COVID-19 Vaccines

CDC Information on Vaccine Safety

The safety of COVID-19 vaccines is a top priority.

The U.S. vaccine safety system ensures that all vaccines are as safe as possible. Learn how federal partners are working together to ensure the safety of COVID-19 vaccines.

CDC has developed a new tool, v-safe, as an additional layer of safety monitoring to increase our ability to rapidly detect any safety issues with COVID-19 vaccines. V-safe is a new smartphone-based, after-vaccination health checker for people who receive COVID-19 vaccines. Learn more about the currently approved vaccine.

COVID-19 Vaccination Will Help Protect You from Getting COVID-19

You need 2 doses of the currently available COVID-19 vaccine.*

• If you have chosen the Pfizer vaccine, a second shot 3 weeks after your first shot is needed to get the most protection the vaccine has to offer against this serious disease.
• For Moderna, a second shot is required 4 weeks after the first dose. A second shot is needed to get the most protection the vaccine has to offer against this serious disease.

For whichever vaccine that you choose, your second dose needs to be the same one. The current Covid-19 vaccines are a two shot series, so if you are unable or unwilling to get the 2nd shot in 21-28 days you may want to consider waiting as it is optimal for full protection from the vaccine to follow the series as intended.

*Johnson+Johnson only requires one shot.

Vaccination Side Effects

After COVID-19 vaccination, you may have some side effects. This is a normal sign that your body is building protection.

The side effects from COVID-19 vaccination may feel like flu and might even affect your ability to do daily activities, but they should go away in a few days. Learn more about what side effects to expect and get helpful tips on how to reduce pain and discomfort after your vaccination.

How to Prepare for Your COVID-19 Vaccine

Memorial is currently offering COVID-19 vaccinations at multiple locations. We urge anyone ages 12+, especially those with serious health conditions to get vaccinated as soon as possible, as this vaccine could be life-saving. Serious health conditions include:

• Kidney disease
• Heart conditions, including heart failure, coronary artery disease, and heart disease
• Cancer
• Respiratory diseases
• Diabetes
• Asthma
• Obesity
• Sickle cell disease

Before You Arrive

• Familiarize yourself with the vaccination you will be receiving to ensure it is safe for you to receive
• Make sure you are able to return 21-28 days after your first vaccine

During Your Appointment

• Bring proof of identification
• You will receive a COVID-19 Vaccination Record Card, DO NOT LOSE THIS
• Allot enough time for a potential wait to receive the vaccination, as well as at least 15 minutes following vaccination for observation to ensure you are well

After Your Vaccination

• Wait for a minimum of 15 minutes following your vaccination for potential side effects of the vaccine to arise.
• DO NOT lose your COVID-19 Vaccination Record Card, this will be needed at your second vaccination and possibly after
• Make sure to return 28 days later for your second dose of the vaccine.

Other Important Information

• Vaccines are readily available
• Cost is free to the public
• Individuals must provide identification
• Prepare to wait 15 minutes after the vaccination to be monitored by medical staff
• If you have experienced an allergic reaction to medications before, you may not be eligible to receive the vaccination
• Patients must prepare to return 21 or 28 days later to receive the second shot that will complete the vaccination, dependent on the type of shot received – Pzifer or Moderna. Johnson+Johnson only requires one shot

Pfizer (Comirnaty) and Moderna (SpikeVax) boosters are now readily available to all who meet vaccination eligibIlity (age 12+ with no history of vaccination reaction). Boosters are available at all locations that currently provide vaccinations

For more information, contact the COVID-19 Hotline (228) 867-5000.