COVID-19 Vaccine Information

View our hours of operation, services, and policies during the COVID-19 pandemic at www.westsidehealth.org/coronavirus.

Westside is vaccinating for COVID-19

We are prioritizing existing patients for vaccines. Household members of patients and community members can fill out this form or call for an appointment.

   Call to Schedule Your Vaccine   Vaccine Interest Form

Vaccine Appointment Information

Appointments at the health centers are currently for patients only.  We are scheduling appointments at our sites on the following days.

Site	Day of Week	Time
Northeast	Monday	9am-4pm
Dover	Tuesday	9am-7pm
Bear	Wednesday	9am-7pm
4th Street	Thursday	9am-7pm
Newark	Friday	9am-4pm

• To help maintain social distance, please arrive as close to your appointment time as possible.
• After getting your COVID-19 vaccine, you will be monitored for 15-30 minutes by Westside staff.
• To slow the spread of COVID-19, we ask that you limit guests and caregivers to one person during your vaccination appointment.
• You will receive a vaccination card that has information about the vaccine you received. Remember to bring your vaccination card to your 2nd dose appointment.

Delaware is now vaccinating those aged 16 and older

If you are a Westside patient we will reach out to you to schedule for the vaccine. If not, you’ll be able to get a vaccine from a pharmacy, or a vaccination clinic run by the State or its partners; visit the State’s website for more information.

You can find information about the vaccine and Delaware’s plan at www.de.gov/covidvaccine or by calling 1-833-643-1715. Anyone 16 and older can sign up for the state’s vaccine waiting list at vaccinerequest.delaware.gov.

 

FAQs ABOUT GETTING THE COVID-19 VACCINE IN DELAWARE

Download the FAQs: English, Spanish, Haitian Creole

 

When can I get the COVID-19 vaccine?

In the State of Delaware, everyone aged 16 and older is eligible to receive a COVID-19 vaccine. You can find more about the State’s plan and where to get vaccinated at https://coronavirus.delaware.gov/vaccine/.

How will I get the COVID-19 vaccine?

If you are a Westside patient, we will reach out to you to schedule a vaccine appointment. If you are not a Westside patient and are 16 or older, you can get a vaccine from your primary care provider, employer, a pharmacy, or a vaccination clinic run by the State or its partners; visit the State’s website for more information.

I am a Westside patient. How do I schedule an appointment for the vaccine?

We are reaching out directly to eligible patients to schedule an appointment when the vaccine is available. We are experiencing high call volumes, so we encourage you to send your questions to us directly using our Contact Form www.westsidehealth.org/feedback.

I am not a Westside patient. How do I schedule an appointment for the vaccine?

At this time, Westside is only vaccinating our patients at our health centers. Check back here to learn if we are expanding to community vaccination.

What COVD-19 vaccine is Westside offering?

We cannot guarantee the type of vaccine that we will have for your first dose appointment. Currently, three vaccines are approved for emergency use by the FDA. Pfizer and Moderna both require two doses, and Johnson & Johnson’s Janssen vaccine requires one dose. If you are scheduling a second dose vaccine, you will receive the same type of vaccine that you got for the first dose.

Are the COVID-19 vaccines safe?

Yes. All three COVID-19 vaccines approved by the FDA (Pfizer, Moderna, and Johnson & Johnson) have been tested on thousands of people of different races and ethnicities. The FDA and CDC continue to monitor the safety of the vaccines to make sure they are not causing harm.

How long will my vaccine appointment take?

To help maintain social distance, please arrive as close to your appointment time as possible. After getting your COVID-19 vaccine, you will be monitored for 15-30 minutes by Westside staff. Please plan for this extra time before coming to your appointment.

Can I bring a caregiver or guest with me to my appointment?

If you need assistance, you may bring a guest or caregiver to your vaccination appointment. To keep our patients and staff safe from COVID-19, please limit guests and caregivers to one person. In some cases, we may ask the caregiver to wait outside or in their car during the appointment.

I got a first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine somewhere else, can I get a second dose at Westside?

Patients at Westside may be able to receive a second dose of vaccine depending on the vaccine type we have available.

How long do I wait between doses of the Moderna vaccine?

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) says that the second dose of the Moderna vaccine can be given between 28-42 days after the first. We are following all vaccine guidelines as closely as possible.

What is the difference between the three vaccine options?

There are three COVID-19 vaccine options approved by the FDA: Pfizer, Moderna, and Johnson & Johnson (J&J). The Pfizer and Moderna vaccines are mRNA vaccines that require two doses for maximum effectiveness. Both vaccines function very similarly, but are stored and administered differently and are not interchangeable. The J&J vaccine only requires one dose, is not an mRNA vaccine but uses a weakened “common cold” virus to deliver the vaccine material. All three vaccines offer strong protection and are 100% effective at preventing death and hospitalization from COVID-19. One is not “better” than another.

What if I do not want the type of vaccine you are offering?

It is recommended that you get the first vaccine that is offered to you, regardless of vaccine type. There is no penalty if you say no to a vaccine-type offered from Westside. However, vaccine supply is limited, so it may take some time before you get another chance to be vaccinated.

How much will the vaccine cost?

All COVID-19 vaccines will have no cost. You may be asked for your insurance information.

How many doses of vaccine do I need?

You must receive two doses of the Moderna or the Pfizer vaccine to be fully protected. You only need one dose of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine to be protected.

Will I still need to wear a mask after I get the vaccine?

Yes. Experts are still learning how the COVID-19 vaccines provide protection in real-life situations. For that reason, everyone should continue following CDC guidelines such as wearing a mask over your mouth and nose, washing your hands often, and staying six feet or more apart from others.

How do I find out about the vaccine if I do not live in Delaware?

You can find information on the vaccine plan in your state on the CDC’s COVID-19 Vaccine website.

Is it safe for me to get a COVID-19 vaccine if I am pregnant or breastfeeding?

If you have questions, talk with your healthcare provider who can help you make a decision about getting the vaccine.

What side effects will I get from the COVID-19 vaccine?

You may experience mild symptoms, such as a sore arm, low fever, minor swelling, or fatigue. Symptoms should go away on their own within a few days. If your symptoms continue for longer than a few days or are serious, contact your healthcare provider. If you are experiencing signs and symptoms of a life-threatening emergency, call 9-1-1 immediately.

I had COVID-19; do I still need to be vaccinated?

Yes. It is possible to get COVID-19 again. Getting a COVID-19 vaccine is the best protection from the virus.

Can a COVID-19 vaccine get into my DNA?

No. No vaccine can become a part of your DNA.

COVID-19 Vaccine Education

• Moderna Vaccine Fact Sheet (available in multiple languages)
• Pfizer Vaccine Fact Sheet (available in multiple languages)
• CDC V-Safe App Information
• CDC What to Expect After the COVID-19 Vaccine
• Comparing the COVID-19 Vaccines – English / Spanish / Haitian Creole
• Facts about the COVID-19 Vaccine – English / Spanish  / Haitian Creole
• Delaware Division of Public Health COVID-19 Vaccine Talking Points – English / Spanish