Infectious Disease Prevention & Treatment Program
COVID19 Information
More Information
The COVID19 vaccines are safe, give you 94% protection, prevent you from becoming infected and seriously ill, and will save lives. It takes time for your body to build protection after any vaccination.
Your health and safety is our top priority! Because of the pandemic, we limit the number of in person visits with a provider. Everyone entering the clinic must come with a mask or face covering, have their temperature checked, and be asked if they have any COVID19 symptoms. To help our patients continue to get the care they need and keep them safe, we also offer telephone and video visits with VCH providers.
Learn More About…
Covid Vaccination & Boosters
Shots for Children 6 months – 17 years
Symptoms & Testing
About Covid Vaccine & Booster Shots
COVID19 Vaccines for enrolled patients 6 months and older by appointment only
COVID 19-vaccines are effective at protecting people from getting seriously ill, being hospitalized, and even dying.
The protection COVID-19 vaccines provide decreases over time, and we recommend everyone 5 years and older stay up to date with their vaccines and boosters.
UPDATED COVID_19 VACCINATION INFORMATION
- The new vaccination (booster) protects against the latest and more infectious variants.
- The new booster is recommended for all patients who have had previous boosters!
- It is free and available now at Valley Community Healthcare (818)763-8836.
- You may also find locations by clicking on the Los Angeles County website. http://www.publichealth.lacounty.gov/media/Coronavirus/vaccine/index.htm
You are eligible if:
- You’re an adult or child over the age of five
- You’ve recovered from COVID-19 infection
- You have not received a COVID-19 vaccination or booster in the last 2 months
PROOF OF VACCINATION IS REQUIRED FOR A BOOSTER SHOT. Bring one of the following to your appointment:
- CDC white Card
- Electronic Vaccination Record (e.g., state digital record, Healthvana)
- Verification via MyTurn
- Verification via the California Immunization Registry (CAIR)
IMPORTANT
Be On Time:
You must keep the correct appointment time.
Bring A Photo ID:
Nobody can take your place.
Wear A Mask
Stay Home If You Are Sick:
If you have symptoms like fever, cough, cold, loss of smell etc. stay home
Getting Ready for your Appointment
- The vaccine is safe and patients get two doses
- Your appointment may take up to one hour
- When you register, you will get a vaccination card, and an appointment for when to come back for your second dose
- In one month you must bring this card to your second appointment
- You will get information about the V-safe program
- Your vaccine will be included in your patient record
- No visitors are allowed in the vaccination area
Getting Your Shot
- Patients with appointments will check in with the patient screening assistants downstairs.
- Patients will be screened for COVID-19 symptoms and have their temperature checked.
- Patients will be directed to the department and fill out a screening questionnaire.
- A nurse will administer the vaccine and monitor the patient for safety measures.
- After getting the shot, patients will sit and wait for 15-30 minutes.
After the Shot
- Patients may feel pain, tenderness, and swelling at the injection site
- Some people get a headache, chills, body aches, or feel tired or nauseous
- It takes time for your body to build protection against the virus
- It is possible to carry the virus without showing symptoms, and pass it on
- Continue to wear a mask, keep your distance, and wash your hands until the pandemic is under control
Getting the second shot
- You will get a reminder for your second appointment.
- Follow the same check-in and vaccination process at your vaccination site
- You must get the second shot to make sure that you receive the maximum protection from the vaccine.
- Some people may have even stronger reactions the second time, and feel feverish, dizzy, and achy or have chills.
- These reactions show that your immune system is responding to the vaccine.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do I need a second shot?
A second dose ensures that you receive the maximum protection from the vaccine.
Can I still get the virus after the vaccine?
Yes, but being vaccinated gives you 94% protection against the virus. The vaccine protects you from becoming seriously ill.
When can I stop wearing a mask?
Public Health officials will let everyone know when it is safe to stop wearing a mask. This will be when enough people are vaccinated and infection rates become lower.
Can I take any medication after my vaccine if I need it?
For symptoms after your shot, you can take ibuprofen or acetaminophen only if your doctor normally recommends these medications for you. It is better to avoid taking any medication if you can, as these medications can lessen your immune response.
To Cancel Your Appointment:
If you already got the vaccine or are unable to make your appointment
call 818-301-6311 to cancel
Pfizer-Biotech and Moderna COVID-19 Vaccines Available for Children 6 months -17 years
Getting your young kids vaccinated is the best way to protect them, and your whole family.
Before Your Child Gets the Vaccine Talk To Your Provider
Tell them about all your child’s medical conditions, including if your child:
- has any allergies
- has had myocarditis (inflammation of the heart muscle) or pericarditis (inflammation of the lining outside the heart)
- has a fever
- has a bleeding disorder or is on a blood thinner
- is immunocompromised or is on a medicine that affects your child’s immune system
- is pregnant
- is breastfeeding
- has received another COVID-19 vaccine
- has ever fainted in association with an injection
Your child should not get the vaccine if they:
- had a severe allergic reaction after a previous dose of this vaccine
- had a severe allergic reaction to any ingredient of this vaccine.
Getting The Shot
Children 6mos.-2years will get an injection into their upper leg, 3-17 year-olds in the muscle on their upper arm.
Pfizer delivers 3 doses: second dose given 3 weeks after the first, third dose given at least 8 weeks after the second.
Moderna delivers 2 doses: second dose given 1 month after the first.
Risks Of The Vaccine
There is a small chance that the vaccine could cause a severe allergic reaction and would usually occur within a few minutes to one hour after getting a dose. Your provider may ask your child to stay in place for monitoring after getting the vaccine.
Signs of a severe allergic reaction can include:
- Difficulty breathing
- Swelling of the face and throat
- A fast heartbeat
- A bad rash all over the body
- Dizziness and weakness
Symptoms of inflammation of the heart muscle or of the lining outside the heart began within a few days after getting the second dose. There is a very small chance of this happening, and you should seek medical attention right away.
Signs of heart inflammation include:
- Chest pain
- Shortness of breath
- Feelings of having a fast-beating, fluttering, or pounding heart
Side Effects
- severe allergic reactions
- non-severe allergic reactions such as rash, itching, hives, or swelling of the face
- myocarditis (inflammation of the heart muscle)
- pericarditis (inflammation of the lining outside the heart)
- injection site pain
- tiredness
- headache
- muscle pain
- chills
- joint pain
- fever
- injection site swelling
- injection site redness
- nausea
- feeling unwell
- swollen lymph nodes (lymphadenopathy)
- decreased appetite
- diarrhea
- vomiting
- arm pain
- fainting in association with injection of the vaccine
What Should I Do?
If your child experiences a severe allergic reaction, call 9-1-1, or go to the nearest hospital.
Call the vaccination provider or your child’s healthcare provider if your child has any side effects that bother your child or do not go away.
What If I Decide Not To Vaccinate
Additional Information
Can my child get the COVID-19 vaccine at the same time as other vaccines?
Discuss the options with your child’s healthcare provider.
Will the vaccine give my child covid-19?
No. The vaccine does not contain the virus and cannot infect your child.
Keep your child’s vaccination card
You will get a vaccination card when your child gets their first dose, and it will tell you t when to return for the next dose of the vaccine. Remember to bring the card when your child returns.
Symptoms of COVID-19
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced these additional symptoms of the disease:
- Respiratory symptoms; like a cough or difficulty breathing
- Fever
- Chills
- Muscle pain
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Sore throat
- Loss of taste or smell
- Runny Nose
Testing Information
Enrolled VCH patients and uninsured people can call 818-763-8836 option 9 to schedule an appointment to get a COVID-19 test.