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It’s Your COVID-19 Vaccination Day: What to Expect

February 01, 2021

If you’ve scheduled your first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine (for eligibility, click here), use this guide on the day of your appointment. If you haven’t scheduled an appointment, please be patient: The state is currently not receiving enough doses from the federal government to meet demand.

Why You Needed an Appointment

You need an appointment so we can track your vaccination in a medical record. It also ensures you get the proper second dose and we have enough vaccine on-site to administer. For safety reasons, please bring someone with you only if you need support.

If you have a MyChart account, remember to use E-CheckIn before  your appointment. This will make sure we have all your information, and that you are providing consent to get the vaccine.

When You Arrive for Your Vaccination

  • Parking is free.
  • Remember to wear your mask when leaving your vehicle, and at all times until you return to your vehicle.
  • Get registered for the vaccine. A registration assistant will ask you a few questions and complete your appointment registration.
  • Get your vaccine card. If this is your first dose, you will be given a small card from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention with your name and other information. Save this card for your second dose. (If this is your second dose, the registrar will check your card, so please remember to bring it with you.)
  • Wait in line, and please remember to stand at least 6 feet apart from others.
  • Get your vaccine! A vaccinator will again check your information, swab a bit of your preferred upper arm with an alcohol rub, give you your shot, and place a small adhesive bandage there. It takes just a minute.
  • Get your card completed. A staff member will complete your vaccine card with the type of vaccine you received and the date. (This may happen while you are in line to get your vaccine.)
  • Wait about 15 minutes. Be prepared to sit in one of the chairs provided and wait about 15 minutes — the “observation time.” You may want to bring something to read, or use your smartphone. Out of courtesy for others, please do not make phone calls or take photos while waiting.

You’re good to go! If you’re feeling fine, you can just leave after 15 minutes or so. If you have any issues while you are waiting, just tell any clinic staff member and they will be able to help you.
Vaccine side effects

Are There Side Effects From the Vaccine?

Side effects that have been reported following COVID-19 vaccination include:

  • Injection site pain, swelling, or redness.
  • Tiredness.
  • Headache.
  • Muscle or joint pain.
  • Fever or chills.
  • Nausea or vomiting.
  • Swollen lymph nodes.
  • Generally feeling unwell.
  • For more info download.

Side effects are more commonly reported after the second dose and are more common in people under 55 years old. These side effects are usually mild to moderate, but in rare cases more severe. Studies of the vaccines are ongoing, so other side effects are possible.

What serious adverse events should I be aware of?

There is a small chance that the vaccine could cause a severe allergic reaction, usually occurring within a few minutes to an hour after vaccine administration. Signs could include difficulty breathing, swelling of your face or throat a fast heartbeat, a rash, and dizziness or weakness. Studies of the vaccines are still ongoing, so other serious and unexpected side effects may occur.

What should I do if experience an adverse reaction?

If you experience a severe allergic reaction (difficulty breathing, swelling of your face or throat, a fast heartbeat, dizziness, or weakness), call 911 or go to the nearest hospital.

If you have other side effects that bother you or do not go away, call your healthcare provider.

Please note: If you have insurance, your insurance will be billed for the vaccine and you will receive an Explanation of Benefits (EOB). For Medicare Advantage patients, traditional Medicare will be billed.

After Your Vaccination

Get ready for Round 2. If this was your first dose, remember to schedule your second dose (a “booster shot”) within the right time frame: about 21 days later for the Pfizer vaccine, or about 28 days later for the Moderna vaccine.

Here are the instructions for scheduling your second dose.