COVID-19 Vaccine Information

Westside plans to vaccinate our patients for COVID-19

We are vaccinating existing patients who are aged 65 and older, based on guidance from the Division of Public Health.  Westside is contacting our eligible patients to schedule appointments.  Vaccines are by appointment only and are limited in supply. 

Westside is offering the Moderna vaccine, which requires two doses spaced 28-42 days apart.  We can only give first and second doses of the Moderna vaccine.

You can find information about the vaccine and Delaware’s plan at www.de.gov/covidvaccine.

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

Vaccine Appointment Information

• 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.
• If this is your first dose of the vaccine, you will receive a vaccination card that tells you which COVID-19 vaccine you received, the date you received it, and where you received it. If this is your second dose of the vaccine, remember to bring your vaccination card to your appointment.

Delaware is now in Phase 1b

Phase 1B includes:

• Aged 65 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.
• Frontline Essential Workers –  Expect communications from your employer.  Vaccinations may be onsite at work, or through a voucher to take to a pharmacy or public vaccination clinic site.
  • First responders
  • Education (teachers, support staff, daycare)
  • Food and Agriculture –  food manufacturing
  • Manufacturing
  • Correctional Workers
  • U.S. Postal Service Workers
  • Public Transit Workers
  • Grocery Store Workers
  • Phase 1A
    • High-risk workers in health or patient care settings
    • Residents of long-term care facilities

Details

• Westside is offering the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine
• Vaccines are offered at no cost and no insurance is necessary
• Vaccines at Westside are by appointment only and for Westside patients
• Patients aged 65+ are eligible for vaccines at Westside
• People younger than 65 in the “essential workers” category in Phase 1B can not yet be vaccinated by Westside, based on guidance from the state.

 

You can find information about the vaccine and Delaware’s plan at www.de.gov/covidvaccine.

 

FAQs ABOUT GETTING THE COVID-19 VACCINE IN DELAWARE

Download the FAQs: English, Spanish, Haitian Creole

 

When can I get the COVID-19 vaccine?

Delaware’s vaccine deployment plan is led by the Division of Public Health and the State of Delaware’s COVID Vaccine Task Force.  The state is currently in phase 1b and has given Westside guidance that we can vaccinate our patients who are aged 65 and older. You can find more about the State’s plan at https://coronavirus.delaware.gov/vaccine/.

How will I get the COVID-19 vaccine?

The Delaware Department of Public Health (DPH) is phasing-in vaccine eligibility. If you are a Westside patient, we will reach out to you to schedule for the vaccine as you become eligible. If you are not a Westside patient, you’ll be able to get a vaccine from your primary care provider, a pharmacy, or a vaccination clinic run by the State or its partners; visit the State’s website for more information. Updates will be made on Facebook and on this webpage.

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

At this time, we will be reaching out directly to eligible patients by text message or phone call 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 to our Email Contact Form https://www.westsidehealth.org/feedback/.

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

At this time, Westside is focusing vaccine efforts on our patients.  If we are able to expand to community vaccination, we will make updates on Facebook and on this webpage.

What COVD-19 vaccine is Westside offering?

Westside is offering the Moderna vaccine, and can only give first and second doses of the Moderna vaccine.  We will not give a second dose of vaccine to someone who received a first dose of the Pfizer vaccine.

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?

We are only able to vaccinate a priority group of existing patients who are 65 and older, based on state guidelines. We can vaccinate this group with a first or second dose. Westside is offering the Moderna vaccine, and can only give first and second doses of the Moderna vaccine.

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. Westside will only schedule appointments within this period.

What is the difference between the Moderna vaccine and the Pfizer vaccine?

Both vaccines are mRNA vaccines and function very similarly but they are stored and administered differently. They are not interchangeable. One is not “better” than the other.

How much will the vaccine cost?

The vaccine will have no cost.

How many doses of vaccine do I need?

Westside is offering the Moderna vaccine. You must receive two doses of the Moderna vaccine to be fully protected.

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

Yes. According to the CDC, experts are still learning how a vaccine will provide protection under real-life situations. For that reason, everyone will need to continue following CDC guidelines such as wearing a mask over your mouth and nose, frequent hand washing, and maintaining six-feet away 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: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/index.html .

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, 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.

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

Yes. It is possible to get COVID-19 again. The vaccine will give you protection from the virus.

Can I get COVID-19 from the vaccine?

No. Neither the Moderna vaccine nor Pfizer vaccine contains any virus that could cause COVID-19.

COVID-19 Vaccine Education

• Moderna Vaccine Fact Sheet 
• CDC V-Safe App Information
• CDC what to expect after COVD Vaccine
• Facts about the COVID-19 Vaccine – English / Spanish
• Delaware Division of Public Health COVID-19 Vaccine Talking Points – English / Spanish