Until recently, most testing for COVID-19 required a sample to be sent to a laboratory for processing. While confirmation still requires a laboratory test, over-the-counter rapid antigen tests provide results in as little as 10 minutes.

Health officials say these rapid tests are a valuable tool that can help us better screen for infections and slow the spread of the coronavirus.

How do the antigen tests work?

The at-home, rapid tests detect small viral proteins, called antigens, located on the surface of the COVID-19 virus. While polymerase chain reaction tests, commonly called PCR tests (the kind you get at a doctor’s office), can detect even smaller amounts of coronavirus, rapid tests are highly sensitive and usually detect anyone with enough viral load in them to be a threat to others.

How accurate are the results?

A large analysis found that the rapid tests detected about 72% of symptomatic cases confirmed positive by a PCR test. The rapid tests were less sensitive when testers were not showing symptoms, catching on average about 58% of those cases. Other studies found that the tests detect 93% of cases with a solid chance of being transmissible to others.

If you get a positive result but have no symptoms and no known exposure, take another test—ideally with another brand. Experts say that the likelihood of getting two false positives is so low that if one test comes back negative, you can trust it. If you test positive twice, then you likely have COVID-19.

When and how should I use one?

Rapid antigen tests are a good option for people who may have been exposed to the virus, want extra assurance after traveling to a virus hot spot or before visiting someone vulnerable. However, keep in mind that the rapid tests only test that moment in time. Test yourself as close to your visit as possible, particularly before visiting someone high-risk for severe COVID-19.

In most cases, you will use a long swab to gently scrape the inside of both nostrils and then insert the swab into a special card reader or dip the swab in a solution and use a test strip before waiting 10 to 15 minutes for the result. Each test involves a slightly different procedure, which should be followed to help ensure accuracy.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has these helpful videos on How to Use a Self-Test and How to Interpret Self-Test Results.

According to experts, people with COVID-19 symptoms can immediately take a rapid antigen test. However, those with a known exposure should wait three to five days before testing. Testing too soon, before the virus has had a chance to replicate, increases the odds of a false negative.

If you’re using the rapid test because a business, travel authority or organization is requiring proof of a negative test, check in advance to see if they accept the results of at-home tests. You may be required to get a PCR test.

I got a positive result, now what?

If you get a positive result, it’s a pretty sure sign you’re infected, though false positives do happen. You may want to confirm it with another rapid test about 36 hours later or get a PCR test. Experts, however, recommend that you do not wait for the results of a second test to take precautions. You should:

• Inform your medical provider,
• Isolate or quarantine yourself (depending on vaccination status and other factors),
• Tell your close contacts that they may have been exposed to the virus,
• Monitor your symptoms and
• Seek medical care, if necessary.

Where can I buy a test kit?

Many brands of rapid, at-home tests are available, including Abbott’s BinaxNOW, Quidel’s QuickVue, Australia’s Ellume and Acon Labs’ Flowflex. The tests usually are packaged two per box and cost under $25. These test kits are available in many pharmacies and drugstores, including Amazon, Walgreens, CVS and Walmart. If a store is sold out of a rapid test, you may be directed to a different type of test, which requires you to mail the sample to a lab to get the result.

One note of caution: fake and unauthorized at-home testing kits are popping up online as opportunistic scammers take advantage of the spike in demand. When shopping for a test, look for a brand that the Food and Drug Administration has authorized.

Private insurance companies must cover eight at-home rapid tests per individual covered per month. That means a family of four, all on the same plan, would be able to get 32 of these tests covered by their health plan per month. Depending on your insurance, you may need to pay for the tests upfront and then submit for reimbursement of the at-home tests. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services has more information on how to get your at-home tests for free.

Currently, Medicare recipients are not eligible for reimbursement of at-home rapid tests because the federal laws governing Medicare do not allow self-administered tests.

How can I get a free test kit?

Depending on availability, state and federal programs may have free test kits available to order.

