- What should I do if I’m not sure or have concerns about the COVID-19 vaccine?
We understand that deciding to get a COVID-19 vaccination is a personal choice and it can be difficult to navigate all the information available. Know that your HMG provider is here to help you navigate the information so you can make an informed choice that is right for you. We encourage all patients who have concerns about the vaccine to reach out to their provider to have a conversation about their risks.
- Where can I receive a vaccine near me?
To find a COVID-19 vaccine nearest to you, visit the VaccineFinder ( Vaccines.gov – Search for COVID-19 vaccine locations)
- What will it cost to get the vaccine?
The COVID-19 vaccine will be free to all healthcare workers and patients, but there may be a fee for the administration of the vaccine that most insurance providers will cover.
- How effective will the vaccine be?
The latest vaccine data shows 70-95% efficacy dependent upon vaccine type. This is significantly higher than the flu shot, which is between 40-60% effective. Based on this, we are confident in the vaccine’s ability to prevent serious illness and hospitalization from COVID-19.
- How do you know the vaccine is safe?
Like all vaccines, the COVID-19 vaccine has gone through a rigorous trial process. In fact, HMG is a participating clinical trial site along with more than 120 others with tens of thousands of participants across many different ethnicities and locations.
The safety data is a critical piece of the FDA’s decision to move forward with Emergency Use Authorization (EUA). The latest vaccine data is showing over 70% efficacy rates. Measures are being utilized across the country to ensure vaccine safety. We are confident in the safety and efficacy of the vaccine and are recommending team members get the vaccine as it becomes available.
- What are the side effects of the vaccine going to be?
Early information on the vaccine has shown minor side effects, including:
- Pain and tenderness at the injection site
- Fatigue
- Slight fever
- Headache
- Muscle/joint pain
If you experience these side effects, it means that the vaccine is causing your body to create antibodies to fight off the virus.
- Do you know how long the vaccination will last?
Further testing will help us determine how long the immunity will last.
- If I’ve already tested positive for COVID-19, should I still get the vaccine?
Right now, it’s still unknown how long a person’s immunity lasts after they’ve had COVID-19. With that in mind, it is recommended to receive the vaccine after a previous COVID-19 infection.
- Are there concerns around the interaction between the flu and COVID-19 vaccines?
There should be at least 14 days between the COVID-19 vaccination and another vaccine. It is highly recommended for patients to receive the flu shot as the COVID-19 vaccination will not be readily available to the entire community immediately. By getting a flu vaccine, you can help keep yourself healthy and give healthcare workers time to focus on COVID-19.
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