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COVID-19 vaccines

Last update: 2023-01-31

The County of San Diego is currently vaccinating individuals 6 months and older. You do not need to contact your doctor before your — or your child's — appointment unless you have a specific medical question.

The community clinics at Sharp Chula Vista Medical Center and Sharp Grossmont Hospital Care Clinic are offering vaccines for people 5 and older. Vaccines for people 12 and older are also available at Sharp Coronado Community Pharmacy. Appointments are required through MyTurn.

Vaccines for children ages 6 months to 4 years are available from other location resources or your child's pediatrician. Appointments can be scheduled through MyTurn.

Learn more about COVID-19 resources and the vaccines in San Diego.

How to get your COVID-19 vaccine.

1. Schedule an appointment at a Sharp location or county vaccination site through MyTurn or call 2-1-1 for help scheduling.

2. Walk in to any no-appointment San Diego County vaccine location.

3. Make an appointment at one of the Sharp locations offering vaccinations. Please note appointments are required.

Sharp Chula Vista Medical Center Outpatient Pharmacy
751 Medical Center Court
Chula Vista, CA 91911
Monday through Friday: 10 am to 4 pm
Sharp Coronado Community Pharmacy
230 Prospect Place, Suite 110
Coronado, CA 92118
Monday through Friday: 9 am to 6 pm

Sharp Grossmont Hospital Care Clinic
8851 Center Drive Suite 600
La Mesa, CA 91942
Monday through Friday: 10 am to 6 pm
Saturday and Sunday: 10 am to 5 pm

4. Make an appointment at a participating pharmacy:

Frequently asked questions about COVID-19 vaccines.

Who can get the COVID-19 vaccine?

Which COVID-19 vaccines is Sharp offering?

Sharp is providing Pfizer and Moderna COVID-19 vaccines. Available type depends on supply, and we ask that you take the vaccine offered at your appointment. Both vaccines have shown to be highly effective against death and hospitalization due to COVID-19.

How much will the vaccine cost?

The federal government has paid for the cost of the vaccine doses. While your insurance may be billed for certain costs to give the shot to you, you will not have out-of-pocket costs associated with getting the vaccine, regardless of your insurance or medical group affiliation.

Can I get my vaccine booster?

Anyone 5 and older is eligible for the updated (bivalent) Pfizer or Moderna booster, 2 months after completing the initial series with any of the original (monovalent) COVID-19 vaccines.

Children 6 months to 4 years and older are eligible for the updated Moderna booster, 2 months after completing the Moderna primary series.

Children 6 months to 4 years who received their first two doses of the Pfizer primary series can receive either an original (monovalent) or updated (bivalent) dose as their third dose to complete the series.

Please refer to your COVID-19 vaccination card to confirm the date of your last dose and to determine when you can receive a booster. If you cannot find your card, look up your information at myvaccinerecord.cdph.ca.gov.

If you qualify for a booster, schedule an appointment on MyTurn by selecting "Updated booster (bivalent) dose." You do not need to return to your original vaccination site to receive a booster. Choose the location that is most convenient for you.

How do I cancel or change my booster shot appointment?

You can manage your appointments through MyTurn. You will need either the mobile number or email used for scheduling your appointment and the appointment confirmation number you should have received via text or email.

Who can get the Novovax vaccine?

Novavax is only for individuals 12 years and older who have not yet completed an initial COVID-19 vaccine series. Novavax can be given to individuals that have a contraindication to receive the second dose of Pfizer or Moderna and the doses are given at least 28 days apart.

Novavax does not have a booster dose, however those that complete the 2 dose Novavax series are eligible for a booster with Pfizer (12 years and older) or Moderna (18 years and older) 2 months after completing the initial series.

The vaccine is available at retail pharmacies, community clinics, San Diego County public health centers and community vaccination events. Appointments can be made through MyTurn.

Can I get the COVID-19 vaccine with other vaccines, including the flu vaccine?

It is safe to receive the COVID-19 vaccines with other regularly scheduled vaccinations, including the flu vaccine. If you receive multiple vaccines at the same time, they will be given in different arms.

What is the difference between an additional dose and a booster shot?

To provide the best possible protection for immunocompromised patients, the CDC recommends an additional (third) dose for those who received either Pfizer or Moderna for their initial series. This third dose is not considered a booster shot. If you are immunocompromised, you are eligible for an additional dose 28 days after the second dose of your Pfizer or Moderna vaccine. Research shows that the immune system of many immunocompromised patients does not produce the same response that a two-shot course produces in healthy people.