• COVID.gov offers four free at-home COVID-⁠19 tests at covid.gov/tests.
• Washington state also offers free at-home test kits for Washington residents at Say Yes! COVID Test. Free test kits in Alaska and Oregon are available through local health departments and their community partners.
• Many community health centers and Medicare-certified health clinics offer at-home tests at no cost to patients and community members. Additional information about testing resources for people without insurance is available here.

The availability of free at-home tests from any of the above agencies is not guaranteed. 

In-person testing resources

If you are unsure about conducting a rapid, at-home test, you can get tested in person. Please do not come to the Emergency Department for COVID-19 testing unless you require emergency care for your symptoms. We do not offer testing to the public in our EDs. There are many resources available to find in-person testing locations, including:

• U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
• Alaska Department of Health and Social Services
• Oregon Health Authority
• Washington State Department of Health
• Your local county health department

Source: CDC

How can you tell if you have a cold, influenza, or COVID-19? Understanding the differences in symptoms that these illnesses cause will help.

Common colds, influenza (flu), and COVID-19 are contagious respiratory illnesses caused by different viruses. Many symptoms of the three are similar, which can cause confusion about which one you may be suffering from. Contact your primary care provider to determine what care you may need, including testing to determine which, if any, virus you have.

How the three illnesses compare

COVID-19 is a highly contagious respiratory illness. COVID-19 can have varying degrees of symptoms, from none to severe. Symptoms may include fever or chills, cough, sore throat, and the loss of taste or smell. COVID-19 can cause medical complications, especially in higher-risk groups, and can result in hospitalization and death. Severe illness, such as lung injury, is more frequent with COVID-19 than with influenza. The mortality rate also is higher with COVID-19 than with the flu.

Influenza is a contagious respiratory illness that can cause mild to severe symptoms such as fever, cough, and body aches. A bad headache and fatigue—which can linger for weeks after your initial illness has passed—are hallmarks of the flu. Most people with the flu don't need medical care or medication. However, the flu can be very serious and require medical attention. Contact your doctor if your symptoms worsen, are prolonged, or if you're at high risk of flu-related complications.

You may feel pretty crummy with a common cold, but the symptoms are mild compared to viruses like the flu and COVID-19. Cold symptoms typically progress over seven to 10 days in this order: Sore throat, congestion, cough. Sniffling and sneezing are classic cold symptoms, and it's more common to experience a stuffy or runny nose with a cold than the flu. Rest and many over-the-counter medications can help relieve symptoms.

Symptoms are increasingly similar

The latest update from the Zoe Health Study, a COVID-19 symptom tracker devised by researchers at Harvard, Stanford and King's College in London, shows that COVID-19 symptoms are looking more and more like those of the flu, colds and even allergies, especially among the vaccinated.

Doctors noticed that as the omicron variant became predominant, patients experienced more upper respiratory symptoms than earlier variants. Because initial symptoms are now "influenza-like," you may need to see a doctor for testing to determine which virus you have.

The new ranking of symptoms for people who have received at least two doses of vaccine is:

1. Sore throat
2. Runny nose 
3. Blocked nose 
4. Persistent cough
5. Headache 

Reports of sneezing as a COVID-19 symptom emerged from people who'd had at least one dose of the vaccine. But sneezing was not widely reported by those who have remained unvaccinated; instead, they reported more often experiencing fever. The new ranking for the unvaccinated is:

1. Headache
2. Sore throat
3. Runny nose
4. Fever
5. Persistent cough

It typically takes longer for someone to experience symptoms of COVID-19 than if they have the flu. COVID-19 symptoms generally appear two to five days after infection but could be as long as 14 days later. In contrast, flu symptoms usually appear about one to four days after infection. It's possible to be infected with the virus that causes COVID-19 or the flu without experiencing symptoms. Common cold symptoms usually appear one to three days after exposure to a cold-causing virus.

Differences in COVID-19 and influenza symptoms

So far, research indicates that a change in or the loss of taste and smell may be the only significant difference in symptoms between COVID-19 and the flu. Some people with the flu may also experience a loss of taste or smell, but it is less frequent. Because of this, you may need to see a doctor for testing to determine which virus you have.

