Frequently Asked Questions
How long do I wait to receive my booster after receiving my second dose of Pfizer?
Individuals 12 years and older who received a Pfizer-BioNTech primary series are eligible for a booster shot 5 months after their initial series.
How long do I wait to receive my booster after receiving my second dose of Moderna?
Individuals 18 years and older who received a Moderna primary series are eligible for a booster shot 5 months or more after their initial series.
How long do I wait to receive my booster after receiving a J&J vaccine
Individuals 18 years and older who received a J&J vaccine are eligible 2 months after the initial dose.
Can I mix mix & match COVID-19 Brands (heterologous series)
Both the FDA and CDC support individuals to receive a booster dose that is a different vaccine type than they originally received for their primary series if they choose. CDC’s recommendations now allow for this type of mix and match dosing for booster shots.
Are COVID-19 vaccines effective?
Yes. Evidence shows that COVID-19 vaccines are safe and work to prevent COVID-19. The Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine was 95% effective and the Moderna vaccine was 94% effective in phase 3 clinical trials with more than 70,000 participants between the two studies. Although the COVID-19 vaccines have been developed recently, the technology used in mRNA vaccines, like those developed by Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna, has been studied for decades.
Can I still get COVID-19 after I've been vaccinated?
Yes, you can get COVID-19 after vaccination. As with the flu vaccine, you may still contract, and transmit, COVID-19 after you are fully vaccinated, but any symptoms you may experience should be less severe and resolve quicker. Therefore, it is important that you continue wearing a face mask, social distancing and taking other precautions even after vaccination.
What are the side effects of the vaccine?
Those who receive the vaccine may experience mild symptoms of COVID-19 and soreness at the site of injection. Information about rare allergic reactions to the vaccination can be found on the CDC website.
Can the vaccine give me COVID-19?
No. None of the COVD-19 vaccines currently authorized for use or in development in the United States use the live virus that causes COVID-19. However, it typically takes a few weeks for the body to build immunity after vaccination. That means it’s possible you could be infected with the virus that causes COVID-19 just before or just after vaccination and get sick.
Is it safe to get vaccinated if I have an underlying health condition?
Yes. COVID-19 vaccination is especially important for people with underlying health problems like heart disease, lung disease, diabetes, and obesity. People with these conditions are more likely to get very sick from COVID-19. It is recommended that people with these conditions get vaccinated. Individuals who have had prior allergic reactions to injectable medicines should consult with their medical providers before receiving a COVID-19 vaccine.
I’ve had allergic reactions to other shots, can I get the COVID-19 vaccine?
You should talk with your provider about what allergies may make it risky for you to get the COVID-19 vaccination, but, it has proven safe in the vast majority of instances.
Is the COVID-19 vaccination safe for children?
Vaccinations are available for children 5+ at this time., and have been found to be safe and effective in preventing seroious COVID-19 complications in children.
Can people who have already had COVID-19 get the vaccine?
Yes. The CDC recommends that you get vaccinated even if you have already had COVID-19 because you can catch it more than once. While you may have some short-term antibody protection after recovering from COVID-19, we don’t know how long this protection will last.
Can I get the vaccine if I’m pregnant or nursing?
Yes. The American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology recommend getting the vaccine to prevent severe illness secondary to COVID-19 in pregnancy.
Does this vaccine cause infertility?
No. There is no scientific evidence for this claim.
I have a food allergy, can I get the vaccine?
Yes. Information about the COVID-19 vaccination and allergies can be found on the CDC's website.
I have seasonal allergies, can I get the vaccine?
Yes. Information about the COVID-19 vaccination and allergies can be found on the CDC's website.
Where do I go for a vaccination?
Vaccines are able in a wide range of places: physician’s offices, hospitals, pharmacies, community health centers, and other locations that would normally administer vaccinations. Griffin health operates mass vaccination centers in Shelton and Naugatuck (please see hours and address above) and conducts mobile vaccination clinics in the Lower Naugatuck Valley and throughout the state. Upcoming clinics can be found here.
Do I get to choose which vaccine brand I want to receive?
COVID-19 vaccine choice depends on supply and availability. You can talk with your medical provider if you have specific questions or concerns that may lead you to want to seek out one specific COVID-19 vaccine versus another.
How do I know when to schedule my second vaccination?
Most providers will ask you to schedule your first and second vaccination at the same time, and will help you set up reminders via text, email, or phone call about your second dose.
What if I miss my second shot?
You should talk to your provider about what next steps you need to take if you miss an appointment for your second vaccination. You will need to get the second shot to be fully vaccinated but will not have to repeat the 2 shot series if you miss your second shot.
My relative is in a nursing home, can I visit once the residents are vaccinated?
You should continue to follow guidelines released by the Department of Public Health. While you or your family member may be vaccinated, you may come into others who are not, so it is critical to continue to use caution.
If I’m vaccinated, can I visit family in the hospital or nursing home?
You should continue to follow guidelines released by the Department of Public Health. While you or your family member may be vaccinated, you may come into others who are not, so it is critical to continue to use caution.
Am I going to be required to carry verification that I’ve been vaccinated?
In some instances yes, for instance, visitors and vendors to Griffin Health facilities are required to show proof of vaccination. Your provider will make sure that their records reflect you have received vaccine in order to most effectively treat you in the future.
Once I’m vaccinated, can I stop wearing a mask and social distancing?
No. Not everyone you come into contact with will have received the vaccine. It is critical to follow basic public health best practices for the foreseeable future
I received my first COVID-19 vaccine dose from another vaccination provider. Can I receive my second vaccine dose at Griffin?
Yes, you can receive your second dose and boosters from Griffin.
Which COVID-19 vaccine is being given?
Griffin is administering all brands of the COVID-19 vaccine including Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna, and Johnson & Johnson. As new vaccines are approved for use by the FDA, brands other than Pfizer-BioNTech-BioNTech and Moderna may be administered by Griffin.
How do I make an appointment for second COVID-19 vaccine dose?
All Griffin Vaccination Centers and Mobile Clinics are walk-in and do not require an appointment.
How soon after my COVID-19 first shot should I receive my second shot?
If you receive the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine for your first dose, your second dose should be at least 21 days later. If you receive the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine for your first dose, your second dose should be at least 28 days later. Source: CDC https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/covid-19/info-by-product/clinical-considerations.html.