COVID-19 Vaccine:
More Frequently Asked Questions:
(See last month's newsletter, or our website for our first round of Frequently Asked Questions)
* Will Center Drug be giving COVID vaccinations?
Yes, we will be giving COVID vaccinations. No, we don't have any vaccine yet. We are at the mercy of the CDC and the government as to when they will allow us to order vaccine. You may have recently heard that 6500 pharmacy's would be getting the vaccine. Unfortunately, we are not included in that round of pharmacies. We will have updates on our website when we have received the vaccine.
We are not starting any wait list at this point since we don't know how long it will be before the vaccine arrives in our pharmacy.
* Do we know which vaccine we will get?
No, we don't know until we are slated to receive the vaccine which manufacturer we will be getting. The recommendation is to not be picky about which vaccine you get, and to accept the first vaccine offered to you.
* Will I need an appointment to get the vaccine?
Yes, you will be required to have an appointment to get the vaccine. When the time comes, we will have an on-line schedule system on our website that will enable you to make an appointment for a day and time that works best for you. If you do not have any web access, you will be able to call the store, and a clerk will be able to help you make an appointment.
* What is the minimum amount of time needed between the first and second dose of vaccine?
The Pfizer vaccine is 21 days and the Moderna vaccine is 28 days.
* What is the maximum amount of time between the first and second doses?
The CDC recommends that if you are late for the second dose that you get the second dose as soon as possible. You do not need to restart the vaccine series. The vaccine will be less effective if you don't get the second dose of vaccine.
* How long after I am vaccinated will I be fully immune?
It will take about two weeks after you have completed the vaccination series of 2 shots before you are immune.
* Do either of the vaccines contain any preservatives or latex?
No, both vaccines are preservative free and latex free.
* What if I am pregnant or breastfeeding?
You should talk with your healthcare provider about the risks/benefits of getting the vaccine. However, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recommends that vaccines are not withheld in pregnant and lactating patients.
* Can I get other vaccines at the same time as the COVID vaccine?
It is recommended that you space other vaccines such as the influenza, pneumonia, and shingrix vaccines 14 days apart from the COVID vaccine.
* Who is paying for the COVID vaccine?
The vaccine doses are being purchased with U.S. taxpayer dollars and will be given to the American people at no cost. However, vaccination providers can bill your insurance for an administration fee for giving you the shot. That is why we will request your insurance information when you get a shot. No one will be denied a vaccine if you don't have any insurance, or if your insurance doesn't cover the administration fee.
* Where can I find out the ingredients of the vaccines to know if I have an allergy to any of them?
The pharmacy has a chart with the ingredients of both the Pfizer and the Moderna vaccines. We would be happy to provide you with this list. Absolute contraindications to receiving the vaccine are:
- If you have had a severe anaphylactic reaction to your first shot.
- If you have ever had an immediate allergic reaction to polyethylene glycol or polysorbate.
* After I am vaccinated do I still need to wear a mask?
Yes, you will still need to wear a mask, maintain a distance of 6 feet from others, avoid crowds and poorly ventilated spaces, and wash your hands often. Not enough information is currently available to say when the CDC will recommend that people stop wearing masks to help prevent the spread of the virus.
