COVID-19
COVID Vaccine FAQ's
Please be advised we DO NOT have any COVID vaccines at this time and we do not know when they will be delivered. If you are interested in the COVID-19 vaccine, please call our office and we will add you to the waiting list in order of priority per the CDC guidelines for administration of the vaccine which is listed below in phases.
WHO should get the vaccine? Why?
Pfizer-BioNTech: ages 16 years older
Moderna: ages 18 years and older
Due to limited supply the Advisory Committee on Immunization Pratices (ACIP) recommend vaccinations as follows:
PHASE 1a: Healthcare personnel who continue the front line fight against the COVID-19 pandemic. Residents of long term facilities
PHASE 1b: Frontline essential workers such as fire fighters, police officers, corrections officers, food and agricultural workers, United States Postal Service workers, manufacturing workers, grocery store workers, public transit workers, and those who work in some educational sector (teachers, support staff, and daycare workers.)
People aged 65 years and older because they are high risk of hospitalization, illness, and death from COVID-19. People aged 75 years and older who are also residents of long-term care facilities should be offered vaccination in Phase 1a.
PHASE 1C: People aged 65-74 years because they are high risk of hospitalization, illness and death from COVID-19. People aged 65-74 years who are also residents of long-term care facilities should be offered vaccination in Phase 1a.
People aged 16-64 years with underlying medical conditions which increase the risk of serious, life-threatening complications from COVID-19.
Other essential workers, such as people who work in transportation and logistics, food service, housing construction and finance, information technology, communications, energy, law, media, public safety, and public health.
Vaccination of persons with known current SARS-CoV-2 infection should be deferred until the person has recovered from the acute illness (if the person had symptoms) and criteria have been met for them to discontinue isolation.
WHY?
Decided by the advisor committee on Immunization practices to decrease deaths, preserve functioning of society, and reduce the extra burden the disease is having on those already facing disparities while:
1) Maximize benefits and minimize harms - Respect and care for people using the best available data to promote public health and minimize death and severe illness.
2) Mitigate health inequities - Reduce health disparities in the burden of COVID-19 disease and death, and make sure everyone has the opportunity to be as healthy as possible.
3) Promote Justice - Treat affected groups, and communities fairly. Remove unfair, unjust, and avoidable barriers to COVID-19 vaccinations
Who should NOT get the vaccine? WHY?
Children and adolescents outside of the authorized age groups should not receive COVID-19 vaccination at this time.
Per FDA: If you have had a severe allergic reaction- also known as anaphylaxis- to any ingredient in the Moderna vaccine, you should not get vaccinated* (Information about the Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine I CDC_)
You should NOT get the Pfizer-BioNTech Vaccine if you:
Had a severe allergic reaction after a previous dose of this vaccine
Had a severe allergic reaction to any of the ingredients in the vaccine.
(Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine EUA fact Sheet for Recipients and Caregivers (fda.gov))
What will it cost to the patient?
Vaccine doses purchased with U.S taxpayers dollars will be given to the American people at NO COST. However, vaccination providers will be able to charge an administration fee for giving a shot to someone. Vaccine providers can get this fee reimbursed by the patients public or private insurance company or, for uninsured patients, be the Health Resources and Services Administration's Provider Relief Fund.
When is it anticipated in this area?
It is anticipated that with the above phases through to mid to end of 2021. (per CDC)
Where will the vaccine be offered?
Unknown. We are hoping and trying to be able to offer the vaccine but it is unknown who will be administering the vaccine as they move through the phases.
How many doses are necessary? How long in-between doses?
Moderna - 2 doses that are one month (28 days) apart.
Pfizer- 2 doses that are 21 days apart.
How long is the vaccine effective?
It typically takes a few weeks for the body to build immunity after the vaccination. That means it's possible a person could be infected with the virus that causes COVID-19 just before or just after vaccination and get sick. This is because the vaccine has not had enough time to provide protection. We won't know how long immunity produced by the vaccination lasts until we have a vaccine and more data on how well it works.
SIDE EFFECTS:
According to the CDC the most common side effects are:
Pain and swelling of the arm where you got the shot
Could experience fever, chills, tiredness, and headache.
