COVID-19 Vaccine

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued full approval for the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine for anyone 16 years old or older.

The Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine is also available under emergency use authorization (EUA) for children age 6 months through 15 years old.

Updated COVID-19 vaccines are now available. The new bivalent formula protects against the original strain, while offering better protection against the omicron variant. The Pfizer bivalent vaccine is authorized for people age 6 months or older.

When to get the COVID-19 vaccine

UCHealth is currently providing the Pfizer vaccine. Dose timing varies by age and whether a person is immunocompromised.

[updated vaccine schedule to come]

How to get the COVID-19 vaccine

Vaccine options

  • Through your UCHealth primary care provider. To schedule your COVID-19 vaccine, please use My Health Connection, UCHealth’s online patient portal, to see available appointments. You must have a UCHealth primary care provider in order to get a vaccine at UCHealth. Log in to My Health Connection and click on Appointments > Schedule Appointment.
  • At Yampa Valley Medical Center. To schedule your COVID-19 vaccine, please use My Health Connection, UCHealth’s online patient portal, to see available appointments. Log in to My Health Connection and click on Appointments > Schedule Appointment.
  • Through one of the sites in our community, such as local pharmacies.
  • Or go to vaccines.gov to find a COVID-19 vaccine location near you.

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With the goal of helping organizations deliver the COVID-19 vaccine to their communities,
we developed a playbook to share our learnings from successful mass vaccination events.

Get the UCHealth mass vaccination playbook

Get answers to your COVID-19 vaccine questions

These questions and answers are updated as new information is available.

When, where, and who?

Vaccine safety

Vaccine distribution

Vaccine and your health

The COVID-19 vaccine: When, where, and who?

COVID-19 vaccine - when, where, who icon | UCHealth

Who is eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine?

COVID-19 vaccines have been authorized for everyone age 6 months and older.

What COVID-19 vaccines can I get from UCHealth?

UCHealth is providing the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine and booster to UCHealth primary care patients and at Yampa Valley Medical Center.

About the COVID-19 vaccines

What are the different COVID-19 vaccine options?

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued full approval for use of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine (now called Comirnaty) for people who are age 16 or older, and full approval for use of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine (now called Spikevax) for people who are age 18 or older.

COVID-19 vaccines are available under emergency use authorization (EUA) for children age 6 months through 15 years old.

What is the difference between an EUA and FDA approval?

For an EUA (Emergency Use Authorization), the FDA must determine that the vaccine may be effective in preventing COVID-19; that the benefits outweigh the risks; and that there are no adequate, approved, and available alternatives. The standard of review is higher for FDA approval. In order for the FDA to approve a vaccine, there must be substantial evidence of safety, effectiveness and manufacturing quality.

An EUA may be issued by the FDA based on interim results from clinical trials. FDA approval requires that clinical trials be finished.

Are the COVID-19 vaccines that are being developed all made the same way?

No. Pfizer and Moderna are mRNA vaccines. Johnson & Johnson is a vector vaccine. Novavax is a protein-based vaccine.

mRNA vaccines contain material from the virus that causes COVID-19. This helps our cells make a harmless protein that is unique to the virus. After our cells make copies of the protein, they destroy the genetic material from the vaccine. Our bodies recognize that the protein should not be there and build specialized white blood cells against the virus protein (it does not attack your normal body proteins). These will remember how to fight the virus that causes COVID-19, if we are exposed or infected in the future.

Vector vaccines contain a weakened version of a live virus. This is a different virus (Adenovirus, a cause of the common cold) than the one that causes COVID-19, but with a small amount of genetic material from the virus that causes COVID-19. This is called a viral vector. Once the viral vector is inside our cells, the genetic material helps make a protein that is unique to the virus that causes COVID-19. Our cells can then make copies of the protein. This prompts our bodies to build specialized cells that will remember how to fight the COVID-19 virus if we are exposed or infected in the future.

