COVID-19 Vaccine FAQ
General Information
Scheduling a Vaccination
Safety
Risks/Side-Effects
Vaccination and other Medical Conditions
Vaccine and Pregnancy
General Information
Who is BCH vaccinating right now?
The State of Colorado has moved to Phase 2 – the final stage of its
vaccine distribution plan – and make anyone 16 and older eligible
to be vaccinated. Individuals in this Phase 2 group and all earlier phases
can register for vaccination at Boulder Community Health.
We are being as aggressive as possible with vaccination scheduling, but
due to ongoing concerns about vaccine supplies, we can only schedule a
limited number of residents each week. As we receive more vaccine, we
will notify more residents.
How many doses are required for the COVID-19 vaccine?
Both the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines require 2 doses. The second dose of
the Pfizer vaccine is administered about 21 days after your first dose
and the second dose of the Moderna vaccine is administered around 28 days
after the first dose. The Johnson and Johnson vaccine requires a single dose.
How long will I have to wait to get vaccinated?
Scheduling of vaccinations depends on the supply of vaccine. Please check
back frequently if you do not find an available appointment. As we receive
more vaccine, we are able to open more appointments.
Can I choose which vaccine I receive?
BCH has the Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccines. Unfortunately,
due to ongoing limitations in the supply of vaccine, we are not able to
offer a choice of which vaccine you will receive.
How much does the vaccine cost?
There is no charge for the vaccine. BCH will bill health insurance companies
for administering the vaccine, but none of that fee will be passed on
to individuals.
I had a natural infection from COVID 19 -- do I need the COVID-19 vaccine?
Vaccination is recommended even in individuals who have had natural infection
with COVID-19. Lab data from both vaccine trials suggest that the mRNA
vaccine will provide more robust immunity than immunity from natural infection.
Guidance from CDC allows waiting 90 days from natural infection to start
the vaccine series. Vaccination will act to boost your existing immunity
to COVID-19 and may be associated with more prominent, but transient side effects.
Do I need to still wear a mask after getting the vaccine?
BCH infectious disease specialists recommend that individuals continue
to wear masks and to social distance even after receiving the COVID-19
vaccine as these are still best tools to help reduce your chance of being
exposed to the virus or spreading it to others. Until the entire country
has been vaccinated, getting the vaccine and following CDC recommendations
to protect yourself and others, including wearing a mask, social distancing
and frequent hand washing, will offer the best protection from COVID-19.
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Scheduling a Vaccination
Can I get vaccinated at BCH without an appointment?
No walk-ins can be vaccinated at BCH. Our goal is to get as many people
as possible vaccinated as quickly as possible. Our aggressive scheduling
means every dose of vaccine has already been assigned to someone with
an appointment. That means there are no “extra” doses available
for walk-ins.
How do I sign up for a vaccination from BCH?
BCH does not have a waiting list for vaccination appointments. The quickest
and most efficient way to schedule a vaccination from BCH is through the
MyBCH patient portal, which provides community members with unrestricted
access to vaccination scheduling – you do not need to be a BCH patient
to set up a free MyBCH account. If you don’t have a MyBCH account,
we recommend you set one up.
I already have a MyBCH account. What should I do next?
If you already have a MyBCH account, you follow these steps to schedule
an appointment:
From your PC or laptop:
-
Login to your MyBCH account at
http://my.bch.org.
- Click “Menu” (located in the top left corner of the portal
homepage).
- Click “Schedule an Appointment.”
- Scroll down the list of options and click on the “COVID Vaccine Dose
1” tab.
- Answer the required questions as prompted.
- Select an appointment from the available options.
- Verify your personal information.
- Click the green “Click to Schedule” box to confirm.
From your smartphone or tablet:
- Login to your account in the MyBCH app.
- Click the “Menu” icon.
- Click “Schedule an Appointment.”
- Scroll down the list of options and click on the “COVID Vaccine Dose
1” tab.
- Answer the required questions as prompted.
- Select an appointment from the available options.
- Click the green “Click to Schedule” box to confirm.
Make sure you complete all steps when scheduling your appointment. You
will receive a confirmation email from
donotreply@bch.org with additional instructions about your visit.
You will be able to schedule your second dose of vaccine (if required)
after you receive your first dose. This can be done at the vaccine clinic
prior to your departure.
Due to the limited supply of vaccine, BCH cannot immediately provide appointments
for everyone who wants one. If you try to register and no appointments
are available, you’ll need to check your MyBCH account periodically.
We will be adding new appointments regularly as we receive more vaccine supply.
I don’t have a MyBCH account. How do I get one?
You can sign up for a MyBCH account through the BCH website. Go to
bch.org/vaccine and complete the application. You do not need to be a BCH patient to set
up a MyBCH account.
There are no appointments available. What do I do?
The vaccine supply locally continues to be limited. As we receive more
vaccine, we are able to open more appointments. If you do not find an
available appointment in MyBCH, please continue to check back.
What if I have trouble accessing or signing up for the MyBCH account?
