COVID-19 Vaccine FAQs

A: Vaccine appointments are currently available for:

• 18 and older for those receiving the Moderna or Johnson & Johnson vaccines.
• 16 and older for those receiving the Pfizer vaccine.

For more information, visit the Maricopa County COVID-19 Vaccine page.

A: Vaccines are currently offered:

• By appointment only at 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

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 last and as more people become protected through the vaccination over time.

Read the current CDC guidelines for fully vaccinated people.

A: The Moderna vaccine is being distributed at our two medical group locations offering COVID-19 vaccinations.

A: Research has found the Moderna vaccine to be 94% effective. Read more about the Moderna vaccine on the CDC website.

A: The Moderna vaccine requires two doses – an initial vaccination and then a second dose four 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. If you do not have insurance, the Health Resources and Services Administration, a government organization, will be billed for your 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: You will walk into the medical group office where your vaccine is scheduled. When you arrive, expect to:

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