 75 years of age and older,
• individuals 16 or older with underlying medical conditions that place them at greater risk from COVID-19,
• frontline essential workers who cannot work remotely,
• and vulnerable populations.

For more information or to register for a vaccine, visit the New Mexico Department of Health website.

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COVID-19 Vaccine Hotline: 1-855-600-3453

Users who have questions or would like support with the registration process – including New Mexicans who do not have internet access – can dial 1-855-600-3453, press option 0 for vaccine questions, and then option 4 for tech support.

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Benefits of Getting a COVID-19 Vaccine

COVID-19 vaccination will help keep you from getting COVID-19 and is a safer way to help build protection. Wearing masks and social distancing help reduce your chance of being exposed to the virus or spreading it to others, but these measures are not enough. Vaccines will work with your immune system so it will be ready to fight the virus if you are exposed. It also may protect people around you, especially those more likely to get severely ill from COVID-19. The combination of getting vaccinated and following CDC’s recommendations to protect yourself and others will offer the best protection from COVID-19. 

You can read more from the CDC about the benefits of getting a COVID-19 vaccine.

COVID-19 vaccination will help protect you from getting COVID-19. You may have some side effects, which are normal signs that your body is building protection. These side effects may affect your ability to do daily activities, but they should go away in a few days.

What to Expect after Getting a COVID-19 Vaccine

Common Side Effects

If you have pain or discomfort, talk to your doctor about taking an over-the-counter medicine, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen.

In most cases, discomfort from fever or pain is normal. Contact your doctor or healthcare provider:

• If the redness or tenderness where you got the shot increases after 24 hours
• If your side effects are worrying you or do not seem to be going away after a few days

If you get a COVID-19 vaccine and you think you might be having a severe allergic reaction after leaving the vaccination site, seek immediate medical care by calling 911. Learn more about COVID-19 vaccines and rare severe allergic reactions.

Remember

• Side effects may feel like flu and even affect your ability to do daily activities, but they should go away in a few days.
• With most COVID-19 vaccines, you will need 2 shots in order for them to work. Get the second shot even if you have side effects after the first shot, unless a vaccination provider or your doctor tells you not to get a second shot.
• It takes time for your body to build protection after any vaccination. COVID-19 vaccines that require 2 shots may not protect you until a week or two after your second shot.

It’s important for everyone to continue using all the tools available to help stop this pandemic as we learn more about how COVID-19 vaccines work in real-world conditions. Cover your mouth and nose with a mask when around others, stay at least 6 feet away from others, avoid crowds, and wash your hands often.​

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This information is a summary of the CDC’s newsletters from January 4, 2021 and January 11, 2021. It also includes information from the New Mexico Department of Health. To receive updates directly from the CDC, you can subscribe to the CDC’s newsletter.