If you have any issues trying to sign up or sign in to the MyBCH portal,
please email the BCH Health Information Management team at MyBCH@bch.org.
Please note that with so many local residents signing up for MyBCH, HIM
has received a large volume of emails requesting support and it may take
time to respond to individual requests.
The Moderna and Pfizer vaccines require two doses -- can I schedule both
doses at the same time?
No, scheduling of the second dose is done at the BCH Vaccination Clinic
after you have gotten your initial dose.
I have a vaccination scheduled at BCH but was able to get the vaccine someplace
else. How do I cancel my appointment at BCH?
If you need to cancel your existing BCH vaccine appointment, please log
into your MyBCH account, open your appointment and click "Cancel
Appointment." We also recommend that you contact us by emailing MyBCH@bch.org
to let us know that you canceled so that we may remove the appointment
notice from your portal. In your email, please include your name and date of birth.
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Safety
Is the COVID-19 vaccine safe or is it recommended to wait until there is
more research?
BCH infectious disease specialists recommend that everyone get a COVID-19
vaccine as soon as it is available to the community. According to the
FDA, “Clinical trials are evaluating COVID-19 vaccines in tens of
thousands of study participants to generate the scientific data and other
information needed by FDA to determine safety and effectiveness. These
clinical trials are being conducted according to the rigorous standards
set forth by the FDA.”
If I have a history of anaphylaxis to a medication, food or another vaccine
in the past, can I get the COVID-19 mRNA vaccine?
Anaphylaxis is a serious allergic reaction to a medication or other substance.
The overall background rate of anaphylaxis to vaccines in general is 1.3
for every million doses given and there are no associated deaths. There
have been a few reported cases of anaphylaxis to COVID-19 vaccines, all
which have occurred within 30 minutes of receiving the vaccine and responded
to therapy. The CDC considers a history of severe allergic reaction to
any vaccine or any injectable therapy a precaution, but not a contraindication
to vaccination. If you have a known allergy to polyethylene glycol or
polysorbate, this does exclude you from receipt of the COVID-19 mRNA vaccines.
Boulder Community Health will be able to deliver medication to you if you
have a severe allergic reaction to any vaccine or any injectable therapy.
We are following CDC recommendations for administering vaccine to individuals
with a history of anaphylaxis which includes monitoring for 30 minutes
after vaccination and having staff available that can recognize and treat
the early signs of anaphylaxis.
Is the COVID-19 vaccine safe if I am currently on medications or have an
existing medical condition?
BCH infectious disease specialists recommend individuals with underlying
medical conditions get the vaccine. However, if you have concerns, we
recommend that you speak with your physician before getting the vaccine.
I am in the process of getting another vaccine series. Can I get the COVID vaccine?
COVID vaccine needs to be separated from other vaccines by 14 days. If
someone has recently received a vaccine, their COVID vaccine should be
delayed until that 14-day time frame has expired. If your next dose of
an ongoing vaccine series is due around the same time as your scheduled
COVID vaccine, talk to your health care provider about which vaccine should
be prioritized.
If I am having surgery, when should I get the COVID-19 vaccine?
This is something you should discuss with your doctor or surgeon. As a
general rule, you should complete the COVID-19 vaccine two-2-dose series
prior to surgery and wait 1-2 weeks to undergo surgery. If you have already
undergone surgery, the best time to start your COVID vaccine series would
be after you are feeling well and 1-2 weeks has passed.
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Risks/Side-Effects
How much will a COVID-19 vaccine reduce the risks or complications of COVID-19?
Current results from clinical trials have shown that the COVID-19 vaccines
have up to a 94 to 95 percent efficacy rate in preventing illness from
COVID-19. The studies suggest that getting a COVID-19 vaccine may prevent
hospitalization, even if you do get COVID-19. Experts are predicting that
getting vaccinated may also protect the people around you, especially
those at increased risk for severe illness from COVID-19.
What are the side-effects of the COVID-19 vaccine?
Side-effects from both the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines may include localized
pain at the injection site, fever, fatigue, headache, chills, muscle aches
and joint pain after you receive the COVID vaccine. These side effects
should resolve in 24 to 48 hours. Ibuprofen or acetaminophen (Tylenol)
may be taken if this is safe based on your medical history.
Will the COVID-19 vaccine cause me to get the virus?
No. Both the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines do not contain the live virus.
Getting the vaccine will also not cause you to test positive for COVID-19.
I heard taking Tylenol before getting vaccinated will minimize side effects.
Should I do that?
According to BCH Infectious Diseases specialists, pre-treatment with ibuprofen
or acetaminophen (Tylenol) before COVID vaccination is not believed to
be helpful in preventing side effects and is not recommended.
If you develop symptoms after vaccination, such as fever, headache or muscle
pain, ibuprofen or acetaminophen may be taken if this is safe based on
your medical history.
Can I get COVID-19 even after getting the vaccine?
