Getting your vaccine: Know before you go

If you have a vaccination appointment coming up, you may be wondering what it will be like and how to prepare for it. 

Here’s what you can expect at the appointment: 

  • You, and the person who is vaccinating you, will need to wear a face covering that covers your mouth and nose.   
  • The shot will be given in your shoulder so it’s helpful to wear a short sleeve shirt.   
  • The vaccine is free.  
  • You are not required to show identification or to give them a social security number.  
  • If you have health insurance, you may be asked to show your insurance card so that the clinic can bill the administration fee to them.   
  • After getting a COVID-19 vaccine, you will be monitored on site for at least 15 minutes. Learn more about COVID-19 vaccines and rare severe allergic reactions. ​  
  • You should receive a vaccination card with the CDC logo on it. Hold onto that card. You may also want to take a picture of your vaccination card in case you misplace it.   
  • Schedule your second dose from the same site where you received your first.  

Learn more on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) webpage. To learn how to schedule a vaccine appointment, visit How to Find a COVID-19 Vaccine in Oregon.

This article first appeared in the April 22, 2021 issue of Oregon Coronavirus Update.