There are a few other notable similarities and differences between influenza and COVID-19.

How the viruses spread:

• Similarities: COVID-19 and the flu can spread from person-to-person when they're within about 6 feet. Both are spread mainly by respiratory droplets when someone coughs, sneezes or talks. People may spread both before they begin showing symptoms, by people with very mild symptoms, and by people who never develop symptoms (asymptomatic).
• Differences: Although they spread similarly, COVID-19 is generally more contagious and appears to spread more quickly and easily than the flu. COVID-19 can spread to others by people before they begin showing symptoms, by people with very mild symptoms, and by people who never develop symptoms (asymptomatic).

People at higher risk for severe illness:

• Similarities: Both viruses can cause severe illness in older adults, people with certain underlying medical conditions, and pregnant people.
• Differences: Overall, COVID-19 seems to cause more severe illness in people. Some groups of people are at a higher risk for COVID-19 than others.

Complications:

• Similarities: Both COVID-19 and the flu can cause these complications:
  • Pneumonia
  • Respiratory failure
  • Acute respiratory distress syndrome (fluid in the lungs)
  • Sepsis (a life-threatening illness caused by the body's extreme response to an infection)
  • Cardiac injury (heart attacks and stroke)
  • Multiple-organ failure (respiratory failure, kidney failure, shock)
  • Worsening of chronic conditions (involving the lungs, heart, or nervous system or diabetes)
  • Inflammation of the heart, brain, or muscle tissues
  • Secondary bacterial infections (infections in people who have already had the flu or COVID-19)
• Differences: COVID-19 can also cause blood clots in the lungs, heart, legs or brain and cause Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children (MIS-C) and Adults (MIS-A).

Anyone who has had COVID-19, even if their illness was mild or had no symptoms, can experience post-COVID conditions, also known as Long COVID. Post-COVID conditions are a range of symptoms that can last weeks or months after being infected with the virus that causes COVID-19 or can appear weeks after infection.

Many people with the flu or mild symptoms of COVID-19 can recover at home with rest and fluids. But some people become seriously ill from the flu or COVID-19 and must stay in the hospital.

Prevention

Stay up-to-date on your COVID-19 vaccinations and get an annual flu vaccine. Following several standard precautions can reduce your risk of infection from the viruses that cause COVID-19, colds, and the flu.

• Avoiding close contact (within 6 feet) with people who are sick.
• Self-quarantining when symptomatic.
• Wearing a face mask in indoor public spaces and outdoors, such as at a crowded event or large gathering.
• Avoiding crowded indoor spaces.
• Covering your mouth and nose with your elbow or a tissue when you cough or sneeze.
• Avoiding touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
• Washing hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
• Cleaning and disinfecting high-touch surfaces and objects.

Treatments

There's no cure for the common cold. Treatment may include pain relievers and over-the-counter cold remedies, such as decongestants. Most people recover from a common cold in three to 10 days, although some colds may last as long as two or three weeks.

Like the cold, there are many over-the-counter remedies available. Getting an annual flu vaccine will reduce the severity of the flu and the risk of serious complications if you get sick. The vaccine is recommended for everyone six months or older and can be given as a shot or a nasal spray. In more severe cases, several antiviral drugs may be prescribed by a physician. Treatments can make the illness milder and shorten the time you are sick.

Unlike the common cold and the flu, there are only a few approved medications to treat COVID-19. Most people with COVID-19 have mild illnesses and can recover at home. You can treat symptoms with over-the-counter medicines, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil), to help you feel better. Like the flu vaccine, staying up-to-date on your COVID-19 vaccination can also reduce the severity of COVID-19 and the risk of serious complications.

The FDA has authorized certain antiviral medications to treat mild to moderate COVID-19 in people who are more likely to get very sick. Paxlovid and Molnuoiravir are oral medications that need to be started within five days of when symptoms start. 