The CDC and FDA approved booster shots for healthy individuals because research has shown that the vaccine effectiveness begins to wane after 6 months.

Is Sharp offering COVID-19 vaccine additional doses?

We are offering additional doses to people with moderately to severely compromised immune systems only. The CDC and California Department of Health advise patients who received either the Moderna or Pfizer vaccine and have moderately to severely compromised immune systems to receive an additional vaccine dose.

If you are immunocompromised and want to receive an additional dose, make an appointment on MyTurn by selecting "Additional doses available for eligible patients" and then select a Sharp vaccination center.

Additional doses for immunocompromised people are also available throughout San Diego at local pharmacies. You do not need to return to your original vaccination site to receive an additional dose. Choose the location that is most convenient for you.

I am immunocompromised. When can I have an additional dose?

The CDC now recommends that immunocompromised individuals receive a three-dose primary series (Pfizer or Moderna) of the COVID-19 vaccine, and a bivalent booster at least 2 months after the third dose. If you have already received 1 or more monovalent (original) boosters, you are eligible for a single bivalent (updated) booster 2 months after your last dose.

How do I know if I am eligible for an additional dose?

If you are immunocompromised, you are eligible for an additional dose of the COVID-19 vaccine 28 days after receiving the second dose (Pfizer or Moderna), and eligible for a bivalent (updated) booster 2 months after the additional dose.
The CDC has identified the following patients as immunocompromised:
- Been receiving active cancer treatment for tumors or cancers of the blood
- Received an organ transplant and are taking medicine to suppress the immune system
- Received a stem cell transplant within the last 2 years or are taking medicine to suppress the immune system
- Moderate or severe primary immunodeficiency (such as DiGeorge syndrome, Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome)
- Advanced or untreated HIV infection
- Active treatment with high-dose corticosteroids or other drugs that may suppress your immune response

Where can I get a vaccine for my child?

The FDA and CDC have authorized the Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna COVID-19 vaccines for children 6 months and older. The community clinics at Sharp Chula Vista Medical Center and Sharp Grossmont Hospital Care Clinic are vaccinating children 5 and older but not offering vaccines for children younger than 5. Appointments are required through MyTurn.

Sharp Rees-Stealy patients: Parents and guardians of Sharp Rees-Stealy patients may book a COVID-19 vaccine appointment on FollowMyHealth.

You do not need to contact your child's doctor for approval to receive the vaccine.

Why should my child be vaccinated?

While only a small percentage of children have become seriously ill or died due to COVID-19 complications, it is still among the top 10 leading causes of death in children. Children can also spread the virus to other vulnerable people so vaccinating a large percentage of children may help us get closer to reaching herd immunity and protect those at high risk of serious illness.

Which vaccine will my child receive?

Children ages 6 months and older may receive the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine.

Can my child get their vaccine booster?

Anyone 5 and older is eligible for the updated (bivalent) Pfizer or Moderna booster, 2 months after completing the initial series with any of the original (monovalent) COVID-19 vaccines.

Children 6 months to 4 years and older are eligible for the updated Moderna booster, 2 months after completing the Moderna primary series.

Does a parent or legal guardian need to be present with a minor?

A parent or legal guardian is required to sign a waiver for anyone under 18 at the first appointment. If a parent or legal guardian is unable to accompany a minor, they can give verbal consent over the phone or complete an electronic consent form at the time of the appointment. Adult supervision is required for appointments.

Is the vaccine safe for children?

The vaccine is safe and effective. The FDA, CDC and American Academy of Pediatrics report that the vaccine is extremely safe for individuals ages 5 and above. Millions of people have already received at least 1 dose of a COVID-19 vaccine and serious side effects are extremely rare. Of the 2,260 adolescents who participated in the Pfizer trial, only mild side effects after vaccination were reported. The recently released data from the trials for those 6 months to 5 or 6 years also indicate that the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines are safe for this age group.

Is the dose for kids the same dose given to adults?

Dosage will depend on the age of the child. With the Pfizer vaccine, children ages 6 months to 4 years will receive a tenth of the dosage for people 12 years and older. Three shots are needed, the first given three weeks apart and the last at least two months later. Children 5 to 11 will receive a third of the dosage for people 12 years and older. Two shots are needed, given three weeks apart.

With the Moderna vaccine, two shots are needed, given at least 4 weeks apart. Children 6 months to 5 years will receive a quarter of the dosage for people 18 and older.

Can the vaccine affect fertility or my teens' menstrual cycles?

