Why should I get vaccinated?
- Vaccination is one of the most effective public health measures available to slow the spread of disease and is crucial to stopping the current pandemic.
- COVID-19 vaccination can help keep you from getting seriously ill if you do get COVID-19.
- Not only do you protect yourself, but you also protect those around you.
- Those who recover from COVID-19 gain some natural immunity, but it is unknown how long this protection may last. The vaccination creates an antibody response without having to experience sickness.
- Vaccines are some of the safest drugs available.
Can I make an appointment?
Yes. You can schedule an appointment for COVID-19 vaccination through the MyAspirus app or at myaspirus.org. Appointments can also be made by calling our Call Center at 1-844-568-0701 or 715-843-1454. The vaccine is abundantly available and offered at Aspirus locations throughout Wisconsin and Upper Michigan.
Where can I find out more information about COVID-19 vaccines?
The
US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention also has a wealth of information about vaccines available on its website.
I had antibody treatment for COVID-19. Do I need the vaccine?
Yes. It is recommended that you get vaccinated even if you have already had COVID-19 and received antibody treatment because you can catch it more than once. The current guidance from the CDC is vaccination does not need to be delayed after receiving antibody infusion.
How long should I wait to get the COVID-19 vaccine if I recently got another vaccine?
Current guidance is that you do not need to wait to receive your COVID-19 vaccine if you have received another vaccine. The COVID vaccine can also be administered at the same time as other vaccines, including influenza.
Where can I get the vaccine?
The vaccine is abundantly available and offered at Aspirus locations throughout Wisconsin and Upper Michigan. COVID-19 vaccinations may also be available through some county health departments and pharmacies like Walgreens and CVS.
I already had COVID-19. Do I need the vaccine?
Yes. It is recommended that you get vaccinated even if you have already had COVID-19 because you can catch it more than once and it is unknown how long "natural immunity" following infection may last.
Who can get the Vaccine?
Who can get vaccinated?
Everyone age 6 months+ is currently eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine. Refer to the CDC website for the latest updates on vaccination eligibility and timing.
Why should I have my child vaccinated against COVID-19?
Although children are at a lower risk of becoming severely ill with COVID-19 compared with adults, children can:
- Be infected with the virus that causes COVID-19
- Get very sick from COVID-19
- Have both short and long-term health complications from COVID-19
- Spread COVID-19 to others
Children with underlying medical conditions are more at risk for severe illness from COVID-19 compared with children without underlying medical conditions. Children who get infected with the virus that causes COVID-19 can also develop serious complications.
Information courtesy of the CDC
What if I am pregnant, breastfeeding or planning to become pregnant?
Pregnant and recently pregnant people are at higher risk for severe illness from COVID-19 compared to the rest of the population. If you are pregnant, it is recommended that you receive a COVID-19 vaccine unless you are specifically advised not to by your physician based on your personal health situation. Getting a COVID-19 vaccine during pregnancy can protect you from severe illness from COVID-19. If you have questions about getting vaccinated, a conversation with your health care provider might help, but is not required for vaccination.
If trying to get pregnant now or in the future, would-be parents can receive a COVID-19 vaccine.
There is currently no evidence that COVID-19 vaccination causes any problems with pregnancy, including the development of the placenta. In addition, there is no evidence that female or male fertility problems are a side effect of any vaccine, including COVID-19 vaccines.
Getting Vaccinated
How is the vaccine administered?
COVID-19 vaccination varies based on the type of vaccine you may receive. Refer to the CDC website for the latest information.
How long does the vaccine last and is it effective?
Refer to the CDC website for the most current information on breakthrough cases of COVID-19.
Does immunity after getting COVID-19 last longer than protection from COVID-19 vaccines?
Refer to the CDC website for the most current information on breakthrough cases of COVID-19.
Does the COVID-19 vaccine affect the timing of a mammogram?
The Society of Breast Imaging recommends, if possible – and when it does not unduly delay care – to consider scheduling mammograms prior to the first dose of a COVID-19 vaccination or 4-6 weeks following the second dose of a COVID-19 vaccination. Vaccines of all types can result in temporary swelling of the lymph nodes, which may be a sign that the body is making antibodies in response as intended. However, swollen (enlarged) lymph nodes may result in a patient being 'called back' for additional imaging and evaluation.
How much does it cost?
Health insurance carriers are no longer mandated by the federal government to cover the cost COVID-19 vaccine and administration, though most still do. It is always best practice to contact your insurance provider to verify the cost or coverage of services before you receive them.
Safety & Side Effects
Is the vaccine safe?
Yes. Refer to the CDC website for the most current information on vaccine safety.
What is in the vaccine?
Refer to the CDC website for the most current information on vaccine safety.
Are there side effects?
Some people who receive the COVID-19 vaccine report side effects. These side effects, or immune response, are normal signs that your body is building protection. The most common side effects reported are short-lived and include:
- Pain or swelling in the area at injection site.
- Fever
- Chills
- Tiredness
- Headache
Side effects, or immune responses, can vary by individual and differ from the first shot to the second.
This handout from the CDC provides some additional information on what to expect after getting a COVID-19 vaccine.
Should I get my second COVID-19 vaccine dose if I had a reaction to the first dose?
If you experience anaphylaxis, no. If you experience any other immune response, yes.
It is recommended that you do not receive additional doses if you experience anaphylaxis – a severe allergic reaction – that requires the use of an EpiPen following your first vaccine dose.
For all other reactions, it is recommended that you receive the second dose. The following short-lived immune responses to the vaccine are commonly reported and include:
- Pain or swelling at the injection site
- Fever
- Fatigue
- Headache
- Chills
- Muscle and joint pain
These immune responses typically resolve within 1-3 days and may vary by individual. Immune responses may differ after each dose.
Are the vaccines effective against COVID-19 variants?
Yes. Data continue to indicate that the vaccines are effective against COVID-19 variants.
Learn more about new COVID-19 variants at the CDC website.