Protein-based vaccines contain pieces of the virus that causes COVID-19. These virus pieces are the spike protein. The vaccine also contains another ingredient called an adjuvant that helps the immune system respond to that spike protein in the future.

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COVID-19 vaccine safety

COVID-19 vaccine safety icon - UCHealth

How do we know COVID-19 vaccines are safe?

Clinical trials are evaluating COVID-19 vaccines in tens of thousands of study participants. Information from these trials will allow the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to decide how safe and effective they are. Ongoing, long-term monitoring will continue as it does for all vaccine development. No steps in the normal vaccine development process have been skipped or shortened.

Will the findings of the COVID-19 vaccine trials be made public and reviewed by independent experts?

All phase 3 clinical trials of COVID-19 vaccine candidates are overseen by an independent Data and Safety Monitoring Board (DSMB). This board acts across all of the trials for all of the sponsors. The FDA and vaccine manufacturers are releasing data from their trials publicly.

Did the COVID-19 vaccine clinical trials include people of color?

Yes. Clinical trials included thousands of people of color. Michael Rouse was among those who participated in the Moderna trial. Learn more about why Michael opted to participate.

For the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine, about 13% of study participants were Latino, 10% were Black, 5.5% were Asian and 1% were Native American.

For the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine, about 20% of study participants were Latino, 10% were Black, 4% were Asian and 3% were from other ethnic and racial groups.

For the Johnson & Johnson (J&J) COVID-19 vaccine, about 15% of the clinical trial’s U.S. participants are Latino, 13% are Black/African American, 6% are Asian and 1% are Native American.

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Additional vaccine safety FAQs

Should I be worried about a severe allergic reaction to the COVID-19 vaccine?

Severe allergic reactions were not common during COVID-19 vaccine trials. They occurred more frequently after the second dose. We recommend that you stay at your appointment for about 5-10 minutes of observation after getting the vaccine.

If you have a history of a severe allergic reaction to another vaccine, you should talk to your doctor or provider to see if getting the COVID-19 vaccine makes sense for you.

The CDC recommends that people with a history of severe allergic reactions, that are not related to vaccines or injectable medications (such as food, pet, venom, environmental, or latex allergies) should still get vaccinated. People with a history of allergies to oral medications or a family history of severe allergic reactions may also get vaccinated.

If you get a COVID-19 vaccine and you think you might be having a severe allergic reaction after leaving the vaccination site, seek immediate medical care by calling 911. Learn more about COVID-19 vaccines and rare severe allergic reactions.

Are COVID-19 vaccinations safe for pregnant people and nursing mothers?

Yes. There is no evidence the COVID-19 vaccines cause problems for those who are pregnant or nursing. Pregnant women are at a higher risk of developing complications from COVID-19 infection. In addition, protective antibodies to COVID-19 have been shown to cross the placenta and give protection to the baby after delivery.

If you are pregnant or breast feeding, you may choose to be vaccinated. Please discuss with your doctor so that you can make an informed decision.

> Learn more about COVID-19 vaccine recommendations for those who are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Could the COVID-19 vaccines cause fertility problems?

No. There is no evidence the COVID-19 vaccines cause problems for those trying to get pregnant. The vaccine does not get incorporated into or change the DNA of the body’s cells in any way. If you are trying to become pregnant now or want to get pregnant in the future, you can get a COVID-19 vaccine. If you are trying to become pregnant, you do not need to delay getting pregnant after receiving a COVID-19 vaccine.

Data shows that during the Pfizer vaccine trial for example, some women in the study became pregnant. For those that received the vaccine and not the placebo, none of them suffered a pregnancy loss.

What are the side effects of the COVID-19 vaccines?

In general, the side effects are like those of the flu shot. The most commonly reported side effects are pain at the injection site, tiredness, headache, muscle pain, chills, joint pain and fever. They usually last only a few days.