If you have symptoms of the flu or COVID-19, contact your primary care provider to determine what care you may need, including testing to determine which, if any, virus you have.

COVID-19 and flu vaccines are widely available at many community locations, including drug stores and pharmacies. Visit vaccines.gov to find a location near you.

Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

The CDC recommends that all children ages 6 months and older be vaccinated against COVID-19 with a low dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. The CDC has also approved the use of the Moderna vaccine in children under 18. Previously, the Moderna vaccine was only approved for adults 18 and older, and the Pfizer vaccine was approved for children 5 and older. Here's what parents need to know about the safety and effectiveness of the vaccines, the possible side effects, and the benefits of vaccinating.

COVID-19's risk to children is not zero

According to the CDC, children infected with COVID-19 are less likely to develop severe illness than adults, but they are still at risk. While hospitalization among children is low compared with adults, it skyrocketed and reached a pandemic high following the emergence of the omicron variant. About one in three children hospitalized with COVID-19 were admitted to the intensive care unit, similar to the adult rate. COVID-19 is the fourth- or fifth-leading cause of death for children aged 0 to 19, according to a CDC analysis.

While the vaccines won't offer total protection against COVID-19 infection, they're highly likely to make any symptoms significantly less severe—keeping your child from needing hospitalization. Unvaccinated people still have a higher risk of getting COVID-19 and experience more severe illness and complications.

Parents now have options

There are now two vaccine options for children, the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine and the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine. Both are mRNA vaccines and contain the same ingredients in the adult versions—only the dosage size is different. For children, the dosage amount is based on age on the day of vaccination, not on the size or weight of the child.

The Pfizer vaccine for children ages 6 months to 4 years old consists of three doses: Each dose is three micrograms (one-tenth of the dose for adults). The first two doses are spaced three weeks apart, and the third one is given at least two months after the second.

The Moderna vaccine for kids 6 months to 5 years old is made up of two doses spaced four weeks apart, and each one is 25 micrograms or one-quarter of the adult version. The Moderna vaccine has also been approved as an alternative vaccine for children between 6 and 17. Children 6 to 11 years old will receive two 50 milligram doses spaced four weeks apart, while youths 12 and older will receive two 100 milligram doses (the same as adults) also spaced four weeks apart.

The CDC recommends a third primary dose of the Moderna vaccine for moderately or severely immunocompromised children. An additional primary dose of the Pfizer vaccine is not recommended for immunocompromised children 6 months to 4 years old.

Children are considered fully vaccinated two weeks after completing the primary series of shots (either two or three shots, depending on age and vaccine brand).

The vaccines are safe and effective

COVID-19 vaccines are under the most intensive safety monitoring in U.S. history. Clinical trials of several thousand children found the vaccines safe and effective. Both vaccines protect against severe disease (which can result in hospitalization or dying) and also protect against multisystem inflammatory syndrome (MIS), a rare yet life-threatening complication of COVID-19 in children. After completing their primary series, children developed coronavirus-fighting antibody levels as strong as teenagers and adults. Medical experts believe the benefits of the Covid-19 vaccines outweigh any known risks.

Preliminary data shows that Pfizer was roughly 75% effective at preventing illness from omicron for children aged 6 months to 2 years, compared to 51% for Moderna's series. Pfizer's vaccines were around 82% effective against omicron for children ages 2 to 4, compared to Moderna's effectiveness of 37% for kids aged 2 to 5. But experts say that data may be misleading. Much of the Pfizer data was collected before omicron, and more Moderna data was collected after omicron.

Experts say the vaccines' side effects are relatively minimal and short-lived, especially in small children compared to older children and teenagers. Children experienced mild side effects more frequently after the second dose. The most common were pain at the injection site, fatigue, and Irritability. Some children experienced fevers, although at a rate no higher than fevers caused by routine vaccinations.

