Vaccine | Altamed

None of the COVID-19 vaccines currently in development in the United States use the live virus that causes COVID-19. The goal for each of them is to teach our immune systems how to recognize and fight the virus that causes COVID-19. Sometimes this process can cause symptoms, such as fever. These symptoms are normal and are a sign that the body is building immunity and learning how to fight the vaccine. It typically takes a few weeks for the body to build immunity after vaccination. That means it is possible a person could be infected with the virus that causes COVID-19 just before or just after vaccination and get sick. This is because the vaccine has not had enough time to provide protection.

Vaccines won’t cause you to test positive on viral tests, which are used to see if you have a current infection. If your body develops an immune response, which is the goal of vaccination, there is a possibility you may test positive on some antibody tests. Antibody tests indicate you had a previous infection and that you may have some level of protection against the virus. Experts are currently looking at how COVID-19 vaccination may affect antibody-testing results.

Due to the severe health risks associated with COVID-19 and the fact that re-infection with COVID-19 is possible, people may be advised to get a COVID-19 vaccine even if they have been sick with COVID-19 before. At this time, experts do not know how long someone is protected from getting sick again after recovering from COVID-19. The immunity someone gains from having an infection, called natural immunity, varies from person to person. Some early evidence suggests natural immunity may not last very long. We won’t know how long immunity produced by vaccination lasts until we have a vaccine and more data on how well it works.

While many people with COVID-19 have only a mild illness, others get severely ill and many even die. There is no way to know how COVID-19 will affect you, even if you are not at increased risk of severe complications. If you get sick, or are asymptomatic, meaning you have no symptoms, you can spread the disease to friends, family, and others around you. COVID-19 vaccination helps protect you by creating an antibody response without having to experience sickness.

The FDA has approved the mRNA vaccines, Pfizer and Moderna, for third dose, or a booster shot, in people with compromised immune systems link. This approval is due to the mounting data showing that for these immune compromised individuals, the first complete series of vaccines do not provide a high enough antibody response and a third dose has been shown to increase this antibody response.

Currently, the following individuals may schedule a third dose vaccine appointments:

1. Individuals must be fully vaccinated for COVID-19 and have completed their vaccine series 28 days or more from their last COVID-19 vaccine.

2. Fully vaccinated is defined as prior two doses of Pfizer or Moderna vaccines. At this time there is not an approval for booster vaccines for Johnson and Johnson vaccines.

3. Fully vaccinated individuals with the following conditions may start scheduling appointments for booster doses of the COVID-19 vaccine to begin on Monday, August 16th, 2021. 

• History of Solid Organ Transplant
• History of Bone Marrow or Stem Cell Transplant
• Current Cancer or on Chemotherapy
• HIV
• Chronic Steroid Use for 1 Month of More
• Use of Immune Modulating Therapies Such as Rituximab
• Kidney Disease Requiring Dialysis
• Presence of Cirrhosis
• Inherited or Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndromes link

Criteria for scheduling and vaccination may change as more information comes out.

Yes. The the third dose of the vaccine must be of the same brand as the prior complete series. For example: fully vaccinated with Moderna must then receive a third dose of the Moderna vaccine.

If you are fully vaccinated, you are still protected from COVID-19. A booster, or second or third dose, helps you stay fully protected. Many common vaccines have booster shots. For example, a tetanus shot booster, or second dose is recommended every 10 years.

The two-dose shots by Pfizer-BioEntech and Moderna, as well as one-dose shots by Johnson & Johnson, offer very strong protection against serious illness and death. Researchers and health officials are monitoring COVID-19 vaccines to see how long the protection lasts among people who are vaccinated. Antibodies — one of the immune system’s layers of defense against COVID-19 — may decrease over time. This does not mean that the protection disappears, but it can mean that the protection is not as strong or that the body may take longer to fight off the infection. This is why it is important to get your booster shot, or third dose.

Health officials, the FDA, and the CDC will continue to collect data to make recommendations for third doses of the Pfizer and Moderna COVID-19 vaccine and the second dose of the J&J vaccine.

