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, Lake County Emergency Management Agency and others to offer COVID-19 vaccinations to people age 16 and older.
Lake County residents are invited to create an account with the ArmorVax scheduling system by visiting www.armorvax.com. Once an account is created, eligible users will be able to search for available vaccine appointments.
Where can I find other vaccine providers?
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.
Who can get the COVID-19 vaccine now?
Across the state, providers are working as quickly as possible to administer shots to members of our local communities. All Ohioans age 16 and older are now eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine.
With parental or legal guardian consent, individuals ages 16 and 17 are eligible to receive the Pfizer vaccine, which is the only COVID-19 vaccine currently authorized for use under age 18.
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 every 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.
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 population in the area. 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 two weeks after the second dose of COVID-19 vaccine to be fully 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.
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?
Lake Health has visitor restrictions in effect to help protect patients and team members. When visiting a Lake Health facility, you must wear a face mask covering your nose and mouth, keep a 6 feet distance from others, wash and sanitize hands and follow all directions of hospital staff.
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.
