The COVID-19 vaccination program is the largest international vaccination campaign in history. The latest figures compiled by Bloomberg suggest more than 6 million vaccinations are being administered daily across the world, with around 1.28 million doses per day in the US alone…

Where do I get a COVID-19 vaccine?

Vaccines are being administered at pharmacies across the country. Among the national chains involved the roll-out of the vaccine are Albertsons, CVS, Hy-Vee, Meijer, Rite-Aid, Walgreens, Target, Costco, Kroger, Walmart and Winn-Dixie. Many independent and regional pharmacies, as well as healthcare facilities and community health centers, are also involved in the national vaccination drive.

Check the website of your local pharmacy to see if the COVID-19 vaccine is available and if you are eligible for vaccination under the current roll-out.

How do I schedule a COVID-19 vaccine?

Each state has made its own plans to roll out vaccinations, although the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has made recommendations about who should be a high priority for vaccination.

As supply of the vaccine increases, more groups will be able to book in a vaccination and goal is to reach a point where everyone is easily able to get the COVID-19 vaccine. On January 12th, 2021, the US Government began encouraging all states to start immunizing all residents over the age of 65 and those who are between 16 and 64 who have underlying medical conditions. This opened up vaccinations to over one-third of people in the country.

Click here to check availability and book a vaccination in your state or territory.

Will I need to pay for the COVID-19 vaccine?

No. The COVID-19 vaccine is free for anyone in the United States who decides they want to be vaccinated. The vaccines are paid for by the federal government to ensure financial and insurance considerations are not barriers to the vaccination program. If you want the vaccine, you can get it free of charge.

What should I do ahead of my vaccine appointment?

• Book an appointment - you will still need an appointment to receive a COVID-19 vaccine. Unlike the flu jab, you won’t simply be able to walk into the pharmacy and request the COVID-19 vaccination. Check your eligibility on your state’s website (see bottom of the page) and book an appointment if you want the vaccine.
• Wear a face mask - you will be required to wear a face mask during the vaccination process. Even after you have received the COVID-19 vaccine, you should still follow social distancing and face covering guidelines. The vaccine should provide immunity and keep you healthy, but you may still be able to spread the virus to other people.
• Wear a t-shirt or short sleeved clothing - ensure the healthcare worker administering the vaccine has easy access to your arm. The COVID-19 vaccination is administered into the muscle of the upper arm.

What to expect during and after you receive the vaccine

• A 15-30 minutes wait after the jab - you will be expected to remain with the healthcare worker or pharmacist for a short amount of time after you have been vaccinated. This is for your protection to ensure a professional is on hand in the (unlikely) event that you have an allergic reaction to the vaccine.
• Your vaccine card - once vaccinated, you will receive a vaccine card. This will tell you which vaccine you have received and when you need to get your second dose. Both the Pfizer and Moderna vaccine require a second dose at 21 days and 28 days after the initial dose respectively.
• A vaccine fact sheet - either a paper or electronic information sheet will provide you with more details on the vaccine your have received, including information about the risks, benefits and potential side effects.

Will I experience side effects after getting the COVID-19 vaccine?

Possibly. Not everyone experiences side effects after receiving the COVID-19 vaccination, but you may have some as your body builds up immunity to the virus. Common side effects include:

• Pain and swelling on the arm where you received the injection
• Fever
• Chills
• Tiredness
• Headaches

These side effects are a normal part of the immunization process and are signs that your body is building your immunity to the virus. Of course you may experience no side effects at all, it will effect people in different ways. To alleviate pain in arm, you may apply a cool, damp washcloth to the area and use or exercise your arm. If you feel feverish, drink plenty of fluids and wear light clothing. You may benefit from taking over-the-counter medication, such as ibuprofen, acetaminophen or aspirin, but speak to your doctor before taking medication to alleviate discomfort following the COVID-19 vaccine.

If the side effects do not go away after a few days, or the redness and tenderness in the area around the injection site increases after 24 hours, or if you are particularly concerned about your side effects, then contact your doctor or healthcare provider.

If you are concerned you are having a severe allergic reaction after leaving the vaccination site, then call 911.

How long does it take to build up immunity after vaccination?

There is no precise answer to this, but it typically takes a few weeks for the body to build immunity after vaccination. Consequently, you should still take precautions such as wearing a face mask and social distancing once you have received the vaccine. It is still possible to get sick after vaccination if you contract the virus before the vaccine has had time to provide protection.

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

Yes. The vaccines have around 95% efficacy, which means that about one in 20 people who get the vaccine may not be protected from getting the virus. Furthermore, it is currently unknown whether you can still carry and transmit the virus despite being vaccinated, which means for the safety of those who have not yet had the vaccine, it is important to stick to the current guidance on mask wearing and social distancing.

 

Check availability and book a vaccine in your state or territory...

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