OCHC is working hard to plan COVID-19 vaccine distribution in accordance with state guidelines. The Minnesota Department of Health directs vaccine distribution.
We know many are eager to receive the vaccine. Follow along on our website and social media for updates on when it will become available. We will also be sending direct patient messages. To learn how to opt-in to direct patient messages, please talk to your provider or a member of our front desk staff. We look forward to a healthier future.
Can’t find the COVID Vaccine information you are looking for? Ask us directly here.
COVID-19 Vaccines now available for anyone 18 years or older!
Call (651) 251-5967 to schedule your appointment today.
OCHC will be prioritizing clinic patients, those who are older, and those with underlying health conditions.
Moderna aka mRNA-1273 SARS-CoV2
OCHC is distributing the Moderna vaccine. The vaccine is given in 2 doses, 28 days apart. Protection kicks in about 2 weeks after the second dose. Even after getting vaccinated, it is recommended that you wear a mask and continue to social distance until the vaccine has been widely distributed.
Some people experience side effects for a few days after the vaccine, including soreness in the arm where the vaccine was injected, muscle aches, headaches, and occasionally fever.
For a walkthrough of what it is like to get the vaccine, check out Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez’s livestream of her experience here.
Total of 30,420 volunteers across 99 health centers in the US. Volunteers were randomly assigned in 1:1 fashion to control and vaccine group. Each group had 15,210 participants (of that 15,181 individuals received at least 1 dose of the vaccine). Volunteers included people from Black/African American, Hispanic LatinX, Asian and other communities.
Injection site reaction (common for most vaccines), and systemic symptoms like fatigue, headaches, body aches. We will watch everyone for 15 minutes after they receive the vaccine to make sure immediate problems don’t happen.
Yes, but the vaccine appears to be 95% effective at preventing mild and severe Coronavirus infections and is meant to help your body recognize and fight the virus and help reduce significant illness. However, 95% is not 100% protective so It is still important to wear a mask, practice social distancing, hand hygiene etc.
Possibly but the point at which herd immunity is achieved quickly depends largely on how many people get vaccinated. Herd immunity can also be achieved by actual infection with the Coronavirus but that would be a longer process and many lives would be lost.
This population was not studied. ACOG recommends not be withheld from pregnant or lactating women. Unfortunately, women who are pregnant are at greater risk of complications from the virus itself. Women should first speak with their medical doctor and Ob/gyn before getting the vaccine (though this is not required)
It is recommended that all adults get the vaccine even if they have already had the disease. Although getting the virus can give you a certain amount of immunity, we don’t know for sure how long it lasts and the vaccine will offer better protection against becoming re-infected.
Tell your vaccination provider about all of your medical conditions, including if you:
- if you have been hospitalized for COVID-19 treatment
- if you have ad the flue vaccine within the last two weeks
- have any allergies
- have a fever
- have a bleeding disorder or are on a blood thinner
- are immunocompromised or are on a medicine that affects your immune system
- are pregnant or plan to become pregnant
- are breastfeeding
- have received another COVID-19 vaccine
Most medications are safe to continue if receiving the vaccination. People who are on immunosuppressant therapy might have a diminished immune response to the vaccine (might not be as protective).
If you are currently sick, you should not receive the vaccine, although the vaccine does not contain live or inactivated virus particles so it shouldn’t make you ill or worse off if already ill. But if you are ill, you might currently have COVID-19 or current symptoms may be difficult to distinguish from side effects of the vaccine. It is still recommended that you get vaccinated if you have already tested positive for COVID-19 since the duration of natural immunity is unknown.
FDA has authorized the emergency use of the Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine in individuals 18 years of age and older.
FDA has authorized the emergency use of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine in individuals 16 years of age and older.
- had a severe allergic reaction after a previous dose of this vaccine
- had a severe allergic reaction to any ingredient of this vaccine.
- Injection site reactions: pain, tenderness and swelling of the lymph nodes in the same arm of the injection, swelling (hardness), and redness
- General side effects: fatigue, headache, muscle pain, joint pain, chills, nausea and vomiting, and fever
- Difficulty breathing
- Swelling of your face and throat
- A fast heartbeat
- A bad rash all over your body
- Dizziness and weakness
Investigations are still ongoing but the vaccines were still effective against “mutant” strands. Side note – viruses commonly mutate (i.e. flu virus)
- Visit with other fully vaccinated people indoors without wearing masks or physical distancing
- Visit with unvaccinated people from a single household who are at low risk for severe COVID-19 disease indoors without wearing masks or physical distancing
- Refrain from quarantine and testing following a known exposure if asymptomatic
For now, fully vaccinated people should continue to:
- Take precautions in public like wearing a well-fitted mask and physical distancing
- Wear masks, practice physical distancing, and adhere to other prevention measures when visiting with unvaccinated people who are at increased risk for severe COVID-19 disease or who have an unvaccinated household member who is at increased risk for severe COVID-19 disease