Rare cases of myocarditis and pericarditis have been reported following vaccination with the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine. These reactions have occurred primarily in young men or teenage boys, usually after the second dose, and they tend to recover fully within 90 days. To put the risk in context, doctors say COVID-19 infection can cause more severe heart inflammation than what has been reported as a side effect of the vaccine.

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, the COVID-19 vaccine will not cause infertility or disturb puberty. There is no evidence among clinical trial participants or the millions who have received the vaccines since authorization that the vaccine can lead to loss of fertility or affect puberty.

The bottom line is that both the Pfizer and Moderna COVID-19 vaccines are approved for use in children at 6 months. Experts say both vaccines are safe and well-tolerated in children, with the difference being in how many doses are given and the amount of active ingredient in each shot. They also say that side effects are mild and typically resolve within a few days.

Vaccinating children will benefit everyone

The COVID-19 vaccination will not only protect your child from getting COVID-19, but vaccinating children could have profound effects on society more broadly.

Vaccinating your children will help keep schools and daycares open and lessen the need for classes to quarantine after a COVID-19 exposure. Rising immunity will reduce the chances that young children will transmit the virus to vulnerable children and adults in their families and communities who cannot get vaccinated.

The American Academy of Family Physicians believes the vaccine will help children emotionally and socially. The pandemic stalled routine immunizations, widened education gaps, and escalated rates of anxiety and depression among children. Vaccination will help reduce the spread of the coronavirus and help society return to pre-pandemic normality.

Getting your child vaccinated is quick, easy, and currently free

Since we don't know when the next wave of COVID-19 may hit us, and it takes up to two months for children to become fully vaccinated, medical experts recommend getting your child vaccinated as soon as possible.

There are currently no out-of-pocket costs for the vaccine or booster shot, though your insurer may pay the cost of administering the vaccine, and it's quick and easy for your child to get. PeaceHealth offers vaccine appointments by telephone (find a location) and online scheduling through My PeaceHealth. You can also find vaccine locations by zip code at vaccines.gov by calling 1-800-232-0233 or by texting your zip code to 438829.

More facts about the vaccine for children

Download our two-page fact sheet about the COVID-19 vaccine for children. If you still have questions about vaccinating your child, talk to your child's pediatrician to learn more and decide what is best for your family.

As COVID-19 cases continue to rise, you may have heard about Paxlovid, the latest COVID-19 treatment getting news coverage. Paxlovid is an oral antiviral pill that can be taken at home to help keep high-risk individuals from becoming sick enough with COVID-19 that they need hospitalization. The drug was granted an emergency use authorization (EUA) by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in December 2021 for anyone ages 12 and older who weighs at least 88 pounds and is at high risk for severe disease from COVID-19.

Paxlovid has many benefits. It showed an 89% reduction in the risk of hospitalization and death in the clinical trial—a reduction high enough to prompt the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to prioritize it over other COVID-19 treatments. The good news is that it's provided for free by the U.S. government while there is a public health emergency, and it appears to work against multiple variants, including the current omicron variant.

Even though Paxlovid was authorized for use in December, it has recently gained more interest as it is now widely available (early manufacturing constraints limited its use) and its successful track record at treating a COVID-19 infection when detected within five days of onset.

How does Paxlovid work?

Paxlovid is an antiviral therapy that consists of two medications packaged together. When you take the three-pill dose, two of those pills will be nirmatrelvir, the drug that inhibits the SARS-CoV-2 protein from replicating. The other is ritonavir. It boosts the effectiveness of nirmatrelvir by slowing the rate at which it is metabolized by the liver so that it doesn't move out of your body as quickly, which means it can work longer—giving it a boost to help fight the infection

When should I take Paxlovid?

Treatment with Paxlovid needs to begin within five days of your first COVID-19 symptoms, such as fever or chills, shortness of breath, fatigue or loss of taste or smell. If you test with a rapid, at-home test, remember that these tests may not return a positive result until several days after your first symptoms have appeared. If you suspect you were exposed to COVID-19 and are at high risk for developing severe illness but get a negative result on your first rapid test, keep testing at home or get a PCR test from your primary care physician or a COVID-19 testing site.