You may experience more side effects after the second dose. This is expected and was seen in studies of these vaccines. These side effects usually only last 1 to 3 days at most. Contact your doctor, health care provider or schedule a virtual visit if:

  • The redness or tenderness where you got the shot increases after 24 hours.
  • Your side effects are worrying you or do not seem to be going away after a few days.
  • You have any cough, shortness of breath, sore throat, runny nose, loss of sense of taste or smell – these are not side effects we see from the vaccine. These could be symptoms of COVID-19 not related to the vaccine, and you should contact your provider to find out if you should be tested.

After you receive the vaccine, you can take a pain reliever for any symptoms that are bothersome. Current data suggests that acetaminophen (Tylenol) is the best pain reliever to take within 48 hours of receiving the COVID-19 vaccine.

We recommend that you stay at your appointment for about 5 – 10 minutes of observation after getting the vaccine. If you get a COVID-19 vaccine and you think you might be having a severe allergic reaction after leaving the vaccination site, seek immediate medical care by calling 911. Learn more about COVID-19 vaccines and rare severe allergic reactions.

I am allergic to the flu vaccine. Do you think there will be a problem with getting a COVID-19 vaccine?

Unlike most of the flu vaccines, the COVID-19 vaccines are not made using egg-based products. If you are allergic to any vaccines, or have other conditions you are concerned may impact your response to the COVID vaccine, you should talk with your doctor before signing up to get the COVID-19 vaccine.

Is a COVID-19 vaccine safe for me? Could it interfere with any of my medications or medical conditions?

Clinical trials are evaluating COVID-19 vaccines in tens of thousands of study participants. Trial volunteers include people with lots of different medical conditions. Information from these trials will allow the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to decide how safe and effective they are. Ongoing, long-term monitoring will continue as it does for all vaccine development. No steps in the normal vaccine development process have been skipped or shortened. If you have any concerns about getting the COVID-19 vaccine, please contact your doctor or provider.

What can I do to prepare before getting my COVID-19 vaccine?

One of the best things to do before getting a COVID-19 vaccination is to stay hydrated, and follow these tips.

COVID vaccine information for children age 6 months or older

The Pfizer vaccine has received Emergency Use Authorization for children age 6 months through 15 years old. Are the COVID-19 vaccines safe for children?

Yes. The Pfizer vaccine trial results show that the vaccine is safe and effective for children age 6 months or older. The recent Pfizer trial included thousands of children. Trial results show that the vaccine was 90.7 percent effective. Of the group that received the vaccine (and not the placebo), three of them got COVID-19 compared to 16 who received the placebo.

Children had side effects similar to young adults. The main side effects are pain at injection site, fever, and feeling achy or tired. These were felt more often after the second dose of the vaccine and went away within a few days.

How many doses will children need of a COVID-19 vaccine?

Children age 6 months to 4 years will need 3 primary doses of the Pfizer vaccine. Those age 5 or older will need 2 primary doses of the Pfizer vaccine. A booster dose is recommended for children age 5 or older, 2 months after their second primary dose of the Pfizer vaccine.

Children don’t get very sick with COVID-19. Why should I get my child vaccinated?

While children are at a lower risk of serious illness from COVID-19, they make up a larger share of the new cases of COVID-19 across the U.S. as more adults get vaccinated. Children can still have symptoms and spread the virus to the adults around them. And doctors don’t always know which children are more likely to get seriously ill from COVID-19 and need hospital care. Getting a vaccine will lower the chance of illness for all children and the community.

People under age 21 make up about 25% of the U.S. population. If many children get a COVID-19 vaccine, the chance of reaching herd immunity – when lots of people are immune to a disease – goes up.

There are many safe and effective vaccines for children for diseases like whooping cough, measles and meningitis. Providing vaccines for COVID-19 will become a standard measure of care to protect children.

Will the COVID-19 vaccine affect fertility in children?

No. The vaccine does not get combined into or change the DNA of the body’s cells in any way. There is no reason to worry that the vaccine will affect your child’s ability to have babies (fertility).

My child already had COVID-19. Should they get the vaccine?

Yes. We don’t know how long immunity lasts after someone gets COVID-19. The vaccine is made to create a longer-lasting immune response.

