COVID-19 VACCINE INFORMATION

Protect yourself against the COVID-19 virus. In addition to following social distancing guidelines, wearing a mask and practicing proper hand hygiene, the COVID-19 vaccine is the greatest tool in keep you and your family safe. The COVID-19 vaccine is available at InterCare Community Health Network at no cost and you do not have to be an InterCare patient to receive the vaccine. For more information, please call (855)869-6900.

InterCare is committed to keeping you informed. Below are many frequently asked questions about the COVID-19 vaccines.

• Why COVID-19 vaccination is important?
COVID-19 can have serious, life-threatening complications, and there is no way to know how COVID-19 will affect you. Vaccines will work with your immune system so it will be ready to fight the virus if you are exposed.

• Is the vaccine safe?
The process used to approve the COVID-19 vaccines is the same proven process that was used to create safe and effective vaccines for the flu, polio, measles, whooping cough and more.

• Can the vaccine give me COVID-19?
No, the vaccine provides your body a code which helps it recognize the virus, so your body can fight off COVID-19 in the future.

• After getting a COVID-19 vaccine, will I test positive for COVID-19 on a viral test?
No, none of the vaccines currently approved or in clinical trials will cause you to test positive for COVID-19.

• If I already had COVID-19, should I get vaccinated?
Yes, you should still get the COVID-19

• Do I need to keep wearing a mask after I receive the vaccine?
Yes, you should continue to wear masks, practice social distancing and continue good hand washing practices, even after receiving vaccine.

• Can women who are pregnant received the COVID-19 vaccine?
The CDC has recommended that pregnant women and women planning to become pregnant may be offered the vaccine if they are in one of the vaccine priority groups and in consultation with their health care provider.

• Is there a cost to receive the vaccine?
There are no fees to receive the vaccine.

• Does the vaccine have any side effects?
After COVID-19 vaccination, you may have some mild side effects. This is a normal sign that your body is building protection. The side effects from COVID-19 vaccination may feel like flu and might even affect your ability to do daily activities, but they should go away in a few days. Your arm may be sore, red, or warm to the touch. You may experience a low-grade fever, headache, and just a general feeling of “not yourself”. These are signs that your immune system is doing exactly what it is supposed to, which is produce an immune response for you to have protection against this disease.

For additional information regarding the COVID-19 vaccine, please visit
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/