There is currently no evidence that any vaccines, including COVID-19 vaccines, cause fertility problems. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists has stated that unfounded claims linking COVID-19 vaccines to infertility have been scientifically disproven and recommends COVID-19 vaccination for all eligible people who may consider future pregnancy. While some vaccinated adults have reported changes in their period after receiving a COVID-19 vaccine, the information is only anecdotal, and the changes have not been directly linked to vaccination.

Why should I get the vaccine?

The COVID-19 vaccines prevent disease and death. The vaccines also prevent the lasting effects of the disease and work well against variants, especially those that are more contagious and severe than earlier versions of the virus.

New research shows that antibodies from the vaccine offer better protection against variants than those acquired from an infection, so even people who have had COVID-19 should get vaccinated.

Should I get the vaccine if I've had COVID-19?

Yes. Since repeat infection is possible, people who have tested positive for COVID-19 should get vaccinated. Once you have recovered and are no longer contagious to others (which is a minimum of 10 days after infection), you can be vaccinated. People who recently recovered from COVID-19 may consider delaying any COVID-19 vaccination by 3 months from the symptom onset or positive test (if the infection was asymptomatic).

Do I still need the vaccine if I had a positive antibody test?

Yes. A positive antibody test indicates that you have already been exposed to the COVID-19 virus. Since repeat infection is possible, people who have received a positive antibody test should get vaccinated.

Can I get the shot if I'm sick?

You should not get the shot if you are currently sick with COVID-19 or any other illness, or if you have had symptoms in the past 14 days. Wait until you are well.

Should I get the vaccine if I am pregnant, breastfeeding or planning to have a baby?

The American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology and the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine both state that pregnant or breastfeeding people may be vaccinated, but please contact your provider if you have questions.

There is currently no evidence that any COVID-19 vaccines cause fertility problems, including the development of the placenta. Additionally, researchers have confirmed that sperm count and quality are not affected by the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines. If you are trying to become pregnant now or want to have a baby in the future, you may receive a COVID-19 vaccine.

Can I get the vaccine if I am immunosuppressed?

If you are immunosuppressed or currently experiencing COVID-19 symptoms, speak with your provider to determine whether you should receive the vaccine at this time.

Is the vaccine safe?

Yes. Typical vaccine trials include 21,750 participants on average. COVID-19 vaccine trials have included 30,000 to 60,000 participants. These clinical trials, and the safety data from millions of doses that have been administered after the trials ended, have shown both the Pfizer and Moderna mRNA vaccines to be safe with very rare serious side effects.

While Novavax is new to the market, it was also required to go through clinical trials showing efficacy and safety before being approved by the FDA for emergency use authorization.

Can I get COVID-19 from the vaccine?

COVID-19 vaccines do not contain any virus. You cannot get COVID-19 from these vaccines.

Will getting the vaccine cause me to test positive for COVID-19?

The vaccine will not cause you to test positive on viral tests for COVID-19, such as PCR tests or antigen tests. If you receive a positive viral test for COVID-19 after receiving the shot, follow your health care provider's guidance for isolating and additional testing.

It is likely the vaccine will cause you to test positive for COVID-19 antibody tests (also called serology tests) because the vaccine helps build the antibodies these tests detect.

What's in the vaccine?

The Pfizer vaccine does not contain preservatives. In addition to the vaccine, inactive ingredients include: lipid ALC-0159, lipid ALC-0315, potassium chloride, monobasic potassium phosphate, sodium chloride (table salt), sodium phosphate and sucrose (sugar). The lipid molecules protect and transport the vaccine. Other ingredients are stabilizers.

The Moderna vaccine does not contain preservatives. Inactive ingredients in the Moderna vaccine include lipids (SM-102; 1,2-dimyristoyl-rac-glycero3-methoxypolyethylene glycol-2000 [PEG2000-DMG]; cholesterol; and 1,2-distearoyl-snglycero-3-phosphocholine [DSPC]), as well as stabilizers tromethamine, tromethamine hydrochloride, acetic acid, sodium acetate, and sucrose.

The Johnson & Johnson vaccine does not contain eggs, preservatives or latex. It includes the following ingredients: recombinant, replication-incompetent adenovirus type 26 expressing the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein, citric acid monohydrate, trisodium citrate dihydrate, ethanol, 2-hydroxypropyl-ß-cyclodextrin (HBCD), polysorbate-80, sodium chloride.

