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COVID-19 Vaccine FAQ

Show All Answers

1. I completed the vaccine interest survey, when will I get vaccinated?

The Chester County Health Department receives shipments of vaccine from the Pennsylvania Department of Health; we add appointments as the vaccine shipment is confirmed so we can guarantee we have enough vaccine for the individuals that are scheduled. Links to schedule an appointment are sent to individuals in Phase 1A who have preregistered  with the Health Department in the order their preregistration was received. We currently cannot provide a specific timeframe for when people will receive their vaccination because the current need for vaccine is greater than the available supply. We ask for patience as we work to get our community vaccinated as quickly as possible.

2. Can I show up at a vaccine site and get vaccinated without an appointment?

We cannot accommodate walk-ins at our vaccination sites. An appointment is required; if you arrive without an appointment you will be turned away without receiving a vaccine. 

3. How do I register for an appointment to get vaccinated?

To register to be contacted when a COVID-19 vaccine appointment is available through Chester County Health Department click here. After you complete the form you will receive updates from us on vaccine availability and open appointments. You can also visit the Pennsylvania Department of Health COVID-19 Vaccine page to see a map of other vaccine providers in our area and contact information for them. 

4. Why is the Health Department only scheduling appointments a week at a time?

The Chester County Health Department receives shipments of vaccine each week; we add appointments as the vaccine shipment is confirmed so we can guarantee we have enough vaccine for the individuals that are scheduled. Vaccine availability is still limited and our shipments vary from week to week. If we schedule people too far in advance, we run the risk of having to cancel appointments if we do not receive enough vaccine. By scheduling on a weekly basis, we ensure we are able to serve everyone who is scheduled to be vaccinated.

5. What is an mRNA vaccine?

According to the CDC, mRNA vaccines are a new type of vaccine to protect against infectious diseases. To trigger an immune response, many vaccines put a weakened or inactivated germ into our bodies. mRNA vaccines do not work that way. Instead, they teach our cells how to make a protein—or even just a piece of a protein—that triggers an immune response inside our bodies. That immune response, which produces antibodies, is what protects us from getting infected if the real virus enters our bodies.

6. I don't have access to a computer, how can I schedule an appointment?

You can call our call center and they can assist you in completing preregistration over the phone. Additionally, if you have friends or family members with computer access, they can complete your preregistration for you.

7. I completed the vaccine interest survey under Phase 1B, but now I am in Phase 1A. Do I need to complete the survey again?

If you previously submitted the 1B form for your profession and are now eligible for vaccine in 1A due to a high-risk medical condition* please complete the new form to indicate that you have a high-risk medical condition. Otherwise, if you previously completed the form for 1A or 1B, you do not need to complete it again – your information will be carried over.

*High Risk Medical conditions include: Cancer; Chronic kidney disease; COPD; Down Syndrome; Heart conditions such as heart failure, coronary artery disease, or cardiomyopathies; Immunocompromised state (weakened immune system) from solid organ transplant or from blood or bone marrow transplant, immune deficiencies, HIV, use of corticosteroids, or use of other immune weakening medicines; Obesity (body mass index [BMI] of 30 kg/m2 or higher but < 40 kg/m2); Severe Obesity (BMI ≥ 40 kg/m2); Pregnancy; Sickle cell disease; Smoking; Type 2 diabetes mellitus 

8. I’ve already had COVID-19. Can I still get the vaccine?

Yes, the vaccine can be given to individuals who have already had COVID-19. However, anyone currently in quarantine, in isolation, or with symptoms, is not eligible for the vaccine. These individuals must wait until they are no longer sick AND the criteria to discontinue quarantine or isolation has been met before they can be vaccinated.

9. What are the side effects of the COVID-19 vaccine?

Common side effects form the COVID-19 vaccine include: pain & swelling at the injection site and potentially fever, chills, tiredness and headache. These side effects should go away in a few days. More information about common vaccine side effects can be found here.

10. Can I get COVID-19 from the vaccine?

No. It is not possible to get COVID-19 from the vaccine.

11. What percentage of the population needs to get vaccinated to achieve herd immunity?

Experts do not know what percentage of people would need to get vaccinated to achieve herd immunity to COVID-19. Herd immunity is a term used to describe when enough people have protection—either from previous infection or vaccination—that it is unlikely a virus or bacteria can spread and cause disease. As a result, everyone within the community is protected even if some people don’t have any protection themselves. The percentage of people who need to have protection in order to achieve herd immunity varies by disease.

12. With the availability of the vaccine does this mean the pandemic is over?

No. Even with a vaccine, the pandemic will not end immediately. It will take time for the vaccine to be widely available. And even then a majority of people will need to receive the vaccine to help prevent the spread of the virus. We must continue using other strategies such as wearing a mask and handwashing.

13. Can I receive a Moderna vaccine for my first shot and a Pfizer vaccine for my second shot?

No. Your first and second dose of the COVID-19 vaccine must be from the same manufacturer.

14. Why can’t children under 16 receive the vaccine?

None of the vaccine manufacturers have tested the vaccine for use in individuals under 16. As more research is done this could change.