How often do I take Paxlovid?

The Paxlovid treatment consists of three pills taken twice daily for five days, and a complete course adds up to 30 pills. The pills come in a "dose card," a medication blister pack that allows you to punch out the pills as you take them.

Can anyone get a Paxlovid prescription?

To qualify for treatment with Paxlovid, an individual must be:

• 12 years of age or older,
• weigh at least 88 pounds,
• have tested positive for COVID-19,
• be symptomatic, and
• be at high risk for developing severe COVID-19 illness.

High-risk individuals include people who are 65 and older and individuals of any age with certain underlying conditions, including cancer, diabetes, or obesity.

To get a prescription for Paxlovid, contact your PeaceHealth primary care provider, visit a PeaceHealth clinic or visit a COVID-19 test-to-treat facility. Please do not come to your local hospital's Emergency Department unless you have a life-threatening condition, such as trouble breathing.

How well does Paxlovid work?

When given EUA, Pfizer presented data from a clinical trial conducted between mid-July and early December 2021 that showed participants (all of whom were unvaccinated) who were treated with Paxlovid were 89% less likely to develop severe illness and death than trial participants who received a placebo.

Despite being tested on unvaccinated individuals, the availability of Paxlovid is not a reason not to get vaccinated for COVID-19. Vaccination remains a crucial part of prevention, even as more treatments become available.

What are the side effects of Paxlovid?

Common side effects, which are usually mild, include:

• Altered or impaired sense of taste,
• Diarrhea,
• Increased blood pressure, and
• Muscle aches.

The FDA fact sheet on Paxlovid has a list of known side effects.

Paxlovid interacts with several other medications, including many widely used medications for chronic conditions. Discuss the medications you take with your doctor or pharmacist before taking Paxlovid. They may recommend a dosage adjustment to your current medications while taking Paxlovid.

What is the "rebound effect" of Paxlovid?

There are reports of a "rebound" of COVID-19 symptoms in some people who have completed the entire course of Paxlovid. In those cases, symptoms have recurred two to eight days after the treatment. Some individuals have also tested positive for COVID-19. Most rebound infections appear relatively mild and clear quickly without further treatment.

People who have taken Paxlovid and test positive again or have symptoms return after finishing their pills should restart their isolation period (five full days). Isolation can end if the person feels better and the fever has been gone for 24 hours without medication. The CDC also recommends that people wear a mask for ten days after their symptoms come back.

What can I take if I am not eligible for Paxlovid?

There are other therapies for COVID-19. Anyone who cannot take Paxlovid should talk to their primary care physician about the best approach for their situation. 

Who is eligible for a booster shot?

Individuals aged 5+ who received a Pfizer vaccine are eligible for a booster shot five months or more after completing their primary series. Those 18+ who received a Moderna vaccine are eligible for a booster shot five months or more after completing their initial series. Individuals 18+ who received the one-dose Johnson & Johnson vaccine are eligible for a booster dose two months after their initial shot. The booster shot may be any available vaccine. However, the CDC has recently indicated that the mRNA vaccines manufactured by Pfizer and Moderna are preferred in most situations. A second booster shot is also recommended for certain people.

* The Pfizer vaccine is currently the only vaccine authorized for children ages 5-17.

The CDC recommends that moderately or severely immunocompromised individuals follow a different vaccine schedule. See below for more information.

Does my booster shot need to be from the same manufacturer?

No. The CDC also approved the mixing and matching of vaccine manufacturers. Eligible individuals may choose which vaccine they receive as a booster dose. 

Some people may prefer the vaccine type they initially received, and others may like to get a different booster. For example, women under age 50, who are at a higher risk for the very rare but also very serious blood clotting disorder associated with the Johnson & Johnson vaccine, may want to get a Pfizer or Moderna booster instead. Similarly, young men who are concerned about myocarditis and pericarditis after a Pfizer or Moderna vaccination may wish to consider the Johnson & Johnson booster as an alternative. 

