COVID-19 Vaccine Updates

December 15, 2022

COVID-19 Wellness

NOTE: This blog is no longer being updated. Please visit the CDC website for the latest information on COVID-19 vaccination.

Should I get a COVID-19 vaccination?

The COVID-19 pandemic claimed more than half a million American lives. It devastated the economy and took a terrible toll on countless families who lost loved ones or livelihoods. In clinical studies, the vaccines virtually eliminated COVID deaths and hospitalizations once the shots reached their full effect. The vaccine is free to receive, whether or not you have health insurance. You owe it to yourself and your loved ones to avoid getting severe COVID.

How can I get the COVID-19 vaccine or boosters?

Hoosiers ages 6 months and older may receive vaccination and bivalent booster shot, if eligible.

Schedule an appointment for a COVID-19 vaccine/booster at your Community primary care provider's office. Appointments are required at provider offices.
To find other vaccine sites near you, visit https://www.vaccines.gov/.

For details on staying updated with the vaccine and booster shots, see the CDC's guidance.

What vaccines do I need if I am immunocompromised?

The CDC recommends people whose immune systems are moderately to severely compromised receive additional doses of COVID-19 vaccine. Recommendations vary based on age, primary vaccine series and immunocompromised status. The CDC offers tips on how to take precautions for individuals with medical conditions.

How do I prepare for a vaccine appointment?

If you are feeling ill with cold- or flu-like symptoms, you should not come for your vaccine until you are feeling well again. We cannot vaccinate patients with a fever of 100.4 or greater.

Please follow these guidelines for your vaccine appointment:

Ages 6 months and older are currently eligible to receive the primary vaccine series and bivalent booster shot, if eligible. Vaccine brand options may vary by age and other eligibility.
Appointments are required at Community primary care offices.
Bring your insurance card and ID.
Wear clothing that allows access to the arms (i.e., a t-shirt or tank top).
Wear a mask.

After your vaccination is complete, you must remain at the location for 15 minutes.

What precautions should I take after receiving the vaccine?

Visit the CDC's site for what to expect after getting a vaccine or booster.

Is the COVID-19 vaccine safe?

The CDC has deemed the COVID-19 vaccines as safe and effective. During the COVID-19 pandemic, hundreds of millions of people in the United States received COVID-19 vaccines under the most intense safety monitoring in U.S. history. The CDC along with additional partners has an extensive safety monitoring program (the largest in U.S. history), that tracks any reported effects. Check the CDC website for reporting on adverse events.

Can I expect side effects?

Short-term minor side effects reported included soreness at injection site, fever, tiredness, headache, muscle ache, joint pain, fever, nausea or vomiting. Any side effects would typically occur within one to three days of injection and usually don't last more than a couple of days. The COVID-19 vaccine is not a live vaccine, which means you cannot get COVID-19 from the vaccine.

If you do experience side effects, that doesn't mean you have COVID or that the vaccine isn't working. It just means your body is building up its ability to fight COVID (and your body is getting itself ready even if you don't experience side effects). Remember, minor side effects for a day or two is far better than getting COVID.

Currently, there are no contraindications for people with the following health conditions, and vaccination would still be encouraged:
- Patients receiving chemotherapy
- People with autoimmune diseases
- People with shingles, or in the middle of a two-dose shingles vaccine
- Women of childbearing years
- Women who are trying to conceive
The vaccine is not recommended for those who suffer from severe allergic reactions.
If you are pregnant or breastfeeding it is recommended you review the risk/benefit you have regarding receiving the vaccine. Learn more in our pregnancy and COVID-19 blog.

Your primary care provider can help you make an informed personal decision about receiving the vaccination. You may also call the IDOH Epidemiology Resource Center at 877-826-0011.

Can I choose which vaccine I want?

Community Health Network currently administers the Pfizer vaccine. State-run community locations may administer a variety of brands; please inquire with your scheduled location.

How much does the COVID-19 vaccine cost?

The vaccine will be free, but your insurance information will be collected.

I tested positive for COVID-19. When can I get the vaccine?

If you have had COVID or been treated with monoclonal antibodies or convalescent plasma, you should wait 90 days after being positive before being vaccinated.

If you are diagnosed with a COVID-19 positive test after receiving the first dose of vaccination, it is recommended that you still receive the second dose at the scheduled time.

Where can I learn more?

Hear why Community caregivers believe that it is important to be vaccinated to protect not only themselves, but also the community.

Community medical experts answer your questions about the COVID-19 vaccine and Community's vaccination preparations in the Shot of Truth video series below. See all Shot of Truth videos in this playlist.

More information about the COVID-19 vaccine can be found here: