COVID-19 Vaccine FAQs

A: Vaccine appointments are currently available for:

• Phase 1A, which includes first responders, healthcare staff and long-term care facility staff and residents
• Phase 1B, which includes education and childcare providers, law enforcement/protective service workers and adults 75 and older

For more information, visit the Maricopa County COVID-19 Vaccine website:

Phase 1A information

Phase 1B information

A: The timeline is still fluid, and vaccine distribution will go through multiple phases before reaching the general public.

See potential phased distribution plans on the Maricopa County Department of Public Health website.

A: Vaccines are currently offered:

• By appointment only to Phase 1A and prioritized 1B through  sites across Maricopa County
• To most long-term care facilities through the CDC Pharmacy Partnership for their staff and residents
• By appointment only at select pharmacies for those 75 years and older

A: There is no waiting list for the vaccine at this time. Maricopa County Department of Public Health is sharing real-time information about the phases and vaccine rollout on their website. HonorHealth will continue to provide updates on the vaccine rollout as they become available. You may also sign up to receive vaccine updates via email.

A: Like all vaccines, COVID-19 vaccines must go through a rigorous and multi-step testing and approval process before they can be used. To get an Emergency Use Authorization, developers of a vaccine must provide a large amount of data on its safety and effectiveness to meet the rigorous standards set by the FDA. Even after a vaccine is authorized for use, there are safety monitoring systems in place by the CDC and FDA to allow for continued monitoring of the safety of the vaccine.

A: Side effects that have been reported for the COVID-19 vaccines are like those of other vaccines including joint pain, muscle pain, fatigue, fever greater than 100.4, chills and headache.

A: Prior to scheduling your appointment, please discuss with your personal healthcare provider if you:

• Are pregnant
• Are breastfeeding
• Have an immunocompromising condition
• Had a COVID-19 infection in the last 90 days
• Are currently sick with COVID-19 (COVID-19 vaccination should not be given if currently symptomatic or you are in your isolation period).

A: It is not recommended to get the COVID-19 vaccine within 14 days of another vaccine. However, there may be special circumstances where the potential benefits outweigh the potential unknown risks, and it’s recommended that you contact your healthcare provider to discuss.

A: No, none of the authorized and recommended vaccines or vaccines currently in development contain the live virus that causes COVID-19. For more information on this topic, visit this CDC information page.

A: For guidance on allergic reactions and who should not get the vaccine, please visit the Maricopa County Department of Public Health site, under Vaccine Safety.

A: Yes, but there may be limitations if you have received specific treatments for COVID-19. For more information on this topic, visit this CDC information page.

A: No, these vaccines will not cause you to test positive on viral tests, which are used to see if you have a current infection. For more information on this topic, visit this CDC information page.

A: It will still be several months before enough people have immunity (either from a vaccine or past infection). Even after getting vaccinated, it will be necessary to continue with the core COVID-19 safety precautions, including wearing a mask, social distancing and washing your hands, for the foreseeable future until we have more information about how long vaccine protections lasts and as more people become protected through the vaccination over time.

A: The Pfizer vaccine is being distributed to Phase 1B at our vaccination site.

A: Research has found the Pfizer vaccine to be 95% effective. Read more about these findings on the Pfizer website.

A: The Pfizer vaccine requires two doses – an initial vaccination and then a second dose three weeks later. Both doses are required for the vaccine to be effective. Please ensure your schedule will allow time to receive both doses within the recommended time period before scheduling your initial dose.

A: You should receive your second dose at the same location you received your first. HonorHealth schedules both first and second dose when you make your vaccination appointment.

A: No, there is not a cost for the vaccine. However, you will enter your insurance or Medicare information during the scheduling process, as insurance or Medicare will be billed an administration fee.

A: You need to have a scheduled appointment in order to receive your vaccine that day. If you don’t have an appointment, you will be turned away and asked to schedule your vaccination.

A: When you arrive, expect to:

• Show your driver’s license and/or school identification as part of the registration process
• Wear a mask at all times while at the vaccination clinic
• Remain in your car throughout the whole process
• Wait in your car in the designated spot for at least 15 minutes after your vaccine to monitor for side effects 
• Be at the vaccination site for approximately 20-30 minutes