15. How long will it take for the vaccine to begin protecting me?

It normally takes two to three weeks for cellular immunity to develop and several weeks for a full antibody response.

16. What does the Chester County Health Department do if there are doses left over at the end of a vaccine clinic?

The Health Department schedules appointments for every dose of vaccine we receive. We have refined our vaccination process to minimize the number of doses that remain at the end the day. However, there are times when there are doses remaining at the end of the day due to individuals not showing up for their appointment, last minute cancelations, or an extra dose in the vial. This number is currently averaging at around 3-5 doses at the end of each day. 

To ensure that no vaccine is goes unused, the Health Department is piloting a program to support a “stand-by” list of individuals eligible for Phase 1A that includes some first responders, community organization staff and clients, and some County employees who are local to the site and can arrive at a clinic within 15 minutes of being contacted. This list is strictly managed to ensure that only individuals who are eligible for Phase 1A are considered.  It is a comprehensive list, and, because the number of remaining end-of-day doses is small, the Health Department is not taking additional stand-by names for the list at this time.

17. How does the COVID-19 vaccine work?

• According to the CDC, COVID-19 mRNA vaccines give instructions for our cells to make a harmless piece of what is called the “spike protein.” The spike protein is found on the surface of the virus that causes COVID-19. COVID-19 mRNA vaccines are given in the upper arm muscle. Once the instructions (mRNA) are inside the immune cells, the cells use them to make the protein piece. After the protein piece is made, the cell breaks down the instructions and gets rid of them.
• Next, the cell displays the protein piece on its surface. Our immune systems recognize that the protein doesn’t belong there and begin building an immune response and making antibodies, like what happens in natural infection against COVID-19.
• At the end of the process, our bodies have learned how to protect against future infection. The benefit of mRNA vaccines, like all vaccines, is those vaccinated gain this protection without ever having to risk the serious consequences of getting sick with COVID-19.

18. Does the COVID-19 vaccine use a live virus?

No, both Pfizer-BioNTech and the Moderna vaccine are mRNA vaccines. They do not include a live, weakened version of the virus.

19. I live in one county/state and work in another. Where should I get vaccinated?

In most places, you are able to get vaccinated where you live or work. We recommend familiarizing yourself with the distribution plan and staying connected to the health departments through websites and Facebook for more information.

20. Why should I get the COVID-19 vaccine?

Because controlling this pandemic means utilizing all tools available. Vaccines work with your immune system so your body will be ready to fight the virus if you are exposed. Getting the vaccine and following other preventative measures, like wearing a mask, washing your hands, and social distancing, helps reduce your chance of being exposed and spreading the virus to other people.

21. What should I do if I experience side effects from the vaccine?

In most cases, discomfort from fever or pain is normal. Contact your healthcare provider:

• If the redness or tenderness where you got the shot increases after 24 hours
• If your side effects are worrying you or do not seem to go away after a few days.

If you get a COVID-19 vaccine and you think you are having a severe allergic reaction after leaving the vaccination site, seek immediate medical care by calling 911.

22. Will the vaccine prevent me from getting COVID?

The Pfizer and Moderna vaccines are both approximately 95 percent effective in the prevention of COVID-19. Researchers compared how many in the vaccinated group and the placebo group went on to develop the disease. The vaccinated group had a much lower rate of infection than the placebo group.

23. How many doses of the COVID-19 vaccine do I need to get?

The Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna vaccine both require two doses. The Pfizer vaccine requires a booster after 21 days and Moderna requires a booster after 28 days. It is critical to receive both doses for the vaccine to be highly effective.

24. What if I miss the second dose of the vaccine?

It is critical that you receive both doses of the COVID-19 vaccine to provide maximum protection from the virus. You should schedule your second dose when you receive your first shot.

25. Will I need to receive the vaccine annually?

Research is still being done to find out how long the COVID-19 vaccine provides immunity.

26. Do I still need to wear a mask after getting the vaccine?

Yes, you should still continue to wear a mask and practice other mitigation strategies (social distancing, handwashing, etc.) after you get the vaccine.

27. How are other areas vaccinating people in Phase 1B/1C and Chester County is vaccinating individuals in Phase 1A?

The breakdown of which individuals qualify in the Phase groups is not universal and can vary from region to region. In Pennsylvania, all counties (with the exception of Philadelphia) are following the same breakdown as Chester County and currently vaccinating a 1A population that consists of healthcare workers, adults 65 and older and individuals from 16-64 with high-risk conditions. In Philadelphia, Phase 1A was defined as “healthcare personnel and elderly residents of long-term care facilities.”

28. I received my first vaccine out-of-state/at another provider. Can I receive my second shot through the Chester County Health Department?

The Health Department cannot provide second doses for individuals who received their first dose through another provider. The Pennsylvania Department of Health guarantees that it will send a second dose to all providers for each first dose they administered. We cannot request additional second doses for people who were vaccinated through other providers.

29. I have a preference on which vaccine I receive. Can I submit my vaccine preference to the Health Department?

The Health Department cannot accommodate individual requests for a specific vaccine.