Vaccination

COVID-19 vaccines are an important tool to help end this pandemic. 

At this time, even with vaccination, it is important for everyone to continue practicing the following public health recommendations, including:

  • Cover your mouth and nose by wearing mask in public settings
  • Stay at least six feet away from people who do not live in your household
  • Avoid large crowds
  • Wash your hands often and use hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol in between

"New Hampshire is committed to a safe and effective vaccine that will protect against COVID-19."  

- New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services

What You Need to Know

  • The safety of COVID-19 vaccines is a top priority. The U.S. vaccine safety system ensures that all vaccines are as safe as possible. 
  • COVID-19 vaccines will not give you COVID-19.
  • Two doses of vaccination are needed. Depending on the vaccine you receive, a second shot is needed three to four weeks after your first shot for best protection. 
  • After COVID-19 vaccination, you may experience some side effects. This is a normal sign that your body is building protection. The side effects from COVID-19 vaccination may feel like flu, but should go away in a few days. 
  • COVID-19 vaccines may be administered to people with underlying medical conditions if they have not had a severe allergic reaction to any of the vaccine ingredients. 
  • Scientists and medical experts have been researching this type of virus for years, which allowed for faster creation and distribution of the vaccine.
COVID-19 Vaccine Flyer

How Can I Get Vaccinated?

Based on CDC guidance, New Hampshire is taking a phased approach to rollout the COVID-19 vaccines. The phases are outlined in the NH COVID-19 Vaccination Plan.

  • The New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), Division of Public Health Services (DPHS) is currently in Phase 1B.
  • Beginning January 22, 2021, individuals who qualify for vaccination during Phase 1B can register and schedule an appointment online at vaccines.nh.gov or by calling 2-1-1. 
  • Vaccinations for Phase 1B will begin January 26, 2021. 

To find out which phase you are eligible to receive vaccination during, visit vaccines.nh.gov. More information will be posted here as it is available.

COVID Vaccine Phase 1B

Why Get Vaccinated?

It all starts with you. Getting the COVID-19 vaccine protects yourself, your loved ones, and your community, including the most vulnerable residents. Building defenses against COVID-19 is a team effort, and you are a key part of that defense. 

  • All COVID-19 vaccines are carefully evaluated in clinical trials and will be authorized or approved only if they make it substantially less likely that you will contract COVID-19. Getting a COVID-19 vaccine may also help keep you from getting seriously ill even if you do develop the disease. Getting vaccinated yourself may also protect people around you, particularly people at increased risk for severe illness from COVID-19. 
  • COVID-19 vaccination is a safer way to help build protection. COVID-19 can have serious, life-threatening complications, and there is no way to know how COVID-19 will affect you. If you get sick, you could spread the disease to friends, family, and others around you. COVID-19 vaccination will help protect you by creating an antibody (immune system) response without having to experience sickness. 
  • Vaccines work with your immune system so it will be ready to fight the virus if you are exposed. Wearing face coverings, social distancing, and frequent hand washing help reduce your chance of being exposed to the virus that causes COVID-19 or spreading it to others, but these measures are not enough. The combination of getting vaccinated and following public health recommendations to protect yourself and others will offer the best protection from COVID-19.