COVID-19 Vaccine FAQs
Q: I received a COVID vaccine recently and I’m not feeling well. What should I do?
A: Our Urgent Care Centers, Drive Thru Locations and Mobile Units see patients for COVID testing (which is recommended if having symptoms even after vaccination) and for patients to speak with a provider regarding symptoms and treatment for post-vaccine symptoms or any other illness or injury. We are also able to test for strep and flu at all locations.
Q: Can I see a provider if I am not feeling well?
A: We would be happy to see you in person at our Urgent Care Center in Maple Lawn!
Q: I have questions about vaccine eligibility, possible side effects, differences between vaccines, etc. Where can I find answers to these types of questions?
A: Answers to the most common questions can be found at CDC.gov
Q: I want to be tested for COVID prior to receiving my vaccination. How do I do that?
A: We will happily test you at any of our Drive Thru or Mobile Unit locations (Use the buttons below for locations and hours of operation)
Q: Do I need a booster?
A: Yes. Studies suggest COVID-19 vaccine effectiveness at preventing infection or severe illness decreases over time.
Q: Do I need to wait between getting the COVID-19 vaccine and Flu vaccine?
A: No. You are able to receive both the Flu and COVID-19 vaccines and boosters at the same visit.
Q: Can I get vaccinated against COVID-19 while I am sick with COVID-19?
A: No. You should wait to be vaccinated until you complete your isolation period.
Q: Can I get COVID-19 from a COVID-19 vaccine?
A: No. MRNA Vaccines like Pfizer or Moderna do not use live virus that causes COVID-19.
Q: Where can I get a COVID-19 or Flu vaccine for my child or teen?
A: Our Community Access Site at St. John’s Church (9055 Tamar Drive Columbia) has COVID-19 and Flu vaccine available for ages 6 months+.
Q: Am I eligible for the new updated bivalent booster designed to protect against Omicron variants?
A: Marylanders 12+ are now able to receive a booster dose of Pfizer bivalent vaccine. Marylanders 18+ may receive a booster dose of Moderna bivalent vaccine at least 2 months after completing their primary vaccine series or their most recent booster.
Q: What are the benefits of the newly authorized bivalent boosters over the previous booster shots available from Pfizer and Moderna?
A: Studies have shown that the first generation COVID-19 boosters were highly effective at preventing severe illness and death from COVID-19 but the virus has evolved with Omicron variants. The advantage of the bivalent booster is that it has a better chance of protecting against the omicron variants, while still offering the same protection against previous variants of COVID-19.
Q: Who is eligible for the Novavax Vaccine?
A: Novavax is authorized as a two-shot primary series for Marylanders 18+, not as a booster shot. Novavax is only for people who have not yet received a vaccination for COVID-19.
Q: What makes Novavax different from Pfizer or Moderna?
A: Novavax is protein-based, which is a type of vaccine that has been used for decades to combat diseases, using traditional virus-blocking technology.
Q: Is the 5-17 age group now eligible for a COVID-19 booster?
A: Marylanders ages 5-11 are eligible for the Pfizer booster only. Marylanders 12-17 are now eligible for the new updated bivalent Pfizer booster dose which has been formulated to provide added protection against omicron variants.
Q: How long will it take before the COVID-19 vaccine is able to prevent serious illness or death against the virus?
A: It typically takes 2 weeks after vaccination for the body to build protection against the virus.
Q: Can pregnant or breastfeeding women receive booster shots?
A: Yes. The COVID-19 vaccine is recommended for people who are either pregnant or breastfeeding.
Q: Should I vaccinate my child?
A: Vaccination is recommended by the Maryland Department of Health, the CDC, and the FDA for any child eligible for vaccination unless advised by the child’s pediatrician not to receive a vaccine.
Q: What is different about the vaccine for children?
A: Children receive a smaller dose of COVID-19 vaccine than teens and adults.
Q: Can I mix and match the type of vaccine I get for a booster shot?
A: Individuals 18+ who are eligible for a booster dose may request either the Pfizer or Moderna bivalent booster for their booster dose. Individuals 12-17 are eligible for the Pfizer bivalent booster only. Children 5-11 are eligible for the original monovalent booster only.