Updated: September 27, 2022
Hoag is committed to supporting our patients and community with the COVID-19 vaccination efforts. Everyone 6 months and older is eligible to receive the vaccine.
Click here to view specific vaccine FAQs for children ages 5-11.
Q. How can I schedule an appointment?
A: Patients are encouraged to schedule a vaccine appointment with their primary care provider.
Additional resources and information about vaccine appointments are below.
- My Turn/California Department of Public Health
- Othena/Orange County Health Care Agency
- Vaccine Finder
Q: Where can I get a digital record of my COVID-19 vaccine?
A. Anyone vaccinated in the state of California may visit https://myvaccinerecord.cdph.ca.gov/ to obtain a link to a QR code and digital copy of your COVID-19 vaccination record.
Q: Do I need a bivalent shot/additional dose of the COVID-19 vaccine if I am fully vaccinated?
A. In accordance with FDA and CDC guidelines, the following individuals are eligible for a booster shot/additional dose:
- Individuals ages 12 or older are eligible for a Pfizer bivalent booster if it has been at least 2 months since completion of the primary series or the most recent booster dose.
- Individuals ages 18 or older are eligible for a Moderna bivalent booster if it has been at least 2 months since completion of the primary series or the most recent booster dose.
Q: Is the vaccine safe?
- These vaccines do not contain any part of the coronavirus, so you cannot become infected with COVID-19 from the vaccination.
- COVID vaccines have undergone independent safety reviews at the study level, prior to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) decision and at the state level before making it available to those in the state of California.
- The vaccines have been tested for safety and efficacy, just as they would in a standard process.
- All persons receiving the vaccine will be followed by the CDC for adverse reactions; that information is available to the public.
Q: I already had, and recovered from, COVID-19. Do I still need to get vaccinated?
A: Yes, even those who have already had the virus should get vaccinated to augment their immunity. The protection from reinfection seems to depend upon how much of the virus a person has been exposed to. Because vaccines deliver a specific dose, we can reasonably predict the outcome.
Q: Can I get the COVID-19 vaccine and a flu vaccine or other vaccine at the same time?
A: Yes, according to guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), COVID-19 vaccines and other vaccines including the flu shot, may now be administered on the same day. The only exception to this may be the Jynneos vaccine for monkeypox or smallpox prevention. COVID-19 vaccines may be delayed by 4 weeks if the Jynneos vaccine is given first. If you have specific questions related to your personal health condition, please speak with your physician.
Q: What are possible side effects from the vaccine?
A: Side effects may include normal immune response including mild to moderate symptoms that should resolve within a few days. Symptoms may include soreness/ redness/ swelling at the injection site, fatigue, headaches, or fever that can last for a day or two.
Q. Do I have to continue wearing a mask after I get the vaccine?
A: Fully vaccinated people do not need to wear a mask except for settings where it is required. Please note that anyone entering a health care facility including Hoag is still required to wear a face mask or cloth covering at all times regardless of vaccination status, per California Department of Public Health guidelines.
Q. Can I get the vaccine if I am pregnant or planning on getting pregnant?
A: Please discuss this with your obstetrician or primary care provider.
Q: Is there anyone who shouldn’t be vaccinated? If so, who?
A: At this time, the vaccine is believed to be safe for all healthy adults, children over the age of 6-months-old and people with stable chronic conditions, such as diabetes, cancer and heart disease. Please discuss the risks and benefits of the vaccine with your healthcare professional.
Q: Can my kids get vaccinated too? Will it be the same vaccine as for adults, or will it be specially formulated for children?
A: Pfizer makes COVID vaccines for ages 6 months-11 years, and 12 years and up. The vaccines are the same, but the doses are different for the different age groups.
Q: Should I get an additional dose or a booster dose if I have a severe allergic reaction?
A: If you have ever had a severe reaction to any ingredient in a COVID-19 vaccine, the CDC recommends that you should not get the additional dose or booster dose of that specific vaccine. If you have had a severe reaction to other vaccines or injectable therapies, you should ask your doctor if you should get a COVID-19 vaccine. Your doctor will help decide if it is safe for you to get vaccinated.
Q: How much will the vaccination cost?
A: The federal government is providing the COVID-19 vaccine so the vaccine itself is being provided to you at no charge.
Q. When will I be provided with the vaccination card?
A: On your first scheduled vaccination dose visit, you will be given a COVID-19 Vaccine Card with the brand of vaccine received, lot number, administration date, and location of vaccination event.
Q: Where can I learn more about the COVID-19 vaccine?
A: Please visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) COVID-19 Vaccination site via this link.