VIDEO: Dr. Landon on the COVID vaccines

Getting vaccinated is the most important single step we can take to protect ourselves, our families, our co-workers and our communities from the coronavirus pandemic. But it's normal to have questions.

Here, in a virtual town hall meeting presented in mid-January by the Illinois Department of Human Services, Dr. Emily Landon - an infectious disease specialist at the University of Chicago - answered many of those questions.

• What is an mRNA vaccine?

• How do we know the vaccine is safe?

• Trials showed no serious adverse effects -- only minor side effects. What's the difference?

• Dispelling common myths about the vaccine and fertility, pregnancy, microchips and more.

• What about for people with allergies, such as to the flu shot?

If you wish to watch Dr. Landon's full, one-hour presentation, you can do so here.