The Novovax vaccine includes the following ingredients: SARS-CoV-2 recombinant spike protein, lipids, adjuvant, disodium hydrogen phosphate heptahydrate, disodium hydrogen phosphate dihydrate, polysorbate-80, potassium chloride, potassium dihydrogen phosphate, sodium chloride, sodium dihydrogen phosphate monohydrate, sodium hydroxide or hydrochloric acid and water.

The inactive ingredients in these vaccines are commonly found in a variety of vaccines and treatments.

You should not get the vaccine if you are allergic to any of its ingredients.

Download these PDFs to learn more about the vaccine, its ingredients and side effects:

What is the difference among the Pfizer, Moderna and Novovax vaccines?

Both Pfizer and Moderna vaccines are messenger RNA (mRNA) vaccines. They both use lipid molecules to move the vaccine into the cell, but each company uses different lipids. In part due to the lipid ingredient choice, the Pfizer vaccine requires a colder temperature for storage. Pfizer and Moderna vaccines require two doses.

The Johnson & Johnson vaccine is a viral vector vaccine. It uses a modified version of a different, harmless virus to deliver instructions to cells to create antibodies.

Novavax is a protein subunit vaccine that contains virus pieces (the spike protein) and adjuvant, which helps the immune system respond.

Are there side effects?

Most people getting the shot will experience some side effects. Clinical trial participants reported mild or moderate side effects including fever, soreness at the injection site, body aches, and headaches. Symptoms like these are common when getting any vaccine. They indicate the body's immune system is preparing to work against the virus if needed. Trial participants reported the symptoms were generally more significant after the second shot but went away quickly. You may want to plan for a day or two of rest after getting your shots, if possible.

What should I do if I have a reaction to the vaccine?

Side effects may include injection site pain similar to a tetanus shot. Some recipients have reported one or two days of fatigue, muscle pain and flu-like symptoms. Most people can manage side effects with ibuprofen or acetaminophen. If you cannot manage the side effects with these medications, or you want to speak with a health care provider, we suggest that you contact your primary care physician. You can also schedule a virtual urgent care visit to speak with a doctor from the comfort of home.

What should I do if I received the Johnson & Johnson vaccine?

Adverse reactions to the vaccine have been very rare. If you received the vaccine within the last 3 to 4 weeks and develop any of the following symptoms, you should contact your health care provider and seek immediate medical treatment.

Severe headache
Backache
New neurologic symptoms
Severe abdominal pain
Shortness of breath
Leg swelling
Tiny red spots on the skin (petechiae)
New or easy bruising

How do the COVID-19 vaccines work?

Both the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines contain messenger ribonucleic acid, or mRNA. The mRNA does not mix with or alter DNA because it never enters the cell nucleus, where the DNA is located. Instead, it works within the fluid of the cells, called cytoplasm.

The Johnson & Johnson vaccine works within the cell nucleus using a harmless adenovirus to teach our bodies to develop natural protection against the coronavirus. However, it cannot change DNA because a necessary enzyme, called integrase, is not present.

The Novavax vaccine directly injects a version of the spike protein, along with another ingredient that also stimulates the immune system, into the body, leading to the production of antibodies and T-cells. (It injects a version of the spike protein that has been formulated in a laboratory as a nanoparticulate that does not have genetic material inside and cannot cause disease.)

Once the vaccines help your body develop immunity, their components break down and are eliminated, leaving antibodies behind.

Is the vaccine effective?

Yes. Clinical trials of these vaccines have shown them to be highly effective at preventing serious disease from COVID-19.

Both the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines require two doses, three or four weeks apart. Full effectiveness occurs about a week after the second dose.

How were the vaccines developed so fast?

Normally, vaccines go through a series of development phases one at a time due to the costs involved.

The government provided funding for COVID-19 vaccine development. This removed financial risk for vaccine companies, so they were able to develop, study and manufacture vaccines all at once rather than waiting for results before moving to the next step.

Steps were not skipped during the development of these vaccines, and they have undergone the same rigorous reviews for safety and effectiveness that every vaccine must pass.

What is the difference between an EUA and full FDA approval for a vaccine?

A vaccine developer can apply for EUA status with 2 months of safety data. Full approval requires 6 months of safety data. The FDA is encouraging companies that receive an EUA to apply for full approval as soon as possible. The Pfizer vaccine has been approved by the FDA for individuals 16 and older, and the Moderna vaccine has been approved by the FDA for individuals 18 and older.

How will the COVID-19 vaccination record be added to my medical record?

If you were vaccinated in a Sharp Rees-Stealy clinic, your medical record was updated at the time of your vaccination. Sharp is working with the California Immunization Registry (CAIR) to import Sharp patient's vaccination records from the county vaccination sites.

