It is important to understand the facts behind the vaccine. The FAQs below provide the latest information and will be updated as information becomes available.
How do I sign up for the vaccine in Lake County?
Lake Health is partnering with the Lake County General Health District, the Lake County Emergency Management Agency and others to offer COVID-19 vaccinations to people age 65 and older or people with certain medical conditions who are part of the Phase 1B Prioritized Group.
To be placed on a notification scheduling list for Lake County, currently for people ages 65+ or those with qualifying medical conditions in Phase 1B group only, please visit the Lake County General Health District’s scheduling website.
Once you are on this notification scheduling list, you will be contacted by automated text, email and/or voicemail with instructions on how to schedule your vaccine appointment. Receiving this notification does not guarantee you a vaccination appointment as the supply of vaccine is still very limited. If appointments have filled for the week, people who have signed up for the scheduling notification list will receive a new alert via text, email or voicemail when scheduling has reopened for your group – you do not need to complete the scheduling notification form again.
While doses are still limited, we will add new appointment slots as soon as more become available. Thank you for your patience.
Where can I find other vaccine providers in Lake County?
A statewide vaccine provider search is available at coronavirus.ohio.gov allowing Ohioans to search by county, ZIP code, and category to find a provider in their area to administer the vaccine. Vaccines will be offered at a variety of locations and providers.
Visit coronavirus.ohio.gov to also learn about eligible groups and their vaccination timelines. If you are not yet eligible for vaccination, please check back at a later date.
How does the COVID-19 vaccine work?
The vaccine helps you develop antibodies that make you less susceptible to the disease. It does not use the live virus that causes COVID-19 and does not carry a risk of causing disease in the vaccinated person. Similar to other vaccines, it is normal to possibly experience some fatigue, aches or soreness following vaccination. This does not mean the vaccine has given you COVID-19.
Is the COVID-19 vaccine safe?
During phase 3 trials, the vaccines showed more than 90% effectiveness with no serious adverse safety concerns. The COVID-19 vaccine development process included several steps comparable with those used to develop earlier vaccines, such as the flu or measles vaccine. The FDA, as well as independent medical experts, has ensured that evry detail of these vaccines is being thoroughly and rigorously evaluated. Safety is paramount at Lake Health, and we would not ask you to receive the vaccine if we did not believe it is safe.
Who will the COVID-19 vaccine be available to first?
There are a limited number of vaccines available. Ohio identified the critical audiences that will be among the first to receive the vaccine in Phase 1A. Phase 1A includes health care providers, residents and staff of congregate living facilities such as nursing homes and assisted living facilities, EMS responders and others.
The next category of people eligible to be vaccinated is Phase 1B. This phase specifically includes:
- Ohioans age 65 and older.
- People with severe congenital, developmental or early-onset medical disorders that make them particularly vulnerable.
- Employees in all schools that want to go back or remain educating in person.
When will the next phase start?
The state has not yet announced the next phase beyond Phase 1B. Details will be announced as vaccine supply grows. Everyone is urged to continue practicing safety protocols until the vaccine is more widely available.
Is there any time frame for when vaccines will be offered to the general public?
Across the state, providers are working as quickly as possible to administer shots to members of our local communities. Phases 1A and 1B include more than 3.2 million Ohioans, so it will take some time to get through these phases.
Why isn’t the state giving our county more vaccines?
The state is allocating as much vaccine as possible for each county based on what Ohio receives from the federal allocation and based on Phase 1B population in the area. There are about 2.2 million people statewide in Phase 1B. We are glad there is such a demand from our area to get the vaccine; however, we ask that you be patient until a wider supply of vaccine is available.
How long will it take for the vaccine to begin protecting me?
It takes time for your body to build protection after any vaccination. It takes one to two weeks after the second dose of COVID-19 vaccine to be protected.
Will I need to wear a mask and social distance after I receive the two doses of the vaccine?
Yes. Using all the tools available to help prevent the spread of the virus continues to be critical until a substantial number of Ohioans can be vaccinated. Continuing to wear masks, social distancing and hand washing will reduce your chance of being exposed to or spreading the virus. Proper prevention measures coupled with the vaccine will provide the best protection from COVID-19.
What are the side effects of the COVID-19 vaccine?
Side effects of the vaccine are minimal. Injection-related reactions such as pain at site of injection, fatigue and headache are most common. Side effects usually begin within the first two days and last 1-2 days. These side effects are a sign that your immune system is doing exactly what it is supposed to do. It is working and building up protection to disease. These side effects should not prevent you from getting a vaccine that can prevent you from catching or spreading this deadly virus.
Should I be concerned about a severe allergic reaction to the COVID-19 vaccine?
As this is a new vaccine, a brief observation period will be required after you receive it. The FDA/CDC package labeling states that having an allergy history is NOT a contraindication for getting the vaccine – unless the allergy is to a component in the vaccine.
After I receive the vaccine, will I receive a form to prove I have gotten it?
Yes, you will be handed a form after you receive the vaccine. We highly encourage you to make a copy of it for your own record keeping.
Can I get the COVID vaccine if I have an egg allergy?
Yes. Neither the Pfizer nor the Moderna vaccines contain egg.
If I already had COVID-19, will I need to get the vaccine?
There is low risk for re-infection within 90 days after having an acute COVID-19 infection. Vaccination may be deferred for at least 90 days as a precautionary measure until additional information becomes available to avoid interference of the illness with vaccine-induced immune responses.
Will the COVID-19 vaccine be required?
Vaccination is a personal decision and is not mandated. Ohioans should be aware that declining vaccination at your first opportunity may mean that you will not have another chance to receive the vaccine for some time because of limited vaccine availability.
Is the vaccine safe for pregnant women?
People who are pregnant may choose to be vaccinated. If they have questions around getting vaccinated, they should have a discussion with their health care provider to help them make an informed decision.
Will children be receiving the vaccine?
Not at this time. The emergency use authorization (EUA) was only given for children 16 years of age and older.
If family members of patients admitted to Lake Health receive the COVID-19 vaccine, will they be allowed to visit a Lake Health patient?
No. At this time, we must do everything we can to protect our patients, including enforcing our visitor restrictions.
How can I protect myself from COVID-19 before receiving the vaccine?
We all have a responsibility to slow the spread of COVID-19. It is imperative that we protect each other by wearing masks, social distancing, washing hands often, staying home when sick and avoiding gatherings so we can return to normal day-to-day activities.
Does the flu shot help prevent me from getting COVID-19?
Only the vaccines designed specifically to protect you from COVID-19, once approved for use by the FDA, can prevent COVID-19. The flu shot does not protect you from COVID-19 but it can prevent you from getting influenza at the same time as COVID-19 which is crucial.
