Questions about the COVID vaccine? Here are some answers

Boulder County on Monday officially began Phase 1B.2 of COVID-19 vaccinations. The phase includes individuals 65 and older, Pre-K through 12 educators and staff, and workers in licensed child care programs. An additional 18,000 Boulder County residents are now eligible to receive the vaccine with the move to the next phase in the state’s planned rollout, according to Boulder County Public Health.

Here are some frequently asked questions about the vaccine. If you have additional questions, email The Longmont Leader at [email protected]. We will add to this article as additional information becomes available.

How do I register? 

All Boulder County residents are encouraged to sign up for the vaccine via using online portals or by calling providers. Individuals who are unable to sign up themselves can have someone sign up for them. 

Residents also can contact their doctor to register for the vaccine. 

Where can I register for the vaccine? 

   

You can sign up here for updates regarding vaccine availability.

What if I don’t have internet access?

Individuals without internet access can reach all vaccine locations by phone or call Boulder County Public Health at 303-441-1100 or the Boulder County call center at 720-776-0822. 

Those without internet access also can have someone with access register for them. 

How many providers can I or should I sign up with at a time?

Boulder County officials encourage residents to sign up with as many providers as possible. 

When will it be my turn to get the vaccine?

Boulder County is  currently in stage 1B.2 of vaccine distribution, offering both the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines to individuals ages 65 to 69, PK-12 educators and staff, and workers in licensed child care programs. 

For more information about upcoming stages, view the Boulder County vaccine distribution chart here.

Can I get the vaccine at the same time as another vaccine?

If you got the COVID-19 vaccine first, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website recommends waiting at least 14 days before getting any other type of vaccine, including a flu or shingles vaccine. 

If you get another vaccine first, wait at least 14 days before getting your COVID-19 vaccine. 

How much does the vaccine cost?

Medicare, Medicaid, CHP+ and private insurance providers are required to cover the cost of COVID-19 vaccines. In addition, uninsured Coloradans will have access to free vaccines, according to the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment. 

What is Longmont doing to reach priority populations?

Discussions have been underway regarding the equitable distribution of vaccines throughout Boulder County. Although nothing has been made official yet, officials are hoping to create community clinics and mobile testing sites for those in marginalized groups. 

Do I have to be a U.S. citizen to get a vaccine?

“No, you will not need to prove lawful presence to get a COVID-19 vaccine in Colorado. Public health will never share your information for any immigration or law enforcement purposes,” according to the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment. 

How many doses does the county get?

The number of vaccines received by Boulder County each week varies depending on the number of doses allocated by the state. The county has the capacity to distribute up to 22,000 doses each week, according to Boulder County Public Health officials. 

Which vaccines are being offered?

Pfizer vaccine: Given in two doses separated by 21 days. The injection is given in the arm and recommended for those 16 and older. 

Moderna vaccine: Given in two doses separated by 28 days. The injection is given in the arm and recommended for those 18 and older. 

What ingredients will be in the vaccine?

The Pfizer vaccine contains the following ingredients:

• messenger ribonucleic acid, (mRNA), lipids ((4-hydroxybutyl)azanediyl)bis(hexane-6,1-diyl)bis(2-hexyldecanoate), 2 [(polyethylene glycol)-2000]-N,N-ditetradecylacetamide, 1,2-Distearoyl-sn-glycero-3- phosphocholine, and cholesterol), potassium chloride, monobasic potassium phosphate, sodium chloride, dibasic sodium phosphate dihydrate, and sucrose.
• For information regarding the Pfizer vaccine visit the fact sheet, here.

The Moderna vaccine contains the following ingredients: 

• messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA), lipids (SM-102, polyethylene glycol [PEG] 2000 dimyristoyl glycerol [DMG], cholesterol, and 1,2-distearoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine [DSPC]), tromethamine, tromethamine hydrochloride, acetic acid, sodium acetate, and sucrose.
• For more information about the Moderna vaccine visit the fact sheet, here

Are COVID-19 vaccines safe?

According to the CDC website: “All the COVID-19 vaccines being used have gone through rigorous studies to ensure they are as safe as possible. Systems that allow CDC to watch for safety issues are in place across the entire country. 

“The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has granted Emergency Use Authorizations for COVID-19 vaccines that have been shown to meet rigorous safety criteria and be effective as determined by data from the manufacturers and findings from large clinical trials. Watch a video describing the emergency use authorization.

“Clinical trials for all vaccines must first show they meet rigorous criteria for safety and effectiveness before any vaccine, including COVID-19 vaccines, can be authorized or approved for use. The known and potential benefits of a COVID-19 vaccine must outweigh the known and potential risks of the vaccine. 

“Learn more about how federal partners are ensuring the safety of COVID-19 vaccines in the United States.” 

Is it safe for me to get a vaccine while I am breastfeeding or pregnant?

If you are pregnant and part of an eligible vaccination group, you can choose to be vaccinated. If you have any questions specific to your pregnancy, contact your health care provider. At the moment, no data is available on the safety of the COVID-19 and breastfeeding. However, “mRNA vaccines are not thought to be a risk to breastfeeding infants,” according to the CDC website. 

Is there a risk of severe allergic reaction to the vaccine?

The CDC reports the COVID vaccine may cause side effects that could affect the recipient’s ability to do daily activities for a few days, however, the side effects should pass in a few days. Common side effects include, pain and swelling around the injection site, fever, chills, tiredness and headache.  

The CDC recommends recipients contact their doctor if redness and tenderness around the injection site increase after 24 hours or if the side effects do not seem to go away after a few days. 

Allergic reactions can occur but are rare, according to the CDC. There have been reports of those receiving the vaccine later experiencing anaphylaxis. To learn more about COVID-19 vaccine and allergies, click here.  

How do I report it if I have a problem or bad reaction after getting the COVID-19 vaccine?

If you experience a severe life-threatening reaction after visiting a vaccination site, you should immediately call 911.

If you experience a non-life threatening reaction you should report the incident on V-safe, a smartphone based after-vaccination health checker. You also can visit the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System to report your symptoms.

Do I still have to wear a mask once I’ve received the vaccine?

Boulder County recommends everyone continue wearing masks, maintaining social distance and frequently wash their hands until the amount of circulating virus is decreased in the community, said Dr. Chris Urbina, Boulder County Public Health’s chief medical officer.

Can I still get the virus if I have been vaccinated?

“The vaccine is not 100% effective in preventing infections … Although the disease from severe symptoms as well as moderate symptoms are a result of getting the vaccine, it is still possible to have the infection,” Urbina said during theJan. 27 COVID Community Conversation hosted by Boulder County Public Health.  

How can I get to a vaccine site?

Below is a map of vaccine locations in Longmont as well as bus stops nearby. Longmont offers unlimited free local bus rides through the Free Ride Longmont program. The Bolt, J, LD, LX, and FlexRide lines are not included in the program. Those who ride routes 323, 324, 326 or 327 can request a three-hour pass, which can be used as a $3 credit when transferring to the Bolt, J, LD and LX routes or Longmont FlexRide.