How to Get a COVID Vaccine

How to get a COVID-19 Vaccine

1. Decide Which Vaccine is Best for You

There are currently a few COVID-19 vaccines available, according to the CDC. Pfizer and Moderna are both FDA-approved mRNA COVID-19 vaccines, approved for anyone over the age of 6 months. Novavax is a vaccine with emergency use authorization that uses a protein subunit and is approved for 12 and older. All the vaccines are safe and have a great track record for offering protection against severe illness and hospitalization, according to the CDC. They all also have similar side effects, according to the Mayo Clinic.

2. Find a local Vaccination Clinic

To find a COVID-19 vaccination clinic, you can:

• Call your healthcare provider
• Check out your local retail pharmacies like Walgreens, Rite Aid, or CVS
• Check Solv to see where the COVID-19 vaccine is being offered using your zip code (you can also find where other vaccines like the flu shot are being offered)

3. Wear Comfortable Clothes with Sleeves That can be Rolled Up

When it’s time to go to your vaccine appointment, the University Health Center of Nebraska recommends that you wear comfortable clothes with sleeves you can roll up. This will make it easier for your healthcare provider to administer the vaccine.

4. Bring Your Vaccination Record if Necessary

If you have a vaccination record or health record, you may need to bring it with you to your appointment. The University Health Center of Nebraska recommends that you ask your vaccination location when you make your appointment. It is important to note that as of October 2023, the CDC no longer requires that you be issued a paper vaccination record since the COVID-19 vaccine is now being recorded in your electronic health record instead.

5. Prepare For Possible Side Effects

After getting vaccinated, you may experience common side effects such as low-grade fever, headache, and fatigue. These side effects are usually mild and go away on their own after a few days, according to the CDC. Stocking up on essentials like food, water, and medication is important in case you don't feel well for a couple of days.

The CDC also notes that you can take over-the-counter fever reducers and pain medication like acetaminophen or ibuprofen if needed after your vaccination—however, you should not take these before your vaccination as you may not need them at all.

When to See a Doctor About COVID-19 Vaccine Side Effects

The CDC notes that an allergic reaction can occur after vaccination (although this is an extremely rare event). They recommend that you seek medical attention if you have any of the following symptoms:

• Hives
• Swelling of the face or throat
• Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
• A fast heartbeat or feeling of heart fluttering or pounding
• Dizziness
• Weakness
• Chest pain

The Importance of Getting Vaccinated

The COVID-19 vaccine is highly effective at preventing severe illness, hospitalization, and death from COVID-19, according to the CDC. Here are some key reasons the CDC notes are reasons why getting vaccinated is so important:

• COVID-19 vaccines are highly effective at preventing illness and severe disease from COVID-19, and by getting vaccinated, you greatly reduce your risk of getting sick and developing serious complications from the virus.
• Even if you are healthy and at low risk for severe illness from COVID-19, getting vaccinated helps protect those around you who may be more vulnerable. By reducing the spread of the virus, you can help protect your family, friends, and community.

It's important to note that while no vaccine is 100% effective—however, studies show that the COVID-19 vaccines are highly effective at preventing severe illness, hospitalization, and death from the virus, according to the CDC.