How to Prepare and Schedule Your COVID-19 Vaccine
It’s a common goal to get everyone vaccinated as quickly, safely and equitably as possible. However, you may have to wait until your state receive enough COVID-19 vaccine from the federal government. Supply is very limited now but should get better soon.
COVID-19 vaccine is being administered free of charge to all individuals by the federal government.
COVID-19 vaccination is a two-step process requiring two doses administered 21 to 25 days apart for the Pfizer vaccine or two doses administered 28 to 32 days apart for the Moderna vaccine. This is so your body can build a strong immune response to offer the best protection.
Here are steps that you can take to prepare and schedule your COVID-19 vaccination appointments.
Study about vaccine safety and effective
Find your state's eligibility requirements to receive the COVID-19 and find your vaccination group
Sign up for your state or county’s alert system and keep up with most current information
When notified, schedule your appointment
You may schedule your appointment over the phone or online
Have your ID and insurance card ready*
While any side effects may be mild to moderate, you want to give yourself some time to rest
No one from a vaccine distribution site or health care payer, like a private insurance company, should call asking for your Medicare number, Social Security number, credit card, or bank account information to sign you up for the vaccine
When selecting an appointment date, please make sure you will be available for your second dose. Ideally, your second dose of the same vaccine should be administered at the same site.
Find out what to expect at the vaccination site. Although you made your appointment, you may have to wait and stay in line until it is your turn
Arrive on time for your appointment. Be prepared to wait
Have your ID and insurance card ready
Get vaccinated and wait in the waiting area. You’ll be asked to wait 15 minutes as a precautionary measure to monitor for any reactions to the vaccine.
While adverse reactions are rare, this 15-minute waiting period is required for everyone who receives the vaccine
Monitor your health and look for side effects
If you feel discomfort from fever or pain, this is considered normal. However, contact your doctor if you are worried about your side effects or if they last longer than a few days
Make your appointment for your second vaccine and mark your calendar so you do not forget
You may be able to make an appointment for the second vaccine at the location where you received the first vaccine. Ask the provider
Return for your second appointment
*Insurance information may be asked for those administering the vaccine in order to bill back to insurance. However, you will not be charged. If you do not have insurance, you are still eligible to receive the vaccine free of charge.
