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COVID-19 Vaccine FAQ

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1. 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.

Our clinics also offer walk-in options

2. 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.

If you were treated for COVID-19 with monoclonal antibodies or convalescent plasma, you should wait 90 days before getting a COVID-19 vaccine. Talk to your doctor if you are unsure what treatments you received or if you have more questions about getting a COVID-19 vaccine.

3. What is an mRNA vaccine and how does it work?

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.

• 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.

4. I lost my vaccine card. What should I do?

Please contact the Pennsylvania Department of Health via email: [email protected] or phone at: 877-774-4748 for a copy of your immunization records.

5. 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.

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.

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

People are not considered fully vaccinated until two weeks after their second dose of the Pfizer- or Moderna COVID-19 vaccine, or two weeks after a single-dose Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine. You should keep using all the tools available to protect yourself and others until you are fully vaccinated.

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

No. For a two-dose vaccines, your first and second dose of the COVID-19 vaccine must be from the same manufacturer.

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

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

9. Why can’t children under 12 receive the vaccine?

None of the vaccine manufacturers have tested the vaccine for use in individuals under 12. As more research is done this will change.

10. 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.

11. Will the vaccine prevent me from getting COVID?

All COVID-19 vaccines currently available in the United States are effective at preventing COVID-19 as seen in clinical trial settings. 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. Some people who are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 will still get sick because no vaccine is 100% effective. Experts continue to monitor and evaluate how often this occurs, how severe their illness is, and how likely a vaccinated person is to spread COVID-19 to others.

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

The Pfizer 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.

The Johnson & Johnson vaccine requires one dose.

13. 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. The CDC recommends receiving your second dose within 42 days of your first dose. There is no need to restart your COVID-19 vaccination cycle if you receive the second dose after 42 days.

14. Will I need to receive the vaccine annually?

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

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

Fully vaccinated people can resume activities without wearing a mask or physically distancing, except where required by federal, state, local, tribal, or territorial laws, rules, and regulations, including local business and workplace guidance.

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

All three currently approved vaccines are available at most of the Health Department’s clinics. If making your appointment online, please choose your preferred vaccine type. All vaccine types are not guaranteed at each clinic, especially for walk-in appointments.

17. After getting a COVID-19 vaccine, will I test positive for COVID-19 on a viral test?

No. None of the authorized and recommended COVID-19 vaccines cause you to test positive on viral tests, which are used to see if you have a current infection. Neither can any of the COVID-19 vaccines currently in clinical trials in the United States.

If your body develops an immune response to vaccination, which is the goal, you may test positive on some antibody tests. Antibody tests indicate you had a previous infection and that you may have some level of protection against the virus. Experts are currently looking at how COVID-19 vaccination may affect antibody testing results.