Am I getting the same dose as I originally received?

In the case of the Pfizer and Johnson & Johnson vaccines, the booster dose is the same as the original dose. For the Moderna vaccine, it is a half dose. 

What are the side effects of the booster shots?

The side effects after getting a booster shot are similar to side effects after the two-shot series. The most common side effects are fatigue and pain at the injection site and overall. Like the two-shot primary series, serious side effects are rare but may occur. 

Can I get my booster and flu shots at the same time?

Yes. The CDC says you can receive the flu vaccine and a COVID vaccine or booster at the same time. If you have concerns about getting both vaccines at the same time, talk with your healthcare provider.  

Do boosters mean the vaccines are not working?

No. For most people, the vaccines are doing what they were designed to do: keeping people from getting severely sick or dying. As with many vaccines, immunity wears off, and the booster helps your body develop more protective antibodies. The majority of those falling seriously ill from COVID-19 are unvaccinated. 

Do I still need to follow safety precautions after a booster dose?

Yes. You should continue following safety recommendations after a third or additional dose.

• Wear a mask in public where required.
• Stay 6 feet away from people you don't live with.
• Avoid crowded and poorly ventilated spaces.

Has the definition of "fully vaccinated" changed?

No. For most people being fully vaccinated means it has been at least two weeks since:

• A second dose of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine.
• One dose of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine. 

For some immunocompromised people, fully vaccinated means it has been at least two weeks since receiving a third dose of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine.  

What are the recommendations for people who are immunocompromised?

The FDA has authorized additional doses for some people with weakened immune systems.

People ages 12 years and older who are moderately or severely immunocompromised should receive five doses of mRNA COVID-19 vaccine to stay up to date—a three-dose primary series of the Pfizer or Moderna COVID-19 vaccine, plus two boosters of the Pfizer or Moderna COVID-19 vaccine. Note that only Pfizer is available for teens 12-17 years.

Children ages 5 through 11 who are moderately or severely immunocompromised should receive four doses of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine—a four-dose primary series, plus one booster.

People ages 18 years and older who are moderately or severely immunocompromised and received the one-dose Johnson & Johnson's COVID-19 vaccine should get a second dose of either the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine, plus two boosters of either Pfizer or Moderna—for a total of four doses.
 

Where can I get a booster shot?

Booster doses are widely available at many places, including pharmacies and drug stores. You can find locations by zip code at vaccines.gov, by calling 1-800-232-0233, or by texting your zip code to 438829. PeaceHealth is offering booster shots to patients through our primary care clinics. Visit peacehealth.org/coronavirus to find a location near you.

Source: CDC

There is such a wonderful sense of relief when you get your vaccine. You are now protected and are protecting your loved ones. This is followed by receiving your vaccine immunization card and realizing that the small piece of paper you possess is the only record you have for proof of vaccination.

This vital card includes your name, birthdate, vaccine manufacturer, and the specific vaccine lot number your dose came from, plus where and when the vaccine was given—critical information that you want to keep safe and protected.

As COVID-19 continues to spread, losing your vaccination card could come with significant challenges. With more and more event venues, restaurants, and other public spaces requiring proof of vaccination for entry, keeping your vaccination card safe and readily available is increasingly important.

If you plan to travel overseas, your vaccination card may be necessary to enter many countries without requiring recent negative test results. The list of destinations allowing inoculated visitors is expected to continue to expand. Even if you get in without a recent test, you will, however, need a negative test to return to the United States, even if you've been vaccinated. See our recent article on summer travel for other considerations.

So how best to protect your vaccination card? And, if you lose it, how can you replace it? Below you will find some answers to these frequently asked questions.

What is the best way to protect your vaccination card?

Since your proof of vaccination is just a paper card that would not survive a mistaken cycle in the wash, experts recommend making a digital copy. Scan or take a digital photo of the card and save it on your phone for easy access. Then tuck the actual copy away safely in something like one of the protective covers mentioned below.

