Will the COVID-19 vaccine cause me to test positive?

Yes, UCF has been approved as a mass vaccination site for UCF faculty, staff and students. We will begin with an initial distribution of 1,000 doses of the vaccine the week of January 11. The state of Florida’s current executive order allows us to administer the vaccine to our healthcare workers and faculty, staff, and students 65 years of age or older. Details on how to schedule your vaccination appointment are forthcoming.

Once an adequate supply of vaccine is available, vaccinations will first be accessible to priority populations, including healthcare workers and residents of long-term care facilities, following guidance from the state of Florida. When vaccines become more broadly available, there will be increased access.

None of the COVID-19 vaccines currently in development in the U.S. use the live virus that causes COVID-19. The goal of vaccination is to teach our immune systems how to recognize and fight the virus that causes COVID-19. Sometimes this process can cause symptoms, such as fever. These symptoms are normal and are a sign that the body is building immunity.

There is not enough information currently available to say if or for how long after infection someone is protected from getting COVID-19 again, and more studies are needed. Vaccination is advised regardless of a history of COVID illness.

Yes, the CDC recommends that people continue to wear a mask that covers their nose and mouth when in contact with others outside their household, when in healthcare facilities, and when receiving any vaccine, including a COVID-19 vaccine. Although the vaccines appear to provide significant protection, there remains some chance that you could still acquire the illness and infect others. Until the pandemic is significantly suppressed, masks will be needed.

Because the FDA is just beginning to authorize COVID-19 vaccines in the U.S., there is a limited supply. Not everyone will be able to be vaccinated right away, but the goal is for everyone to be able to easily get a COVID-19 vaccine when large quantities are available.

The leading vaccine contenders require two shots at least three weeks apart.

The CDC states that any vaccine can cause side effects. For the most part these are minor, for example, a sore arm or low-grade fever that go away within a few days.

Because vaccine supplies are currently limited, administration will be for those identified in high-risk groups. This is to ensure that all individuals with the highest likelihood for exposure are able to receive the vaccine. As more vaccine becomes available, the groups eligible to receive the vaccine will expand.

While there is no federal or state mandate to receive the COVID-19 vaccine, all eligible individuals are strongly encouraged to get vaccinated as soon as they are able. In addition to protecting each recipient against infection, it is essential that a large enough percent of the population receives the vaccine in order to achieve “herd immunity” to prevent continued spread of the virus causing COVID-19. We must each play our part in this process, as we have in the past with vaccines to eliminate the threat of polio, measles and other viral infections.

There is no requirement for students to receive the COVID-19 vaccine at this time. UCF will encourage students, faculty and staff to get vaccinated in the interest of our community’s health and safety.

There is no cost for the vaccine. However, vaccination providers will be able to charge an administration fee for giving the shot. Vaccine providers can get this fee reimbursed by the patient’s public or private insurance company or, for uninsured patients, by the Health Resources and Services Administration at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

Send an email to covid19vaccine@ucf.edu.