Show All Answers

1. Do I need an appointment to get vaccinated at a community vaccine clinic?

Yes, an appointment is required for each person wishing to receive a vaccine at a community clinic. This will help ensure that each clinic has an appropriate amount of staff and inventory.

2. What can I do to prepare for the vaccine clinic?

1. Print and complete consent form(s) in advance. This will save you and clinic staff time! There are separate consent forms for flu vaccine and COVID-19 vaccine. Double check to make sure you have the right one. If you plan to receive both the flu and COVID-19 vaccines, please print and complete BOTH forms in advance.
   
   Flu Consent Form: English | Spanish
   COVID-19 Consent Form: English | Spanish
   
   
2. If you have insurance, please bring your insurance card with you. There will be no out-of-pocket cost to you, regardless of insurance status.
3. Please do not attend the vaccine clinic if you have any symptoms of COVID-19 or any other respiratory illness.
4. Please wear a shirt that allows for easy access to the upper arm for the nurse (e.g., a shirt with straps/no sleeves, a t-shirt).
5. Masks may be required at vaccination clinics. Please see your appointment reminder for more information. Limited masks will be available at our clinics. 
6. We can vaccinate children as young as 6 months old. Prepare your children for a good experience. Please keep in mind that this is large clinic in a school gym. The noise and amount of activity may be overwhelming for some individuals. A doctor’s office or other more private setting may be more appropriate for some individuals.

3. What can I expect at a community flu clinic?

• Signs will be present guiding you toward the entrance. 
• Park your vehicle and proceed to the marked entrance.
• Clinic staff will provide you with a consent form if you do not have it already. Please complete the consent forms prior to getting in line for registration.
• Clinic registration staff will review your paperwork and collect insurance information if you have it.
• Clinic staff will direct you to the vaccination area at which a nurse will guide you to the next available vaccination station. 
• You will receive your vaccine(s). 
• If you receive only the flu vaccine, you can exit the building.
• If you receive a COVID-19 vaccine, you may choose to remain for observation in the designated area for 15-30 minutes before exiting the building.

4. Why would I want to stay and be observed after a Flu or COVID-19 vaccine.?

1. For any vaccine, there are sometimes concerns about fainting. If you have a history of fainting, please tell the nurse before your vaccination. There are some strategies that can be used to reduce the risk and an observation period may be recommended as well.
2. If you have a history of an allergic reaction after any previous vaccine, you should stay for a 30-minute observation period.

5. Is it safe to receive both a flu and COVID-19 vaccine at the same appointment?

 Yes, it is safe to receive both a flu and COVID-19 on the same day. Chester County Health Department clinics allow both vaccines to be scheduled in one appointment.