Tom Frieden, former head of the CDC, suggests that you also write down the lot numbers and save the information somewhere you can find it later. Drug companies, like many manufacturers, routinely keep track of medications made at the same time at the same facility using batch or lot numbers. These identifiers allow manufacturers to better trace and coordinate a response, including contacting you to share information, if needed.

Should you laminate your card?

Laminating your card may seem like a good idea, but experts caution against this. First, if you need a booster shot, laminating the card will make it nearly impossible to update your information. Furthermore, the laminate can cause a reflection making your card hard to read. So, if you decide to laminate your card, make sure you choose a non-reflective laminate.

Instead of laminating, it may be best to use a protective sleeve that allows easy access to the card. You can find many varieties of these on Amazon or Etsy. There are also some wristlets and wallets with protective sleeves that can hold your card safely.

Should you consider a digital passport?

Digital vaccine passports are a fast-developing field. There are several options currently available and more on the way as different needs are identified. You may also need more than one app, depending on what you are trying to do. For example, you could use one app to attend a sporting event but a different app for travel abroad. An app may also serve as a good backup for the paper vaccination card.

One option is the Clear Healthpass from Clear. Although Clear is known mainly as the service that allows members to jump the security line at major airports, its app now has a convenient (and completely free) new feature called Health Pass. With Health Pass, users can store digital versions of their vaccine card for easy access when traveling, attending sporting events, or visiting any businesses that require proof of a COVID-19 vaccine. Currently, the NBA, MGM Resorts, and the state of Hawaii are using Clear for entry. The app is available on both iOS and Android.

VaxYes is a similar free, secure, digital vaccine passport. In three easy steps, you can get a secure, digital vaccine record that you can use for travel, live shows, and other entry requirements. VaxYes uses AES 256Bit encryption to make sure your personal information is secure in a HIPAA-compliant environment.

Other options include CommonPass and VeriFLY. Both apps allow users to connect their test results and vaccination records to the app. CommonPass is being rolled out for use by JetBlue, United, Lufthansa, Swiss International Airlines, and Virgin Atlantic. American Airlines, as well British and Iberia, are using VeriFLY as their app of choice.

Note: PeaceHealth is not associated with any of the digital passport apps or sources listed above.

What should you do if your card gets stolen or lost?

If you do lose your card, you can replace it relatively easily. Start by contacting the place where you were vaccinated, and they should be able to provide you with a new card. If you are unable to contact your provider, the CDC recommends that you contact your state health department's immunization information system (IIS). Vaccine providers are required to report COVID-19 vaccination to their state's IIS. Your vaccine information is not tracked at the federal level, but it is tracked at the state and individual vaccine center level. If you received your vaccination at a PeaceHealth facility, you can also find your record in your My PeaceHealth account.

In short, the best course of action may be to have multiple digital copies of your card, leaving your paper card in a safe spot at home. This way, you can put your worries to rest. The most important thing is that you and your family are vaccinated and protected.

Vaccination works. Protect yourself and your family and help end the pandemic.

If you're interested in learning more about the COVID-19 vaccine, check out the PeaceHealth Corornavirus website for answers to your questions about the safety and efficacy of the vaccines. While you're there, you can also learn how to schedule your vaccine appointment. The COVID-19 vaccine is currently free, easy to get, and most importantly, helps protect you and your family from getting seriously ill with COVID-19.

Currently, there are three approved COVID-19 vaccines available in the United States. The CDC recommends that you get the first available vaccine and not wait for a specific brand. All three vaccines are safe, effective, and reduce your risk of getting COVID-19.

The Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine was authorized for emergency use by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration on Dec. 11, 2020, the Moderna vaccine was approved for emergency use on Dec. 18, 2020, and the Johnson and Johnson’s Jansen vaccine was approved for emergency use on Feb. 27, 2021. The development of additional safe and effective vaccines is also underway.

Getting your vaccine is safe, easy, and currently free. Learn more about scheduling your vaccination.

Read several facts about these vaccines below or download and print the full fact sheet.