If you are immunocompromised, you may be eligible for a third dose of the Pfizer or Moderna COVID-19 vaccine. 

• You must have had the first two doses of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine
• It has been 28 days since  your last COVID-19 vaccine
• You have one of the following conditions:
  • History of Solid Organ Transplant
  • History of Bone Marrow or Stem Cell Transplant
  • Current Cancer or on Chemotherapy
  • HIV
  • Chronic Steroid Use for 1 Month of More
  • Use of Immune Modulating Therapies Such as Rituximab
  • Kidney Disease Requiring Dialysis
  • Presence of Cirrhosis
  • Inherited or Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndromes link

If you received the Pfizer COVID-19, and it has been six months since you received your second dose  and you are at least 18 years old, you may be eligible for a third dose. 

• You are 65 years old or older
• You are a health care worker, first responder, or frontline worker
• You live in a residential facility or group home
• You are 18-64 years old with underlying medical conditions

At this time there is not an approval for booster vaccines for the Johnson and Johnson COVID-19 vaccine.
 

The delta variant is a more contagious version of COVID-19. It is spreading at the same time that vaccine immunity is waning for the first people who were vaccinated.

Everyone should continue to follow local and state rules and regulations, which may or may not have changed since the CDC released new recommendations. In addition, everyone should comply with the practices of businesses that continue to require masks. This is particularly important in indoor settings where vaccinated and unvaccinated people may interact. While many local and state governments, workplaces, and businesses updated their mask policies since the CDC issued its new recommendations, others have not, and others still may wait for additional guidance from the CDC.

Masks are required at all times by everyone visiting an AltaMed facility, even those who have been fully vaccinated

The guidance on wearing masks has not changed for unvaccinated people or partially vaccinated people, who should continue to wear a mask and maintain social distance, particularly when indoors or in crowded outdoor settings. To protect their friends, family, and community, unvaccinated people age 2 and older should wear a well-fitted mask in public settings and when around people who don’t live in their household. Unvaccinated people do not need to wear a mask outdoors if they practice social distancing or when they are at small outdoor gatherings where all other guests are fully vaccinated. You are not fully vaccinated until two weeks have passed since your second dose of the Moderna or Pfizer vaccine or since your one dose of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine.

If you are fully vaccinated — which means two weeks have passed since your second dose of the Moderna or Pfizer vaccine or since your one dose of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine — you have a very low risk of contracting COVID-19 or spreading it to others. You can resume normal activities without wearing a mask, with some notable exceptions. For example, fully vaccinated individuals should continue to wear masks in health care settings, homeless shelters, correctional facilities, public transportation, and airplanes. Additionally, vaccinated people should continue to follow local and state regulations, including individual business (such as retail stores and restaurants) and workplace requirements, which may differ from CDC guidance depending on local scenarios and transmission rates.

While COVID-19 vaccines are highly effective, no vaccine provides 100% immunity. Even with new and evolving guidance, fully vaccinated individuals may make the personal decision to continue to wear a mask based on their own risk assessment and preference. Those with certain medical conditions such as immuno-suppression should consult their physicians regarding the continuation of mask-wearing and other protective measures.

The CDC and FDA have recommended that use of Johnson & Johnson’s Janssen (J&J/Janssen) COVID-19 Vaccine resume in the United States, effective April 23, 2021. However, women younger than 50 years old should especially be aware of the rare risk of blood clots with low platelets after vaccination, and that other COVID-19 vaccines are available where this risk has not been seen. If you received a J&J/Janssen vaccine, here is what you need to know. Read the CDC/FDA statement.

After receiving the Johnson & Johnson Janssen COVID-19 vaccine, monitor for any of the following symptoms between four to 28 days after being vaccinated:

• Severe or persistent headache  

• Severe or persistent blurry vision

• Shortness of breath

• Chest pain

• Persistent abdominal pain

• New severe swelling, pain, or color change of the arm or leg

• Abnormal bruising, reddish or purple spots or blood blisters under the skin

Call the AltaMed Patient Service Center at (888) 499-9303 to make a telehealth appointment to speak to your provider. Or, if you have a MyAltaMed account, login and schedule your appointment.

