Frequently Asked Questions

  • How do I register for the COVID-19 vaccine?
  • What will the vaccine cost me?
    • Nothing. Vaccines will be available at no cost despite ability to pay or insurance coverage.
  • How long does the vaccine last?
    • Follow up studies about the length of immunity are being conducted right now.
  • Will I continue masking and social distancing after vaccination?
    • Yes. COVID-19 is still circulating widely in our communities. Everyone must remain vigilant with mask, PPE and social distancing requirements to ensure staff, resident/patient, family and community safety.
  • Does the Illinois mass vaccination plan track completely with CDC recommendations?
    • Yes - the Illinois Department of Public Health is committed to following all recommendations put forth by the CDC.
  • Will someone need to be tested before receiving the vaccine?
    • At this time, no, and we are fully committed to following CDC guidelines.
  • Do I need to vaccinate if I have already had COVID-19?
    • Yes, people who have already had COVID-19 should plan to take the COVID-19 vaccine, because the science is currently inconclusive as to whether you will be naturally protected from a second COVID-19 infection in the future. The CDC currently suggests that if you were infected with COVID-19 during the previous 90 days, it is likely that you still have immune protection and that you will be asked to wait to receive your vaccine to allow others to be vaccinated first.
  • What are the side effects of the vaccine?
    • Some people may experience side effects, which are a part of the normal immune response to a vaccine. The majority of the side effects, while not seen in every individual, are signs that your body is recognizing the vaccine and mounting an immune response. Based on prior studies, side effects may include pain, redness and swelling at the site of the injection., fatigue, headache, muscle pain, chills, joint pain, fever, nausea, malaise, and swollen lymph nodes. These symptoms may occur within 2 days after the shot and last 1 to 2 days. Side effects may be more frequent after the 2nd shot (booster) and less frequent among older adults.
    • Long-term side effects are unknown, although most vaccines do not have long-term side effects. Vaccine studies are ongoing and will continue to monitor and watch for adverse events.
  • What do I need to do as a staff member working in an IDHS 24/7 facility to be vaccinated?
    • Complete and sign the Moderna release form and return it to your Center HR director; your center will communicate with you regarding the vaccination schedule for your facility.
  • Is there a difference between the Moderna and Pfizer vaccine?
    • Both vaccines are made using a technology called messenger RNA (mRNA). Clinical trials have found that the Pfizer vaccine is safe for individuals 12 years of age and older and is 95% effective. Clinical trials have found that the Moderna vaccine is 94.1% effective for individuals 18 years and older. Each vaccine requires two doses, given a few weeks apart. The Pfizer vaccine includes a series of two shots, spaced 21 days apart. Similarly, the Moderna vaccine also includes a series of 2 shots spaced 28 days apart. The vaccines are stored differently, making the Moderna vaccine easier for our SODC facilities to distribute using existing technology. The Pfizer vaccine has to be kept under ultra-cold storage and once thawed must be administered within 5 days. In contrast, the Moderna vaccine can stay stable in standard hospital refrigeration units for 30 days and frozen at -20 degrees Celsius for up to six months.
  • How are the State Operated Facilities (SOFs) able to receive an allocation of the Modern vaccine?
    • Due to IDHS' partnership with Illinois Department of Public Health, we have secured a direct allocation of the Moderna vaccine that will enable us to quickly receive and distribute the vaccine as soon as January 11, 2021 using our existing vaccine distribution technology. This option will allow our residents to receive the vaccine more quickly than with the Walgreens Partnership Program where we did not anticipate receiving the vaccine until the first week of February.
  • Do SOF staff have the ability and skills to administer these vaccinations?
    • Yes, IDHS successfully administers flu vaccines each year to staff and residents. This is part of the services and supports we are able to provide.
  • What happens if I don't sign the release for vaccination?
    • We encourage everyone to sign and return both consent documents for the first and second doses of the COVID-19 vaccine. If we do not receive your written consent, we will attempt to contact you by phone to achieve verbal consent for vaccination. If we do not receive consent through either of these methods, we will be unable to provide the vaccination. While there may be future opportunities to consent, we encourage you to complete the consent process to ensure your resident is vaccinated as soon as possible.
  • Where can I be vaccinated?
  • What phase of the Illinois Vaccine Distribution Plan am I in?
    • You can see the full Vaccine Distribution Plan, information related to the COVID-19 vaccine distribution plan, and the prioritization of various populations on the Illinois Department of Public Health's website.

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