My child is a not a patient at UCHealth. Can they get a vaccine at a UCHealth vaccine clinic?

UCHealth is providing vaccines to UCHealth primary care patients and at Yampa Valley Medical Center. If your child is not a UCHealth primary care patient, please contact your child’s pediatrician.

COVID-19 vaccine distribution

COVID-19 vaccine distribution icon - UCHealth

Who is UCHealth currently vaccinating?

UCHealth is currently providing the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine to UCHealth primary care patients and at Yampa Valley Medical Center.

How do I get the COVID-19 vaccine?

To schedule your COVID-19 vaccine, please use My Health Connection, UCHealth’s online patient portal, to see available appointments.

Can I walk in and get a COVID-19 vaccination?

At this time, UCHealth vaccine clinics are not accepting walk-in patients. Please schedule an appointment for your vaccination.

What is the recommended timing between a first and second dose? Can I get my second dose early?

The Moderna and Pfizer vaccines require 2 doses. The CDC advises that the second dose of the Pfizer vaccine can be given 3 to 8 weeks after the first dose. The second dose of the Moderna vaccine can be given 4 to 8 weeks after the first dose. A second dose should not be given earlier than 17 days after the first dose for the Pfizer vaccine, and 24 days after the first dose for the Moderna vaccine.

How can I cancel my appointment?

Please go to your My Health Connection account to cancel your appointment. If you are unable to cancel it in My Health Connection, call UCHealth at 720.462.2255 for assistance.

How can I reschedule my appointments?

If you need to reschedule, you need to cancel your appointments in My Health Connection first and then complete the scheduling steps again.

Once I’m vaccinated, where can I find my vaccination record and QR code?

If you receive the COVID-19 vaccine through UCHealth, “Your COVID-19 Information” page will show your vaccination record and QR code. It will also show the results of any COVID-19 nasal swab or antibody tests you have had at UCHealth.

  • My Health Connection mobile app: Click “Your COVID-19 Information” on the home screen.
  • My Health Connection desktop: Go to “Your Menu,” then select “Your COVID-19 Information.”

COVID-19 vaccine and your health

COVID-19 and your health icon - UCHealth

I am immunocompromised. What is the recommended timing between doses for the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccines?

For children age 6 months to 4 years (Pfizer vaccine): 3 weeks between 1st and 2nd primary dose, 8 weeks between 2nd and 3rd primary dose. No booster dose recommended.

For people age 5 or older (Pfizer vaccine): 3 weeks between 1st and 2nd primary dose, 4 weeks between 2nd and 3rd primary dose, and a bivalent (omicron) booster at least 2 months after their primary series or last booster.

I am immunocompromised. Should I get a third primary vaccine dose?

Guidance for the Pfizer, Moderna, and AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccines has been updated to include a third primary dose for people with a moderately to severely compromised immune system. This includes organ transplant recipients, those taking certain medications that weaken the immune system, and those with conditions that cause a similar level of immune suppression.

Studies show the third primary dose may increase protection for someone with a weakened immune system.

> Getting a third dose: see CDC/FDA recommendations

Who is considered immunocompromised?

Moderately to severely immunocompromised people include people who:

  • Are receiving cancer treatment for tumors or cancers of the blood.
  • Have received an organ transplant and are taking medicine to suppress the immune system.
  • Have received a stem cell or bone marrow transplant within the last 2 years or are taking medicine to suppress the immune system.
  • Have moderate or severe primary immunodeficiency (such as DiGeorge syndrome or Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome).
  • Have an advanced or untreated HIV infection.
  • Are receiving treatment with high-dose corticosteroids or other drugs that may suppress the immune response.

Please talk to your doctor about your medical condition, and whether getting an additional dose is right for you. If you are currently receiving chemotherapy treatments or have recently been treated with certain immunosuppressant medications, your doctor may advise you to wait until a time when your immune system is better able to respond to the vaccine.

What is a booster shot?