Prior to FDA approval, the COVID-19 vaccines were evaluated in many thousands of patients first by conducting clinical trials. Clinical trials are closely monitored research programs conducted with patients to see if a new drug or medical treatment is effective. The trails were conducted according to strict standards set forth by the FDA in June 2020. The Food and Drug Administration (or FDA) provided an Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) to use the vaccines because the research showed the vaccines are highly effective in preventing COVID-19 in adults. The research findings in the COVID-19 vaccine trials were proven to have minimal side effects and be highly effective in preventing COVID-19 in adults.

Please refer to the Pfizer, Moderna and J&J websites for more information.

Vaccines have been tested in more than 40,000 volunteers, having only mild symptoms, very similar to our flu vaccine. The FDA will continue to monitor closely any change in side effects or recommendations. At this moment, with the information that we have, the vaccines have been evaluated and can start protecting us and our community against COVID-19.  For the J&J vaccine, women younger than 50 years old should be aware of the rare risk of blood clots with low platelets after vaccination.

The Pfizer and Moderna COVID-19 vaccines require two shots. The first shot starts building protection. A second shot a few weeks later (known as a booster) is needed to create the most protection the vaccine has to offer. Both shots are needed to be fully effective. The J&J vaccine only requires one shot. 

Due to the severe health risks associated with COVID-19 and the fact that re-infection with COVID-19 is possible, people may be advised to get a COVID-19 vaccine even if they have been sick with COVID-19 before.

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

Yes. Vaccinated people could still carry and spread the virus therefore should continue to wear masks, practice frequent hand washing, and socially distance until a majority of the population is vaccinated.

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 (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.

Yes. While experts learn more about the protection that COVID-19 vaccines provide under real-life conditions, it will be important for everyone to continue using all the tools available to us to help stop this pandemic: cover your mouth and nose with a mask, wash hands often, and stay at least six feet away from others. 

Yes. While experts learn more about the protection that COVID-19 vaccines provide under real-life conditions, it will be important for everyone to continue using all the tools available to us to help stop this pandemic: cover your mouth and nose with a mask, wash hands often, and stay at least six feet away from others. Visit the CDC website for the recent mask guidelines.

The CDC and FDA encourage the public to report possible side effects (called adverse events) to the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS). This national system collects these data to look for adverse events that are unexpected, appear to happen more often than expected, or have unusual patterns of occurrence.

Learn about the difference between a vaccine side effect and an adverse event. Reports to VAERS help CDC monitor the safety of vaccines. Safety is a top priority. Health care providers will be required to report certain adverse events following vaccination to VAERS. Health care providers also have to adhere to any revised safety reporting requirements according to FDA’s conditions of authorized use throughout the duration of any Emergency Use Authorization; these requirements would be posted on the FDA’s website.

CDC is also implementing a new 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 surveys where you can report any problems or adverse reactions you have after receiving a COVID-19 vaccine.

At this moment, there is no specific contraindication against getting the vaccine. Please refer to the CDC website.

At this time, experts do not know how long someone is protected from getting sick again after recovering from COVID-19. The immunity someone gains from having an infection, called natural immunity, varies from person to person. Some early evidence suggests natural immunity may not last very long.

If you suffer from allergies, the CDC advises that you consult your doctor before getting the COVID-19 vaccine. Visit the CDC website for more information.

Per the CDC, COVID-19 vaccines may be administered to most people with underlying medical conditions. This information aims to help people in the following groups make an informed decision about receiving a COVID-19 vaccine. 

There is no information at this moment that would correlate the risk of infertility and COVID-19. Please refer the CDC website for more information. While the vaccine trial enrollment excluded pregnant individuals, several people got pregnant during the trial. We do not have any other vaccines either that make you infertile.

