How Can I Get A COVID Vaccine In Philadelphia?
COVID vaccines have arrived! You probably have a lot of questions about them, and we’d love to give you some more information.
Q: What is a vaccine anyway?
A vaccine is a substance that stimulates your body to make antibodies. Antibodies are proteins that our body produces anytime we’re exposed to a foreign substance. With vaccines, we make antibodies to a virus just like our body’s immune system would if we had that virus, but without the risk of actually getting sick. After vaccination, our antibodies give us immunity to the virus, so we’re protected from getting sick even if we’re exposed to the virus.
Q: Is there more than one vaccine available?
Yes! Currently, there are two vaccines with emergency approval from the FDA. These vaccines are produced by Pfizer and Moderna and both are mRNA-based vaccines. There are two more vaccines that are preparing to apply for authorization from Astra Zeneca and Johnson & Johnson. These vaccines are slightly different and called protein subunit vaccines.
Q: Can I pick which vaccine I will receive?
Probably not. Vaccines are being distributed to approved sites based on storage capabilities and availability. You will receive whatever vaccine the site you are vaccinated at has been allocated. No reason to worry though! All approved vaccines are effective against COVID, so it doesn’t really matter which vaccine you get.
Q: Can I get COVID from the vaccine?
Absolutely not! There is no possible way to get COVID from the vaccine because there is no live virus in any of the vaccines. All the vaccines work by teaching your immune system to recognize one tiny part of the COVID virus. The full virus, active or inactivated, is not included in any of the COVID vaccines. It is possible to be already infected with COVID but asymptomatic before receiving the vaccine or to become infected with COVID after receiving the vaccine before you have developed an immunity.
Q: How long does it take to develop immunity after I receive the vaccine?
With the exception of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine, 2 doses are necessary to receive maximum benefit from the COVID vaccine. After your second dose, it takes about a week to develop maximum protection.
Q: What about side effects?
You should expect some temporary side effects. Side effects can include arm soreness or redness at the site of the injection, fatigue, headache, body aches, and fever. These can last 24–48 hours. Make sure to move and use your arm to limit soreness. You can also take acetaminophen or ibuprofen as directed on the packaging. While the side effects may feel like you’re getting sick, that’s just your immune system doing its job.
Q: After I get vaccinated, do I still need to wear a mask?
Yes! It’s important that everyone continue to use all tools available to stop the pandemic. Vaccination is just one of those tools. We still need to better understand the protection that the vaccine provides before discontinuing any prevention measures. Make sure to keep masking up, socially distancing, and washing your hands between vaccine doses and after you’re fully vaccinated!
Q: Where can I get more information about the COVID vaccine?
The CDC is the best resource for up to the minute COVID vaccine information.
Q: Will Vitable have the COVID vaccine?
We are working with the state in order to be approved as a provider for the COVID vaccine. We anticipate having the vaccine around mid-March. We encourage you to pre-register with any sites you may be eligible for to avoid any delays in administering the vaccine as soon as you are eligible. Once we have the vaccine, we will administer it according to the phased approach and guidance from the state.
Q: How can I get a vaccine?
Vaccines are currently available to Phase 1A only which includes frontline healthcare workers and residents of long-term care facilities. The state will determine when we can move to Phase 1B which includes first responders, critical infrastructure workers, and essential workers. For more information about which phase you are in, refer to Pennsylvania’s COVID-19 Vaccination Plan.
- For information on COVID Testing in Philadelphia, check out: Where to Get Rapid COVID and PCR Testing in the Greater Philadelphia Area
Here are some helpful links, but be aware many of these sites are only available for 1A or 1B workers and employers at this time.
Pennsylvania
Bucks County:
Phase 1a only through Jefferson and TrinityHealth/St. Mary’s
Chester County:
Interest forms for Phase 1a and Phase 1b
Phase 1a only through Tower Health and Chester County Hospital
Delaware County (also see Chester County):
Interest forms for Phase 1a and Phase 1b
Phase 1a only through Crozer
Montgomery County
Business registration (all phases and 1a individuals)
Phase 1a only through Jefferson and Einstein
Philadelphia County
Philly Fighting COVID (pre-registration for all phases, individuals, and businesses)
