Stopping a pandemic requires using all the tools available. Vaccines work with your immune system so your body will be ready to fight the virus if you are exposed. Other steps, like covering your mouth and nose with a mask and staying at least 6 feet away from others, help reduce your chance of being exposed to the virus or spreading it to others. Together, COVID-19 vaccination and following CDC’s recommendations to protect yourself and others will offer the best protection from COVID-19. It is important to understand that even if we get the vaccine and booster when eligible (COVID-19, influenza or others) we should still try to avoid exposure. This is key to diminishing the virus’ ability to live in us (and not getting us sick) and transfer it to someone else.

At this time, masks are still required in health care facilities. Please refer to the policies for mask wearing wherever you receive services.

The COVID-19 vaccines are even more important to those with underlying health conditions that may compromise their ability to develop immunity. The CDC recommends specific dosing for those with underlying medical conditions. Please talk to your doctor to receive guidance.

Since COVID-19 is still a fairly new infection, studies are still underway to understand how long protection from a COVID-19 vaccine will last. Although the vaccines do provide protection, the protection does wane over time. This is why it is important to stay up-to-date with vaccines and boosters.

The CDC now recommends that children six months and older complete their COVID-19 primary vaccine series and stay up-to-date with boosters, as they become available.

According to the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, children infected with COVID-19 can develop severe illness. Some children with mild illness developed Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome (MIS-C) which causes different parts of the body to become inflamed. Children can also suffer from Long COVID. Getting the vaccine can protect your child and help stop the virus from spreading to others. We encourage all families with eligible children to get them vaccinated with the COVID-19 vaccine.

There is no evidence that shows that any vaccines cause fertility problems. The CDC recommends that people who are pregnant or might become pregnant in the future get vaccinated.

Yes, it is safe to get your COVID-19 vaccines or boosters when receiving other vaccines.

If you suffer from allergies not related to vaccines or injectable medications, you can get the COVID-19 vaccine. If you have had a severe allergic reaction to a vaccine in the past, please consult with your doctor before getting a COVID-19 vaccine. If you have had a severe allergic to a COVID-19 vaccine, you should not get that vaccine again. However, consult with your doctor to see what options may be available to you.

Per the CDC, COVID-19 vaccines may be administered to most people with underlying medical conditions. Please review the information provided by the CDC and discuss your options with your provider.

All COVID-19 vaccines were evaluated through clinical trials by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Clinical trials are closely monitored research programs conducted with patients to see if a new drug or medical treatment is effective. The trials were conducted according to strict standards set forth by the FDA. Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) were issues to allow us to access vaccines because the research showed the vaccines were highly effective in preventing COVID-19.

Safety is a top priority andthe CDC and FDA encourage the public to report possible adverse reactions to the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS). Adverse reactions are also referred to as side effects or adverse events. Some of these events are serious while other are not, and you should report any side effect that is concerning to you.

Learn about the difference between a vaccine side effect and an adverse event. Reports to VAERS help CDC monitor the safety of vaccines. Health care providers are required to report adverse events specified by the FDA.

CDC also implemented a smartphone-based tool called v-safe to check-in on people’s health after they receive a COVID-19 vaccine. When you receive your vaccine, you should also receive a v-safe information sheet telling you how to enroll in v-safe. If you enroll, you will receive regular text messages directing you to complete surveys where you can report any problems or adverse reactions you have after receiving a COVID-19 vaccine.

The high dose flu vaccine should be offered to people 65 and older. The high dose flu vaccine will be delivered along with the regular flu vaccine at the beginning of September and can be offered right away to our seniors.