A booster shot is an additional dose of a vaccine after a person has completed their primary vaccination series. An additional dose “boosts” your immune system, creating better protection against an illness. It’s normal for some vaccines to wane or become slightly less effective over time.  Because of new infections and waning effectiveness of some COVID-19 vaccines, FDA and CDC experts are recommending a booster dose for many people.

Who should get a booster dose of COVID-19 vaccine?

The CDC is recommending COVID-19 boosters for everyone age 5 or older.

  • Anyone age 5 or older should get a bivalent (omicron) booster at least 2 months after their primary series or their last booster.
  • For people 18 or older, mixing of COVID-19 vaccine manufacturers has been authorized. People who received 2 doses of the Pfizer, Moderna, AstraZeneca or Novavax vaccines, or one dose of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine, can get a different brand for their booster.

Log in to My Health Connection and click on Appointments > Schedule Appointment.

For more information on who should get a booster, visit the state of Colorado’s vaccine booster eligibility page.

I already had a COVID-19 booster. Should I get the bivalent (omicron) booster as well?

The CDC recommends that anyone who is eligible should get the bivalent booster. The bivalent formula protects against the original strain, while offering better protection against the omicron variant. The Pfizer bivalent booster is authorized for people 5 years old or older.

Can I get my COVID-19 vaccine and my flu shot at the same time?

Yes, the CDC says people can get the flu shot and other vaccines at the same time as the COVID-19 vaccine. It is recommended that you get one shot in each arm.

UCHealth COVID-19 vaccine clinics are not offering flu shots at this time. Drug stores and other vaccine providers may offer both at the same time.

How much will a COVID-19 vaccine reduce the risks or complications of COVID-19?

Clinical trials have shown that all the FDA-authorized COVID-19 vaccines are highly effective and safe.

Based on what we know about vaccines for other diseases, experts believe that getting a COVID-19 vaccine may help keep you from getting very sick, even if you do get COVID-19. Getting vaccinated may also protect the people around you, especially those at increased risk for severe illness from COVID-19.

Are pregnant women at increased risk of serious illness from COVID-19?

Yes, pregnant women and recently pregnant women are at an increased risk for severe illness from COVID-19 when compared to those who are not pregnant. Pregnant women with COVID-19 are 15 times more likely to die, 14 times more likely to need to be intubated, and 22 times more likely to have pre-term birth than those who don’t have COVID-19, according to a recent study.

Can I get COVID-19 even after getting the vaccine?

It often takes a few weeks for the body to build immunity after getting the vaccine. That means a person could be infected with the virus that causes COVID-19 just before or just after getting the vaccine and get sick. This is because the vaccine has not had enough time to provide protection.

We are seeing breakthrough infections, where someone who has been fully vaccinated against COVID-19 tests positive for the virus. However, the vaccine is still the best way to protect yourself from severe illness and hospitalization.

Additional vaccine and your health FAQs

Do I need to still wear a mask after getting the vaccine?

According to current public health recommendations:

  • To maximize protection from the current variants and prevent possibly spreading it to others, wear a mask indoors in public if you are in an area of high transmission.
  • Wearing a mask is most important if you have a weakened immune system, if you are at increased risk for severe disease, or if someone in your home has a weakened immune system.
  • You should continue to wear a mask where required by laws, rules or local guidance.
  • Fully vaccinated people will continue to wear a mask in all UCHealth facilities.

If I already had COVID-19 and have recovered from it, do I need to get a COVID-19 vaccine?

Yes. If you’ve already been sick with COVID-19, you may be able to get sick again. And your second infection may be worse than your first. There is significant concern that variants of the COVID-19 virus are both more contagious and more serious than the original strain.

We don’t know how long immunity lasts after someone gets COVID-19. The vaccine is made to create a longer-lasting immune response. Studies have shown that people who have mild cases of COVID-19 have less immune response than those who have serious cases including hospitalization. The length of time that this natural immunity lasts also varies, and may only last a few months.

UCHealth experts recommend that everyone get a COVID-19 vaccine, even if you already had COVID-19.

We’ll get through this together

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