COVID-19 Vaccine Information
Are you planning to get the COVID-19 vaccine? Getting this vaccine will help you protect yourself — as well as your friends, family, and community - from COVID-19. Below is important information to keep in mind as you prepare to get your first and second shot.
Who Can Get the Vaccine?
Ohio is in Phase 1E and Phase 2C of the vaccine process. Ohio is not taking patient from earlier phases. Click here for more details on if you qualify for Phase 1E and Phase 2C.
Where Can I Get the Vaccine?
While vaccines are in short supply, there are many places in Franklin County to get the vaccine. Below is a list of all the vaccine sites with their website and phone number. Call or go to a site's website to schedule an appointment.
Ohio State is giving the vaccine to people in certain zip codes that are at least 60. For more information, click here. You can also use the Ohio Coronavirus website for more options for scheduling the vaccine.
Before Your Vaccine
Avoid other vaccines. You should not schedule the COVID-19 vaccine if:
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you have received a separate vaccine within 14 days
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if you currently have COVID-19 symptoms.
Avoid Pain-Relievers. Do not take medications like acetaminophen (Tylenol®) and ibuprofen (Advil®) before getting your shot. These medications may limit the benefits of the vaccine.
Boost Your Immune System. You want to make sure your immune system is healthy before getting the vaccine. To do this:
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get a full night's sleep
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eat well
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drink plenty of water.
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Get a ride. Columbus Stand Up is giving free rides to patients. Contact 614-259-7391 or fill out this form 2-7 days before your shot.
Schedule a Second Shot. There are three vaccines being used: Moderna, Pfizer, and Johnson & Johnson.
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Moderna requires a second shot one month later
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Pfizer requires a second shot three weeks later
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Johnson & Johnson requires only one shot
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All are effective, but you cannot choose which vaccine you will get. The vaccines may not protect you until two weeks after your second shot.
Watch Side-Effects. The Covid-19 vaccine may produce side effects. This is a good thing. It means that your body is learning how to respond to the virus. Common side effects include:
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pain or swelling at the site of the shot
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fever, chills, and tiredness
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headache
Here are tips to manage these symptoms. If side-effects are severe or last for more than 48 hours, speak with your doctor. In the rare case of an emergency, call 911.
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Continue to Social Distance. While the vaccines will protect you from coronavirus, they may not prevent you from spreading the disease. To keep those around you safe, wear a mask and follow social distancing guidelines.
After Your Vaccine
Questions and Concerns
How long will I have immunity from COVID-19 after being vaccinated?
Will I have to pay for the COVID-19 Vaccine?
Do I still need to be vaccinated if I have already recovered from COVID-19?
Yes, you should be vaccinated even if you have already had COVID-19! It is also possible to be reinfected with COVID-19. If you were treated for COVID-19 symptoms with monoclonal antibodies or convalescent plasma, you should wait 90 days before getting a vaccine.
Am I required to receive a vaccine?
You are not required to receive the vaccine. However, some employers require their workers to be vaccinated.
Do I need to keep social distancing after I have received my vaccine?
Yes! We do not know if a vaccinated person can still spread the disease. We also do not know how long vaccinated patients are protected from COVID-19. After you receive your vaccination you should still maintain six feet social distance, wear a mask, avoid crowds, stay out of poorly ventilated areas, and wash your hands often.
I recently received a non-COVID-19 vaccination. Can I still get the COVID-19 vaccine?
You should wait at least 14 days after you have received a non-COVID-19 vaccination before receiving your COVID-19 vaccine.
Are the COVID-19 Vaccines safe?
Yes! The vaccines have been tested to make sure they are as safe as possible. Government health organizations such as the CDC and FDA have approved the vaccines.
I have an underlying medical condition. Should I still get the vaccine?
The COVID-19 vaccine is safe for most underlying medical issues. Special mRNA COVID-19 vaccines are offered to patients with autoimmune disorder or have previously had either Guillan-Barre syndrome or Bell's Palsy. Learn more about vaccination considerations for persons with underlying medical issues.
Is there a risk for a severe allergic reaction to the vaccine?
Problems from the vaccine can happen, but they are rare. However, you will be asked to wait at least 15-minutes after your vaccination to make sure you do not have a severe allergic reaction. Click here to learn more about COVID-19 and Allergic reactions.
What about the one-shot vaccine?
The Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 Vaccine, which is a one-shot vaccine, will not be available until late March.
2. Research
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It is important to fully understand the immunization process. For more information on COVID-19 and the vaccine, explore: