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COVID 19 Vaccine FAQ

When will the vaccine be available?

The state of California has established Phases and Tiers ( learn more) for when we are eligible to receive the vaccine. As of February 9th, Ventura County is vaccinating health care workers, long term care residents, and has now added people who are age 65 and older. We hope that we will move through the Phases and Tiers quickly. Most sources are still saying early Spring 2021 for the general public, but we are crossing our fingers!



Where can I get the vaccine?

Ventura County has just opened vaccination locations in Oxnard and at the Fairgrounds. More locations are planned to open in the next few weeks. Once your Phase and Tier comes up, you can register for a vaccine appointment on their website here. Pharmacies are also registered to distribute the vaccine. Vons, CVS and Walgreens all have those contracts and are working to organize their roll out. Vons has a sign-up that you can get updates and will be able to make your appointment for the vaccine once it’s available. CVS and Walgreens have not offered this service yet, but will likely do something similar. Some designated clinic systems may be able to offer the vaccine, but it’s too early to tell now. Primary Medical will be relying on our partners in the community to provide COVID 19 vaccinations for our patients and will NOT be a site for the Moderna or Pfizer Covid vaccines.



Who is eligible for the vaccine?

The Pfizer vaccine is approved for 16 and older and the Moderna vaccine is approved for 18 and older.



Is the vaccine free?

Yes. The vaccine is free, but there may be a charge to your insurance for the administration of the vaccine.



Can I get on a list to receive the vaccine?

There is no list that is being kept at this time. You can register for vaccine updates on the Ventura Public Health website.



If I had COVID 19 infection, do I still need to get the vaccine?

We know people can get COVID 19 more than once, so we know that getting the infection does not give you “immunity” from getting it again. Because of this, we recommend getting the vaccine even if you have had the infection in the past.



If I have COVID 19 now or are in quarantine, should I get the vaccine?

You should wait until your illness has resolved and after you have completed the quarantine before getting the vaccine.



Do I have to continue to wear a mask and socially distance after I get the vaccine?

Yes. While the vaccine has shown to be very protective against the virus, it’s not 100%. You are still recommended to use measures to protect yourself and others. The hope is once a large portion of the community is vaccinated these measures may be loosened, but not before this has been achieved.



How many shots is the vaccine?

The two vaccines that are currently available, Pfizer and Moderna, both require two shots separated by 3 weeks for Pfizer and 4 weeks for Moderna to achieve the highest protection from the virus.



How long after the vaccine am I protected?

The full effect of the vaccine will be evident approximately 10-14 days after the second dose.



What are the side effects of the vaccine?

Common side effects of the vaccine are pain at the site of injection and mild swelling. Some people may feel flu-like symptoms of fever, muscle aches, headaches for a few days after the vaccine.



Where can I learn more about Ventura's vaccine distribution?

Here you will find the latest information:



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