Yes. Vaccines are available in California for anyone age 16 years or older who wants one. This will expand to younger children once the FDA/CDC approves them.

Visit the CDC website to learn more about these new variants.

It is normal for a virus to mutate and change over time. Sometimes these new variants emerge and disappear. Other times, new variants emerge and stay. New variants and strains of the virus that causes COVID-19 have been documented in the United States, United Kingdom, South Africa, and Brazil. So far, studies suggest that the COVID-19 vaccine is effective in protecting you from these new variants. Scientists and doctors continue to study the effects. Continue physical distancing, wearing masks, practicing hand hygiene, and isolation and quarantining when exposed to COVID-19, is essential to limit the spread of the virus that causes COVID-19 and protect public health.

Not everyone will experience side effects after the vaccine. If you have pain or discomfort, talk to your doctor about taking an over-the-counter medicine, such as ibuprofen, acetaminophen, or analgesics.

Persons who have received dermal fillers may develop swelling at or near the filler injection site. After receiving the Moderna or Pfizer COVID-19 vaccines, contact your medical provider if swelling develops at or near the filler injection site, usually in the face or lips.

Yes. The CDC states that additional vaccines (including childhood immunizations and the flu vaccines) may be given the same day or within 14 days of the COVID-19 vaccine.

Myocarditis is inflammation of the heart muscle, and pericarditis is inflammation of the outer lining of the heart. The symptoms are chest pain, shortness of breath, or an abnormal heartbeat (fast, fluttering, or pounding). There have been some cases of males 16 and older getting myocarditis and pericarditis after their second dose of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine. Most patients who received care quickly felt better.

The CDC still recommends the COVID-19 vaccination for everyone 12 years of age and older. The benefits of COVID-19 vaccination outweigh the risks, including the possible risk of myocarditis or pericarditis.

Having at least one dose of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines provides limited protection, but only fully vaccinated individuals are well protected from the Delta variant. You are not fully vaccinated until 2 weeks after your last shot.

Guillain Barré syndrome is a neurological disorder that damages nerve cells and causes muscle weakness in some people who have received the Janssen COVID-19 Vaccine. Out of the 12.8 million people who have received the Janssen vaccine, there have only been 100 people suspected of getting Guillian Barry Syndrome.

Less than six feet for 15 minutes or more AND 48 hours before or during the time of symptoms or positive test.

Follow schools’ recommendations regarding requirements for testing and return to work requirements.

In general, children that are unvaccinated that are exposed to COVID-19 should quarantine for 10-14 days.
They should be tested immediately following knowledge of exposure and tested again on day 3-5 after exposure. Parents of exposed children do not need to quarantine unless the child becomes positive.

Vaccinated children do not need to quarantine but should be tested immediately following knowledge of exposure and tested again on day 3-5. Vaccinated children do not need to quarantine or isolate unless they become positive.

Follow schools’ recommendations regarding requirements for testing and return to work requirements.

Children that become positive for COVID-19 need to isolate at home until 10 days have elapsed from the start of symptoms or their positive test AND they need to be fever free for 24 hours without meds AND have symptoms improved. Children do not need a test of cure.

Any family members in close contact (less than six feet for 15 minutes or more AND 48 hours before or during the time of symptoms or positive test) to a COVID-19 positive person will need to quarantine for 10-14 days unless they are fully vaccinated. Regardless of vaccinated status, family members that are close contact should be tested immediately following knowledge of exposure and on day 3-5 after exposure.

Any exposure via close contact (less than six feet for 15 minutes or more AND 48 hours before or during the time of symptoms or positive test) will need to quarantine for 10-14 days unless they are fully vaccinated. Regardless of vaccinated status, family members that are close contact should be tested immediately following knowledge of exposure and on day 3-5 after exposure.

Yes, the CDC and American College of Gynecology has strongly recommended COVID-19 vaccination during pregnancy, after delivery and while breastfeeding. There is overwhelming data supporting that COVID-19 is extremely safe and improves outcomes in pregnant/post-partum women and the babies they are carrying.

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.