Frequently Asked Questions
"Mixing and matching" is getting a different COVID-19 booster than your initial vaccine. The CDC does advise people to get the same booster as their initial vaccine, but allows people to mix and match if they choose.
Can I get my COVID-19 booster and flu shot at the same time?
YES. If it's time for your COVID-19 booster dose, get your flu shot the same day! We do not currently offer the flu vaccine at our COVID-10 vaccination clinics, so please contact your provider or a local pharmacy.
How can I access my immunization records?
Docket Mobile App: Minnesotans can now easily access their immunization records through their smartphones or other mobile devices by using an app called Docket. With Docket, users can see their immunization history from Minnesota Immunization Information Connection (MIIC), check what vaccines they or their family may need in the future, and share immunization records for health, school, travel, and other purposes. Download the free app by searching “Docket” on the Apple App Store or Google Play. Or, go to Docket to download the app.
How much does the COVID-19 vaccine cost?
Health care providers will be able to charge an administration fee for giving the vaccine to someone. This means that you might be asked for your insurance information when you get the COVID-19 vaccine. You can still get the COVID-19 vaccine if you do not have insurance and/or cannot pay the administration fee.
When can I expect immunity after receiving the COVID-19 vaccine?
After the second dose of Moderna or Pfizer, it takes about two weeks for your body to build up protection, so it’s about 6 weeks total from the first vaccine dose to when you should be fully protected. After the first and only dose for Johnson & Johnson it takes 28 days after the vaccination for your body to build up protection against COVID-19.
Although, vaccines are good at preventing people from getting sick, but we don’t have enough data yet to say whether someone who was vaccinated may still spread the disease to others if they get infected with COVID-19. You should continue to follow workplace or schools guidance, including guidance related to wearing personal protection equipment (PPE), like masks and/or face shields, getting tested for COVID-19, and quarantine and isolation requirements.
What are the side effects of the COVID-19 vaccine?
Some side effects are common after vaccination. After getting the COVID-19 vaccine, you will probably have a sore arm and you might have muscle aches, tiredness, headache, or maybe a fever (fever is less common). These side effects usually last one or two days and usually don’t prevent you for going about your daily activities. They are a result of your body responding to the vaccine (it’s also okay if you don’t have any side effects at all).
The COVID-19 vaccine cannot give you COVID-19 disease. However, if you have side effects after vaccination that are similar to symptoms of COVID-19 and those symptoms continue or worsen, it is possible that you may have been exposed to COVID-19 before getting the vaccine. Call your health care provider to determine next steps such as getting tested.
Because some of these side effects are similar to COVID-19 symptoms, people working in the health care setting may be given instructions about what to do if symptoms occur.