Side effects may feel like flu and even affect the ability to do daily activities, but they should go away in a few days.
With most COVID-19 vaccines, you will need 2 shots in order for them to work. Get the second shot even if you have side effects after the first shot, unless a vaccination provider or your doctor tells you not to get a second shot.
It takes time for your body to build protection after a vaccination. COVID-19 vaccines that require 2 shots may not protect you until a week or two after your second shot.
Cases of Bell's palsy were reported following vaccination in participants in both the Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna COVID-19 vaccines.
1. Go to this website: New York | Covid-19 Vaccine (ny.gov) (https://am-i-eligible.covid19vaccine.health.ny.gov/)
2. Or call this number: 1-833-NYS-4-VAX (1-833-697-4829)
How can I prepare? How quickly can I be vaccinated?
Prepare for large mass scale vaccination sites where priority groups can go. Registration will be through these two contacts above. Local trusted pharmacies are going to get the vaccine but the timeline for distribution and their known supply is very limited. Expect regular announcements and immediate full schedules for the vaccine sites.
We understand that this will be frustrating. You need to be prepared that eligible vaccine recipients may be receiving appointments as far as 14 weeks in the future (per New York State). Expect that you will have to provide “proof” of your status in a priority group for instance:
- A valid NYS driver’s license
- An employment badge
- A letter from your employer stating your occupation and function
- A recent pay stub
Note that all sites operate on APPOINTMENT-ONLY schedules. This is expected to continue for the foreseeable future. If you show up to a site without an appointment you will NOT be vaccinated.
Per the CDC, data from clinical trials indicate the vaccine is SAFE in persons with evidence of a prior infection. Vaccination should be offered to people REGARDLESS of history of prior symptomatic or asymptomatic infection.
Per the CDC, persons with known current infection should not be vaccinated until they have recovered from the acute illness if they had symptoms and criteria has been met for them to discontinue isolation. There is no current recommended minimum interval between infection and vaccination. Current evidence suggests reinfection is uncommon in the 90 days after initial infection. Persons with documented infection in the last 90 days can defer vaccination until near the end of this period if they wish.
Am I considered “immunocompromised”? Does this mean I cannot get the vaccine?
Per the CDC Guidelines, patients who are considered immunocompromised include the following groups (please note
this is not an exhaustive list):
- Patients with HIV or AIDS
- Patients with cancer
- Patients who have received a bone marrow or solid organ transplant and are on immunosuppressants
- Those with inherited diseases that affect the immune system (autoimmune conditions - things like type ONE diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, patients on biologics, persons with multiple sclerosis, systemic lupus erythematosus, inflammatory bowel disease, guillain barre syndrome, psoriasis, grave’s disease, hashimoto’s thyroiditis, myasthenia gravis, vasculitis)
However, the CDC notes that immunocompromised patients may receive the vaccines so long as they have no contraindications to vaccination, but that they should be counseled about the unknown safety profiles of the vaccines in immunocompromised population.
If you have any questions please contact either your primary care physician or your specialist
Can I get the vaccine if I am pregnant?
Limited data is available on the safety of COVID vaccines in pregnancy. Based on current knowledge, experts believe that mRNA vaccines are UNLIKELY to pose a risk to the pregnant person or the fetus because it is not a live vaccine. If pregnant people are part of a group that is recommended to receive the vaccine, they can choose to be vaccinated.
What does getting vaccinated entail?
The exact procedure depends on the vaccine manufacturer. There are currently two vaccines with emergency approval for use; Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna .
- Pfizer-BioNTech: is approved for individuals 16 years of age and older. The vaccine requires two doses separated by 21 days
- Moderna: is approved individuals 18 years of age and older. The vaccine requires two doses separated by 28 days
Does it work?
Please note it takes time for the vaccine to take effect. Data from the Moderna trial shows the efficacy was 95.6% for participants 18 to <65 years of age and 86.4% effective for patients 65 years of age and older. Data from the Pfizer trial shows effectiveness against confirmed COVID-19 occuring at least 7 days after dose 2 was 94.6%.
