There are four different types of COVID-19 vaccines approved in the United States. The COVID-19 vaccine has proven to be safe, effective and the best protection against serious illness and complications. Everybody 6 months and older can now get a COVID vaccine. Vaccine recommendations are based on your age, the first vaccine you may have received, and the time since your last dose of the vaccine. It is encouraged to be fully vaccinated to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 in our communities.
What does being fully vaccinated mean?
Everyone 6 years and older needs to have at least 1 updated Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna COVID-19 vaccine to be considered fully vaccinated. Depending on the number of doses they have already received and their age, children in the 6 months - 5 year age range may need multiple bivalent doses to be considered up to date. If you are 65 and older or are immunocompromised, you may receive additional doses of the updated Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna COVID-19 vaccine. Your body needs about two weeks after your final shot to be fully protected by COVID-19. Talk to your provider today to make sure you are up to date on your COVID-19 vaccine.
What are the common side effects?
Side effects after getting the COVID-19 vaccine can be different for each person. Some of the common side effects are:
- Pain or redness and swelling in the arm where you received the shot
- Fever and chills
- Tiredness
- Headache
- Muscle pain
- Nausea
Call your provider if your symptoms do not go away after a few days or if the pain where you got your shot gets worse after 24 hours.
Allergic reactions and adverse events are rare but can happen. Please plan to be monitred for 15 minutes after your shot by a healthcare provider. If you think you may be having a severe allergic reaction, call 911.
How can I get a COVID-19 Vaccine?
If you have an upcoming CHA appointment, just ask to be given the COVID-19 vaccine when you come in. You can schedule a vaccine appointment on MyChart or by calling your primary care center. If you are not a CHA patient, call a care center near you to become one.
Learn More