+ Why should I get the COVID-19 vaccine?

While we have made some progress in the fight against COVID-19 with public health measures like masking and social distancing, widespread vaccination is the only way that we can stop the pandemic. Not only does getting the vaccine protect you against COVID-19, it also reduces the chances that you will spread it to others, including your family and friends.

+ What are the side effects?

During the clinical trials, only mild to moderate flu-like side effects were reported, including a headache, fatigue, chills, fever, and muscle and joint soreness. Side effects are more likely to occur after the second dose. Most of these symptoms ended three days after the vaccine, or earlier. These symptoms are all a result of your body responding and building immunity. It's like sending your immune system to the gym. Your body may be a bit achy after a hard work out, but that is a sign your body is getting stronger. Many people don't have many or any side effects to the vaccine. This doesn't mean the vaccine isn't working, it's just that your body is responding more quietly.

+ If I had Covid 19 should i get the vaccine?

Yes. People who have tested positive for COVID-19 produce antibodies that offer some protection against the virus, but current research shows that this protection only lasts about 3 months after the infection. So we recommend that everyone get the vaccine.

+ Can I get vaccinated without an appointment?

Appointments are strongly prefered, and guarantee you a vaccine. We occaisionally have extra doses near the end of our vaccine clinics, and will accept walk-ins to take those extra doses. Those who come for walk-ins know that it is at our providers discretion to determine how many shots we have and who receives them. Have other questions about COVID-19? Learn more here

+ Will COVID-19 testing still happen at People's Center?

We have COVID-19 At Home test kits for your use that are available at the clinic. If you arrive for an appointment with symptoms, you may be asked tyo take a COVID-19 test before the appointment.

+ Which vaccine is People's Center carrying?

People's Center Is currently giving both Moderna and Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine.

+ Is it safe to receive the vaccine? and how effective are they?

Two COVID-19 vaccines produced by Pfizer/BioNTech and Moderna are both safe and more than 94 percent effective, according to the results of two large clinical trials. Both the Pfizer/BioNTech and Moderna vaccines have already received U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) emergency use authorization, allowing them to be used in the United States. The vaccine is safe. It does not contain preservatives, microchips or fetal cells. It cannot interact with your DNA, and does not cause infertility. There have been very few life threatening side effects with millions of doses given. Conversely, we know that infections from the COVID-19 virus are causing significant death and long-term disability; COVID-19 infection has caused over 1 million deaths in the United States, with over 10,000 Minnesotan deaths ranging from ages 4 months to 109 years old. Have other questions about COVID-19? Learn more here

+ How does the Moderna vaccine work and how many doses do I need?

The Moderna vaccine does not use live or weakened versions of the coronavirus causing COVID-19. Instead, these vaccines have genetic material called mRNA or “messenger RNA” that is taken from the virus. This does not interact with your DNA, and is effective in giving strong protection after two doses. Once you receive both doses of the vaccine, it will likely take several weeks for your body to develop maximum immunity.

+ What if I miss my second dose of the vaccine?

The COVID-19 vaccine is not effective unless you receive both doses. The first dose of the vaccine helps prepare your immune system and the second dose provides most of the immunity. This is true of the Moderna and Pfizer Vaccines, the Jannssen vaccine is effective on the first dose

+ What are the side effects?

During the clinical trials, only mild to moderate flu-like side effects were reported, including a headache, fatigue, chills, fever, and muscle and joint soreness. Side effects are more likely to occur after the second dose. Most of these symptoms ended three days after the vaccine, or earlier. These symptoms are all a result of your body responding and building immunity. It's like sending your immune system to the gym. Your body may be a bit achy after a hard work out, but that is a sign your body is getting stronger. Many people don't have many or any side effects to the vaccine. This doesn't mean the vaccine isn't working, it's just that your body is responding more quietly.

+ Is it possible to have an allergic reaction to the COVID-19 vaccine?

There is a very small chance that the COVID-19 vaccine may cause a severe allergic reaction. This has occurred in only 2.5 people out of every 1 million vaccinated. Signs of a reaction include: difficulty breathing, swelling of the face and throat, a fast heartbeat, a rash on your body, or dizziness and weakness. We will monitor all patients immediately following the immunization. If you think you’re having an allergic reaction after leaving the place where you received the vaccine, seek immediate medical care by calling 911.

+ Can I get COVID-19 from the vaccine? Does it contain a live virus?

No, it is not possible to get COVID-19 from the vaccine. The Pfizer and Moderna vaccines use only genetic material from the virus while other vaccines being studied use inactivated versions of the virus. None of these can cause COVID-19.

+ Does the vaccine contain any animal products?

No, the COVID-19 vaccines that have been developed contain NO animal products. Neither were fetal cells used in the development or production of the vaccine. The vaccine contains a total of 10 ingredients, and contains no preservatives. Those ingredients are the mRNA that triggers your immune response, 4 fats to make a protective bubble around the mRNA to keep it from being destroyed before it can trigger that immune response, 1 sugar, and 4 salts to keep it the same as your body's salt content. Have other questions about COVID-19? Learn more here

+ Do I have to continue wearing a mask after i get the vaccine?

Mandates requiring masking have loosened, but it is still reccommended to wear them for certain individuals in crowded situations. We know that the vaccine protects us from getting sick from COVID-19. But we aren't certain on its ability to prevent us from spreading the virus to others. Everyone should remember to wash their hands frequently, practice social distancing, and take other safety steps.

+ What If I lost my vaccine card?

It is okay if you lose your card between shots, ask for a new one when you get your second shot and ask them to record your previous dose(s) on it.

If you've lost your card AFTER you are fully vaccinated, contact People's Center for a replacement. If you did not receive your COVID-19 shots at People's Center, we may not be able to verify your doses.

You can ask for a copy of your vaccination record here. It has the same information as the card.