CHARLOTTE – Answers to common questions from our readers.

To date, Novant Health has administered more than 100,000 doses of the COVID-19 vaccine, and our effort to vaccinate the public continues daily.

Here are answers to the latest batch of questions from Healthy Headlines readers. Have a question? Send it to us using the comment function at the bottom of the story. Because of the high volume of questions, we’ll answer the most common questions in upcoming stories, so keep an eye on our site and check the COVID-19 section.

I already have an appointment scheduled in MyChart. If I click “Reschedule Appointment” to see if an earlier date is available, will I lose my current appointment if none are available?

No. Using the Reschedule option will keep the original visit while you search for an alternative. You may then cancel out of the Reschedule window if you choose to remain with the original appointment.

Is there anything about the COVID-19 vaccine that would make one think it could affect your genetics or DNA?

No. The vaccines are mRNA vaccines that provide instructions for making a protein in the cytoplasm of the cell. The mRNA disappears in about 48 hours. It has no effect on DNA whatsoever.

I’ve had both doses and didn’t have any expected effects. Am I lucky or did the vaccine not work?  

There is nothing to worry about at this point. Consider yourself fortunate, and likely, you have protection. We don’t know for sure, but we believe that the vaccine is highly effective regardless of how intense the vaccine response is. That response has to do with age and genetics.

I heard the COVID-19 vaccine is only effective for three months. Is that true?

This is false. While scientists are still studying it, there is evidence that the protection lasts longer. Early reports on the duration of immunity may have indicated “three months” because the vaccines had been released only a few months prior.

I am hearing that the Pfizer vaccine is not effective against the recent mutations. Is that true?

This is not true. To date, it seems to be effective against the known variants. This will continue to be monitored.

If a person has had COVID-19 do they need the vaccine?

It is recommended to be vaccinated after you recover from the illness. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends those who were COVID-19 positive to be vaccinated 10-14 days out from the test and without symptoms.

If you are on an immunosuppressant medicine, should you stop taking it before getting the COVID-19 vaccine?

No. You should continue all medications as recommended by your physicians.