COVID-19 Vaccine Guide & FAQ

COVID-19 vaccine has arrived in Indiana. This vaccine has been shown to be effective and is our best option for ending the pandemic. The demand for this vaccine is high and there is a significant effort to expand availability of the vaccine to as many as possible within our community. 

The state of Indiana continues to expand vaccination eligibility and availability. If you are not eligible at this time, please be patient and stay informed for future updates at crh.org/vaccine.

HOW TO REGISTER FOR THE COVID-19 VACCINE

First Option
Visit the state registration website at ourshot.in.gov
(Please be patient as the Indiana state website has been experiencing significant delays at certain times of day due to the high volume of traffic on the site.)

Online Instructions
For step-by-step instructions for registering online, visit crh.org/vaccine

Need Assistance?
Call the Community Helpline at 211 
Contact WellConnect Connection Specialists at 812-376-5136
Contact Mill Race Center at 812-376-9241
Contact Thrive Alliance at 812-372-6918

You must wait at least 21 days before receiving the second Pfizer shot or at least 28 days before receiving the second Moderna shot. It’s important to make sure you get your second shot so you are fully protected and that both shots are the same kind.

FREQUENTLY ASK QUESTIONS

Q. How can I be sure this vaccine is safe considering the condensed time frame?
A. While the COVID-19 vaccine (shot) is new, the science used to create it is not. The COVID-19 vaccines (shots) have been thoroughly tested to make sure they are safe and effective. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) authorized the vaccine (shot) under an Emergency Use Authorization (EUA), meaning the vaccine (shot) was proven safe and effective. 

Q. What are common side effects of getting the COVID-19 vaccine (shot)?
A. The most commonly reported side effects, which typically lasted several days, were pain at the injection site, tiredness, headache, muscle pain, chills, joint pain, and fever. Of note, more people experienced these side effects after the second dose than after the first dose, so it is important for vaccination providers and recipients to expect that there may be some side effects after either dose.  

Q. Should I get a shot if I already had COVID-19?
A. COVID-19 vaccines (shots) are safe if you have been sick with COVID-19 in the past 90 days. Since reinfection isn’t likely to happen in the 90 days after you’re sick with COVID-19, you can delay getting a shot until 90 days after your infection. You should not get a shot while sick or during the isolation period to avoid exposing others.

Q. Will the COVID-19 vaccine (shot) change my DNA (genetic material)?
A. The two COVID-19 vaccines (shots) have a very small piece of messenger RNA (mRNA), a type of material that our bodies already use to give the body instructions for making a protein from the COVID-19 virus. The mRNA never enters the nucleus of our body cells, which is where our DNA (genetic material) is found. Once this protein is made, it triggers the body to make antibodies to fight it. If you are exposed to the virus that causes COVID-19, you will already have antibodies to fight the virus, and your chances of getting sick are less. 

Q. How long after I get the vaccine is it effective? Do I still need to wear a mask?
A. CDC guidance says it typically takes a few weeks for the body to build immunity after vaccination. We are still learning about the length of time both natural immunity (immunity the body develops after an illness) and vaccine-induced immunity for COVID-19 will last. It is important to continue to wear your mask over your nose and mouth, practice social distancing, and continue to wash your hands and use hand sanitizer often. You should also wear a mask because although the vaccine (shot) will protect you from getting sick, it will not keep you from spreading COVID-19 to others.

Q. How can I stay safe until I can get the vaccine (shot)?
A. Until there is enough vaccine for everyone, it’s crucial for you to continue to take these steps that we can do now to prevent the spread of COVID-19:
  • Wear a mask to protect yourself and others
  • Stay at least 6 feet apart (about 2 arm lengths)
  • Practice good hand hygiene by washing with soap and water or using hand sanitizer
  • Isolate yourself if you’re sick and stay home if you’ve been exposed to someone with COVID-19
  • Clean frequently touched surfaces often

Q. How much does it cost to get the vaccine (shot)?
A. The vaccine will be free. Vaccine providers can bill a patient’s insurance for a fee to administer the vaccine, but will not be able to charge the patient.  

To learn more visit crh.org/vaccine

Source: coronavirus.in.gov/vaccine

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