COVID-19 Vaccines

Vaccines can help slow or stop the spread of COVID-19 and get the pandemic under control — if enough people choose to get them. When you’re fully vaccinated, you’re doing your part to protect yourself, your family, your coworkers and your community. We’re committed to keeping you and your family in the know about this important issue.

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What’s on This Page:

The Big Picture

ITW is committed to the health, safety and well-being of employees. The COVID-19 vaccines authorized for use by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) are safe, effective and the best way to overcome the pandemic. We strongly recommend you get vaccinated for your own health, as well as for the health and safety of your family, your community and your colleagues.

 

The Value of Vaccines

Watch a conversation with ITW CEO Scott Santi and Dr. Carl Lambert of Rush University Medical Center.

 

4 Reasons to Get the Vaccine

1. It’s safe. All COVID-19 vaccines currently available in the U.S. have gone through rigorous testing and have been approved by the FDA and the CDC.

2. It works. Getting vaccinated against COVID-19 is the best protection from serious illness and the risk of long-term health problems that can be caused by the disease. Even if you had COVID-19 and recovered, getting vaccinated can help you avoid getting it again.

3. It’s the right thing to do. By getting vaccinated, you are protecting yourself from getting sick with COVID-19. You’re also doing your part to protect others, especially those who may be at higher risk for severe illness.

4. It’s free. In the U.S., there is absolutely no cost to you for the vaccine. It’s covered 100% — by either your medical insurance or the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services if you don’t have insurance.

 

Myths and Facts

Let’s separate the myths from the facts about the vaccine.

Myth

I’m worried about side effects I might get right away from the vaccine.







Fact

As with all vaccines, you may experience some mild side effects, which are normal and signs that your body is recognizing the vaccine and mounting an immune response. These symptoms are not serious and often go away quickly, most often within 48 hours of receiving the COVID-19 vaccine. For details, see Resources below.

Myth

I’ve already had COVID-19, so I’m not sure I need a vaccine.

Fact

Even if you’ve already had COVID-19, you should get vaccinated. Research has not yet shown how long you are protected after you have recovered from COVID-19. Evidence is emerging that people get better protection by being fully vaccinated compared with having had COVID-19. For details, see Resources below.

Myth

A COVID-19 vaccine might cause pregnancy or fertility problems.

Fact

Data suggests that the benefits of receiving a COVID-19 vaccine outweigh any known or potential risks of vaccination during pregnancy. And the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine and the CDC recommend it. Plus, there’s no evidence that any vaccines cause fertility problems in women or men. For details, see Resources below.

Myth

I might get long-term side effects from the vaccine.







Fact

Long-term side effects following any vaccination are extremely rare. The occasional rare side effect should be weighed against the known, higher risks and potential long-term side effects from contracting the virus, which can include damage to the lungs, heart, kidneys, brain and other organs. For details, see Resources below.

Myth

I’m young and healthy, so I don’t need to get vaccinated.





Fact

Yes, you do. It’s impossible to predict whether you’ll have a mild or serious case if you are exposed, regardless of your age or health condition. Vaccination will help keep you from getting seriously ill or dying, even if you do get COVID-19. For details, see Resources below.

Myth

The technology used to create the COVID-19 vaccines is too new to be safe.

Fact

The technology used, called messenger RNA, or mRNA, is not new. Research on it actually began in the early 1990s, and two diseases that are very close to COVID — SARS and MERS — helped bring the mRNA vaccine development to present-day use. For details, see Resources below.

What You Can Do

1. Get the facts about COVID-19 from trusted, reliable sources, including from:

  • Your doctors and medical providers. If you’re enrolled in an ITW medical plan and need to find a provider, call a Benefits Value Advisor at 1.800.325.0320.
  • The 24/7 Nurseline, a free service for you and your family members, if you’re enrolled in an ITW medical plan. Call 1.800.299.0274 to talk with a registered nurse.
  • The COVID Collaborative
  • The CDC
  • These frequently asked questions

2. Get vaccinated.

  • Find a COVID-19 vaccine near you here.
  • Schedule your vaccine at a CVS pharmacy here.

Resources

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