We suggest the use of validated websites such as CDC and NYSDOH . Here are some links
WHO should get the vaccine? Why?
Pfizer-BioNTech: ages 16 years older
Moderna: ages 18 years and older
Due to limited supply the Advisory Committee on Immunization Pratices (ACIP) recommend vaccinations as follows:
PHASE 1a: Healthcare personnel who continue the front line fight against the COVID-19 pandemic. Residents of long term facilities
PHASE 1b: Frontline essential workers such as fire fighters, police officers, corrections officers, food and agricultural workers, United States Postal Service workers, manufacturing workers, grocery store workers, public transit workers, and those who work in some educational sector (teachers, support staff, and daycare workers.)
People aged 65 years and older because they are high risk of hospitalization, illness, and death from COVID-19. People aged 75 years and older who are also residents of long-term care facilities should be offered vaccination in Phase 1a.
PHASE 1C: People aged 65-74 years because they are high risk of hospitalization, illness and death from COVID-19. People aged 65-74 years who are also residents of long-term care facilities should be offered vaccination in Phase 1a.
People aged 16-64 years with underlying medical conditions which increase the risk of serious, life-threatening complications from COVID-19.
Other essential workers, such as people who work in transportation and logistics, food service, housing construction and finance, information technology, communications, energy, law, media, public safety, and public health.
Vaccination of persons with known current SARS-CoV-2 infection should be deferred until the person has recovered from the acute illness (if the person had symptoms) and criteria have been met for them to discontinue isolation.
WHY?
Decided by the advisor committee on Immunization practices to decrease deaths, preserve functioning of society, and reduce the extra burden the disease is having on those already facing disparities while:
1) Maximize benefits and minimize harms - Respect and care for people using the best available data to promote public health and minimize death and severe illness.
2) Mitigate health inequities - Reduce health disparities in the burden of COVID-19 disease and death, and make sure everyone has the opportunity to be as healthy as possible.
3) Promote Justice - Treat affected groups, and communities fairly. Remove unfair, unjust, and avoidable barriers to COVID-19 vaccinations
Who should NOT get the vaccine? WHY?
Children and adolescents outside of the authorized age groups should not receive COVID-19 vaccination at this time.
Per FDA: If you have had a severe allergic reaction- also known as anaphylaxis- to any ingredient in the Moderna vaccine, you should not get vaccinated* (Information about the Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine I CDC_)
You should NOT get the Pfizer-BioNTech Vaccine if you:
Had a severe allergic reaction after a previous dose of this vaccine
Had a severe allergic reaction to any of the ingredients in the vaccine.
(Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine EUA fact Sheet for Recipients and Caregivers (fda.gov))
What will it cost to the patient?
Vaccine doses purchased with U.S taxpayers dollars will be given to the American people at NO COST. However, vaccination providers will be able to charge an administration fee for giving a shot to someone. Vaccine providers can get this fee reimbursed by the patients public or private insurance company or, for uninsured patients, be the Health Resources and Services Administration's Provider Relief Fund.
When is it anticipated in this area?
It is anticipated that with the above phases through to mid to end of 2021. (per CDC)
Where will the vaccine be offered?
Unknown. We are hoping and trying to be able to offer the vaccine but it is unknown who will be administering the vaccine as they move through the phases.
How many doses are necessary? How long in-between doses?
Moderna - 2 doses that are one month (28 days) apart.
Pfizer- 2 doses that are 21 days apart.
How long is the vaccine effective?
It typically takes a few weeks for the body to build immunity after the vaccination. That means it's possible a person could be infected with the virus that causes COVID-19 just before or just after vaccination and get sick. This is because the vaccine has not had enough time to provide protection. We won't know how long immunity produced by the vaccination lasts until we have a vaccine and more data on how well it works.
SIDE EFFECTS:
According to the CDC the most common side effects are:
Pain and swelling of the arm where you got the shot
Could experience fever, chills, tiredness, and headache.
Side effects may feel like flu and even affect the ability to do daily activities, but they should go away in a few days.
