COVID-19 Vaccine Information

Everyone 6 months and older should get the latest COVID-19 vaccine to protect themselves from severe illness. The CDC also recommends that adults ages 65 years and older receive an additional dose of the updated COVID-19 vaccine at least four months after their first dose of the updated vaccine, which became available in fall 2023. 

It’s especially important to get vaccinated if you’re at high risk for complications from COVID-19. Older people and those with weakened immune systems have a greater risk for hospitalization and even death from the virus. However, even healthy children and adults can get seriously ill from COVID-19.

The CDC recommends that adults ages 65 years and older receive an additional dose of the updated COVID-19 vaccine at least four months after their first dose of the updated vaccine, which became available in fall 2023. We expect to begin administering this additional dose of the updated COVID-19 vaccine to older adults in most areas by mid-March, and possibly earlier in some locations.

The CDC recommends that all people 6 months and older should get an updated COVID-19 vaccine even if you had COVID-19 recently. You should wait until you recover from the illness before getting your next COVID-19 vaccine dose.

You can also wait up to 3 months from when you first showed COVID-19 symptoms or got a positive test result. The risk of reinfection is low for a few weeks to months after you recover. And some studies have shown that increased time between infection and vaccination may improve the immune response to the vaccination. 

The CDC recommends getting whichever vaccine is available, regardless of which one you got for your previous vaccination. Pfizer and Moderna vaccines are equally safe and effective. Most Kaiser Permanente locations are giving the updated Pfizer vaccine at no cost to our members.  

Members who are unable to get an mRNA vaccine can request the newly authorized updated Novavax vaccine as supply allows. 

You can get a COVID-19 vaccine at no cost when you visit Kaiser Permanente. Select your region above to learn more. 

Before you get the vaccine, consider these steps to help prepare for any side effects: 

• Stay hydrated. This is especially important if you tend to feel lightheaded when getting a shot or your blood drawn.³ You should also try to avoid alcohol the night before your vaccine appointment.
• Get sleep. Studies have shown that sleep after vaccination strengthens your body’s immune response.⁴ Aim to get 7 hours of sleep a night.
• Take care of yourself. Be good to your body the day or days that you get your vaccine. If you have pain in your arm, you can use an ice pack for relief. If you have chills, a warm shower or heated blanket may feel nice.
• Consider pain relief meds. Keep ibuprofen (like Advil) or acetaminophen (like Tylenol) on hand to help with body aches or a fever.⁵ But don’t take pain medication before getting your COVID-19 vaccine. Taking pain meds beforehand may reduce the vaccine’s effectiveness.
• Dress in comfortable clothing. This makes it easy to expose your upper arm. Some clinics may be outdoors, so dress for the weather. You may have to wait for a while, including up to 30 minutes after your vaccination. 

Your child should wear comfortable clothing that makes it easy to expose their upper arm. Some clinics may be outdoors, so dress them for the weather. You may have to wait for a while, including up to 30 minutes after their vaccination. Please don’t arrive more than 5 minutes before your appointment.

A parent or guardian must give consent. 

Yes, the COVID-19 vaccines can have side effects. Common side effects include:

• Fever
• Fatigue
• Muscle aches
• Nausea
• Headache
• Chills
• Soreness around the injection site

These side effects are normal and usually only last for 1 to 2 days. 

Can I access a digital vaccination card on my mobile device?

Yes, you can see your COVID-19 vaccination status on the Kaiser Permanente app by following these steps.

1. Sign in to the Kaiser Permanente app.
2. Under “Get Care,” tap “COVID-19 Vaccine, Testing, and Care.”
3. Tap “Review COVID-19 Record and QR” to view and share a scannable QR code with your vaccination status.

I lost my COVID-19 vaccination card. Can I get a replacement?

If you were vaccinated at Kaiser Permanente, you can see a digital version of your COVID-19 vaccination status by signing in to the Kaiser Permanente app.

If you’re a Kaiser Permanente member and got vaccinated somewhere else, add your vaccination to your health record. 

Yes, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, all the COVID-19 vaccines currently available in the United States are effective at preventing COVID-19.

There’s still a chance you get a COVID-19 infection even if you’re fully vaccinated, but the vaccine can help prevent severe illness and hospitalization. They also lower your risk of getting long COVID.

Yes, the updated vaccines should be effective against the more recent COVID-19 variants.

It’s important to get the updated vaccine, since it provides the best protection against the more recent variants. 

No. Vaccine effectiveness is the same for everyone. 

Yes. According to the CDC, COVID-19 vaccines protect against severe disease, hospitalization, and death from COVID-19 infection in children and adolescents. 

No. The COVID-19 vaccine doesn’t contain the virus, so it can’t give you a COVID-19 infection.

Yes. We recommend getting a COVID-19 vaccine if you’re pregnant, or trying to become pregnant. You don’t have to wait to get pregnant after getting vaccinated. Talk with your care team if you have concerns.

Learn more about COVID-19 and pregnancy at kp.org/maternity-covid.

If you have questions or concerns about the COVID-19 vaccine, talk to your doctor. Your doctor can help you decide if getting vaccinated is the right choice for you.

Even though it’s extremely rare, allergic reactions to a vaccine can happen. Don’t get a vaccine with ingredients that have given you a severe allergic reaction in the past. If you find you’re allergic to a certain type of vaccine, don’t get another dose of that vaccine.⁶

Visit the CDC website to learn more about the COVID-19 vaccine for people who have allergies. 

No, the COVID-19 vaccines don’t cause infertility.

And heart problems from the vaccine are uncommon, according to the CDC. The benefits of getting vaccinated against COVID-19 are greater than the risks.