How do I replace my lost vaccination card?

If you lost your COVID-19 vaccination card, you may request digital proof of vaccination through the State of California Digital COVID-19 Vaccine Record portal.

How do I correct my COVID-19 vaccination record?

If you believe your information is incomplete or incorrect, submit a request through the State of California's virtual assistant. You will need to verify your identity using ID.me and have the following documents:

photo or scanned copy of a driver's license or other government-issued ID
photo or scanned copy of the front of your CDC vaccination card or an official immunization record from your state or medical provider/pharmacy

I received my COVID-19 vaccinations outside of California. How do I update my California digital vaccine record?

If you received one or more doses of your COVID-19 vaccine outside of California, and would like them added to your California digital COVID-19 vaccine record, submit a request through the State of California's virtual assistant. You will need to verify your identity using ID.me and have the following documents:

photo or scanned copy of a driver's license or other government-issued ID
photo or scanned copy of the front of your CDC vaccination card or an official immunization record from your state or medical provider/pharmacy

Will my booster be automatically added to my digital vaccine record?

If you recently received a booster or additional COVID-19 vaccine dose, it will not automatically update on your digital vaccine record. Please request a new QR code through the State of California Digital COVID-19 Vaccine Record portal with your updated doses.

We recommend waiting up to 5 days from your most recent dose for your records to be updated in the California Immunization Registry before attempting to download a new digital record.

Where is my vaccination information stored?

Vaccination data is stored in the state's digital record system. Request a link to a QR code or digital copy of your COVID-19 vaccination record.

Do I need to show proof of vaccination or take a COVID test to travel within the U.S. or internationally?

Self-monitor for symptoms while traveling and once you return. Visit the U.S. State Department for travel advisories or read more about the CDC guidelines.

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COVID-19 vaccines

How to get your COVID-19 vaccine.

1. Schedule an appointment at a Sharp location or county vaccination site through MyTurn or call 2-1-1 for help scheduling.

2. Walk in to any no-appointment San Diego County vaccine location.

3. Make an appointment at one of the Sharp locations offering vaccinations. Please note appointments are required.

4. Make an appointment at a participating pharmacy:

Frequently asked questions about COVID-19 vaccines.

Getting the vaccine and boosters.

Additional doses of the vaccine.

Vaccines for children.

Who should get the vaccine.

Vaccine safety.

How the vaccine works.

How to get your COVID-19 vaccination record.

Other vaccine-related questions.

Who can get the COVID-19 vaccine?

Which COVID-19 vaccines is Sharp offering?

How much will the vaccine cost?

Can I get my vaccine booster?

How do I cancel or change my booster shot appointment?

Who can get the Novovax vaccine?

Can I get the COVID-19 vaccine with other vaccines, including the flu vaccine?

What is the difference between an additional dose and a booster shot?

Is Sharp offering COVID-19 vaccine additional doses?

I am immunocompromised. When can I have an additional dose?

How do I know if I am eligible for an additional dose?

Where can I get a vaccine for my child?

Why should my child be vaccinated?

Which vaccine will my child receive?

Can my child get their vaccine booster?

Does a parent or legal guardian need to be present with a minor?

Is the vaccine safe for children?

Is the dose for kids the same dose given to adults?

Can the vaccine affect fertility or my teens' menstrual cycles?

Why should I get the vaccine?

Should I get the vaccine if I've had COVID-19?

Do I still need the vaccine if I had a positive antibody test?

Can I get the shot if I'm sick?

Should I get the vaccine if I am pregnant, breastfeeding or planning to have a baby?

Can I get the vaccine if I am immunosuppressed?

Is the vaccine safe?

Can I get COVID-19 from the vaccine?

Will getting the vaccine cause me to test positive for COVID-19?

What's in the vaccine?

What is the difference among the Pfizer, Moderna and Novovax vaccines?

Are there side effects?

What should I do if I have a reaction to the vaccine?

What should I do if I received the Johnson & Johnson vaccine?

How do the COVID-19 vaccines work?

Is the vaccine effective?

How were the vaccines developed so fast?

What is the difference between an EUA and full FDA approval for a vaccine?

How will the COVID-19 vaccination record be added to my medical record?

How do I replace my lost vaccination card?

How do I correct my COVID-19 vaccination record?

I received my COVID-19 vaccinations outside of California. How do I update my California digital vaccine record?

Will my booster be automatically added to my digital vaccine record?

Where is my vaccination information stored?

Do I need to show proof of vaccination or take a COVID test to travel within the U.S. or internationally?

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