With most COVID-19 vaccines, you will need 2 shots in order for them to work. Get the second shot even if you have side effects after the first shot, unless a vaccination provider or your doctor tells you not to get a second shot.
It takes time for your body to build protection after a vaccination. COVID-19 vaccines that require 2 shots may not protect you until a week or two after your second shot.
Cases of Bell's palsy were reported following vaccination in participants in both the Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna COVID-19 vaccines.
Am I eligible?
1. Go to this website: New York | Covid-19 Vaccine (ny.gov) (https://am-i-eligible.covid19vaccine.health.ny.gov/)
2. Or call this number: 1-833-NYS-4-VAX (1-833-697-4829)
How can I prepare? How quickly can I be vaccinated?
Prepare for large mass scale vaccination sites where priority groups can go. Registration will be through these two contacts above. Local trusted pharmacies are going to get the vaccine but the timeline for distribution and their known supply is very limited. Expect regular announcements and immediate full schedules for the vaccine sites.
We understand that this will be frustrating. You need to be prepared that eligible vaccine recipients may be receiving appointments as far as 14 weeks in the future (per New York State). Expect that you will have to provide “proof” of your status in a priority group for instance:
- A valid NYS driver’s license
- An employment badge
- A letter from your employer stating your occupation and function
- A recent pay stub
Note that all sites operate on APPOINTMENT-ONLY schedules. This is expected to continue for the foreseeable future. If you show up to a site without an appointment you will NOT be vaccinated.
What if I had COVID?
Per the CDC, data from clinical trials indicate the vaccine is SAFE in persons with evidence of a prior infection. Vaccination should be offered to people REGARDLESS of history of prior symptomatic or asymptomatic infection.
What if I have COVID right now?
Per the CDC, persons with known current infection should not be vaccinated until they have recovered from the acute illness if they had symptoms and criteria has been met for them to discontinue isolation. There is no current recommended minimum interval between infection and vaccination. Current evidence suggests reinfection is uncommon in the 90 days after initial infection. Persons with documented infection in the last 90 days can defer vaccination until near the end of this period if they wish.
Am I considered “immunocompromised”? Does this mean I cannot get the vaccine?
Per the CDC Guidelines, patients who are considered immunocompromised include the following groups (please note
this is not an exhaustive list):
- Patients with HIV or AIDS
- Patients with cancer
- Patients who have received a bone marrow or solid organ transplant and are on immunosuppressants
- Those with inherited diseases that affect the immune system (autoimmune conditions - things like type ONE diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, patients on biologics, persons with multiple sclerosis, systemic lupus erythematosus, inflammatory bowel disease, guillain barre syndrome, psoriasis, grave’s disease, hashimoto’s thyroiditis, myasthenia gravis, vasculitis)
However, the CDC notes that immunocompromised patients may receive the vaccines so long as they have no contraindications to vaccination, but that they should be counseled about the unknown safety profiles of the vaccines in immunocompromised population.
If you have any questions please contact either your primary care physician or your specialist
Can I get the vaccine if I am pregnant?
Limited data is available on the safety of COVID vaccines in pregnancy. Based on current knowledge, experts believe that mRNA vaccines are UNLIKELY to pose a risk to the pregnant person or the fetus because it is not a live vaccine. If pregnant people are part of a group that is recommended to receive the vaccine, they can choose to be vaccinated.
What does getting vaccinated entail?
The exact procedure depends on the vaccine manufacturer. There are currently two vaccines with emergency approval for use; Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna .
- Pfizer-BioNTech: is approved for individuals 16 years of age and older. The vaccine requires two doses separated by 21 days
- Moderna: is approved individuals 18 years of age and older. The vaccine requires two doses separated by 28 days
Does it work?
Please note it takes time for the vaccine to take effect. Data from the Moderna trial shows the efficacy was 95.6% for participants 18 to <65 years of age and 86.4% effective for patients 65 years of age and older. Data from the Pfizer trial shows effectiveness against confirmed COVID-19 occuring at least 7 days after dose 2 was 94.6%.
Where can I go for more information?
We suggest the use of validated websites such as CDC and NYSDOH . Here are some links