Both the Pfizer and Moderna COVID-19 vaccines require 2 doses spaced 21
(Pfizer) to 28 (Moderna) days apart. And because it often takes a few
weeks for the body to build immunity after getting the vaccine, a person
could still be infected with COVID-19 just before or just after getting
the vaccine. This is because the vaccine has not had enough time to provide
protection. Individuals should continue to practice social distancing
and wearing a mask even after receiving the vaccine.
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Vaccination and Other Medical Conditions
Is the COVID-19 vaccine safe for those with immunocompromising conditions?
Those with HIV infection, other immunocompromising conditions or who take
immunosuppressive medications can take the vaccine. Although there is
less data regarding safety and efficacy in these groups, it is unlikely
to be different than those without these conditions. There is a potential
for reduced immune response and lower protection. BCH recommends that
you talk to your physician if you have concerns about the COVID-19 vaccine.
Can I get the vaccine if I have an autoimmune disease?
No data is currently available on the safety and efficacy of mRNA COVID-19
vaccines in persons with autoimmune conditions, though these persons were
eligible for enrollment in clinical trials. No imbalances were observed
in the occurrence of symptoms consistent with autoimmune conditions or
inflammatory disorders in clinical trial participants who received an
mRNA COVID-19 vaccine compared to placebo. Persons with autoimmune conditions
may receive an mRNA COVID-19 vaccine.
I have a history of Guillain-Barre syndrome (GBS), is it safe for me to
get the COVID-19 vaccine?
There have been no reported cases of GBS in clinical trials of COVID-19
mRNA vaccines.. Historically, GBS has been more commonly associated with
viral infections than with vaccinations which aim to prevent viral illness.
The following recommendations for persons with a prior history of GBS:
- Immunizations are not recommended during the acute phase of GBS and are
not suggested for a period of one year after the onset of GBS.
- After one year, immunizations need not be withheld, but the need for the
immunization should be reviewed on an individual basis with your doctor.
- If GBS occurs within six weeks of receipt of a specific vaccine, it is
recommended to avoid that specific vaccine in the future (but not all
vaccines).
I am worried about the cases of Bell’s palsy.
A person with a history of Bell’s palsy may receive the COVID-19
vaccine. Bell’s palsy is when the facial nerve becomes weak on one
side of the face most commonly due to reactivation of the herpes simplex
virus. Any vaccine administration could induce an immune response that
could trigger reactivation of dormant herpes viruses.
Cases of Bell’s palsy occurred in both vaccine studies only in the
vaccine arm at a rate that was within the typical rate of Bell’s
palsy in the general population (13 and 34 cases per 100,000). Current
data cannot determine if cases of Bell’s palsy were related to vaccine
administration. If you have a history of Bell’s palsy, talk to your
doctor prior to receiving the vaccine.
I have used dermal fillers -- is it safe for me to get the vaccine?
Having used dermal fillers is not a contraindication to receiving the COVID-19
vaccine. The observation of swelling at the site of dermal fillers with
a viral infection and after receipt of vaccines has been reported previously.
There are a small number of reported cases of swelling at sites of dermal
fillers following administration of the COVID-19 vaccine. This is considered
a rare side effect and can be easily treated. You should call your doctor
if swelling occurs.
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COVID-19 Vaccine and Pregnancy
I am pregnant. Should I get the COVID-19 vaccine?
There is currently limited data on the safety of COVID-19 vaccines, including
mRNA vaccines, in pregnant people. Based on current knowledge, experts
believe that mRNA vaccines are unlikely to pose a risk to the pregnant
person or the fetus because mRNA vaccines are not live vaccines and the
mRNA in the vaccine is degraded quickly by normal cellular processes.
If a pregnant person is part of a group that is recommended to receive
a COVID-19 vaccine (e.g., health care personnel), they may choose to be
vaccinated. When making a decision, pregnant people and their health care
providers should consider the level of COVID-19 community transmission,
the patient’s personal risk of contracting COVID-19, the risks of
COVID-19 to the patient and potential risks to the fetus, the efficacy
of the vaccine, the side effects of the vaccine, and the lack of data
about the vaccine during pregnancy.
I am trying to get pregnant. Should I get the COVID-19 vaccine?
There is no recommendation for routine pregnancy testing before receipt
of a COVID-19 vaccine. Those who are trying to become pregnant do not
need to avoid pregnancy after mRNA COVID-19 vaccination.
I am breastfeeding. Should I get the COVID-19 vaccine?
There is no data on the safety of COVID-19 vaccines in lactating people
or the effects of mRNA COVID-19 vaccines on the breastfed infant or milk
production/excretion. mRNA vaccines are not thought to be a risk to the
breastfeeding infant. A lactating person who is part of a group recommended
to receive a COVID-19 vaccine (e.g., health care personnel) may choose
to be vaccinated.
It is strongly encouraged to sign up for
V-safe and report any adverse events to VAERS.
Dr. Amie Meditz, an infectious diseases specialist at BCH, discusses why
all three vaccines are effective to keep you protected against COVID-19.
When it’s your turn to roll up your sleeve, Dr. Meditz and the entire
team at Beacon Center for Infectious Diseases fully recommend the Pfizer-BioNTech,
Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccines to all community members.
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