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 5 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 5 and older are now eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine.
With parental or legal guardian consent, individuals ages 5-17 are eligible to receive the Pfizer vaccine, which is the only COVID-19 vaccine currently authorized for use under age 18.
How much does the COVID-19 vaccine cost patients?
The vaccine is totally free to you, whether you have insurance or not. Lake Health charges an administrative fee to cover the costs of administering the COVID-19 vaccine, which usually is paid for by insurance. When a patient is uninsured, the U.S. Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) Uninsured Program pays the fee. Everyone over age 12 is eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine, regardless of immigration status. You don’t need to provide a Social Security number or government ID to receive the vaccine.
If you have questions about COVID-19 vaccination billing or any billing at Lake Health, please contact our Patient Financial Services team at 440-354-1640.
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.
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. You may also be eligible for a booster shot.
Will I need to wear a mask and social distance after I receive the two doses of the vaccine?
If you’re fully vaccinated, there are many activities you can resume.
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?
CDC recommends everyone 5 years and older should get a COVID-19 vaccination to help protect against COVID-19.
If family members of patients admitted to UH Lake Health receive the COVID-19 vaccine, will they be allowed to visit a Lake Health patient?
UH Lake Health has visitor restrictions in effect to help protect patients and team members. Masks are required for all patients, visitors and employees, unless a disability prevents them from wearing a mask. If you cannot wear a mask due to a disability, please ask for an accommodation prior to appointment. When visiting a UH Lake Health facility, keep a 6 feet distance from others, wash and sanitize hands and follow all directions of hospital staff.
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.
