RCAHD COVID-19 Vaccine

Who can get a booster vaccine?

• People 65 years and older
• Age 18+ who live in long-term care settings
• Age 18+ who have an underlying medical conditions.
• Age 18+ who work or live in high-risk settings

For individuals who got the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine, booster shots are also recommended for those who are 18 and older and who were vaccinated two or more months ago.

Eligible individuals may choose which vaccine they receive as a booster dose. Some people may have a preference for the vaccine type that they originally received and others may prefer to get a different booster. CDC’s recommendations now allow for this type of mix and match dosing for booster shots.

Who is eligible to receive a third dose vaccine?

• Those receiving active cancer treatment for tumors or cancers of the blood,
• Received an organ transplant and are taking medicine to suppress the immune system
• Received a stem cell transplant within the last 2 years or are taking medicine to suppress the immune system,
• Moderate or severe primary immunodeficiency (such as DiGeorge syndrome, Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome),
• Advanced or untreated HIV infection,
• Active treatment with high-dose corticosteroids or other drugs that may suppress your immune response

What are the potential side effects of the vaccine?

Because COVID-19 vaccines are so new, information on long term side-effects is still incomplete.

However, while we do not yet know all of the side effects of COVID-19 vaccination, some people in the trials have had arm pain at the injection site, tiredness, headache, or other body aches and some had a fever for a few days. These expected side effects are more common in younger people than older people and more common after the 2nd vaccine dose than after the first dose. This short-term discomfort is the effect of your body developing immunity, and is normal. This discomfort does not mean that the vaccine has given you COVID-19. Even if you experience discomfort after the first dose of the vaccine, it is very important that you still receive the second dose a few weeks later for the vaccine to be effective.

On the other hand, it is possible that a few COVID-19 vaccine recipients may already be getting infected with COVID-19 at the time they get the vaccine but are not showing symptoms of COVID-19 infection. If they later have symptoms of COVID-19 or test positive for it soon after vaccination, that does not mean they got COVID-19 from the vaccine.

When can I receive a second dose of the vaccine?

In most cases, you will schedule your second dose appointment after receiving your first injection. Everyone should receive two doses of vaccine in order to have maximum protection against the virus.

• Pfizer Second Dose: 21 days after the first dose
• Moderna Second Dose: 28 days after the first dose

NOTE: there is no known loss of efficacy as long as the second dose is received within six weeks of receiving the first dose.

How can I receive a vaccine if I am homebound?

Homebound residents in Alleghany, Botetourt, Covington, Roanoke City, Roanoke County, and Salem: If you or a loved one is unable to leave your house due to significant mobility challenges, call our hotline between 9am-4pm Monday to Friday to request an in-home delivery of vaccine. 540-613-6597

Is the vaccine available from Local Pharmacies, Doctor Offices, or Medical Providers?

To search for all COVID-19 vaccine availability, visit www.vaccines.gov. This website helps you find clinics, pharmacies, and other locations that offer COVID-19 vaccines in the United States.

More Frequently Asked Questions at VDH.gov

For more Frequently Asked Questions and answers, visit the VDH Vaccination FAQ.