COVID-19 Vaccine Information

Who is eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine?
Paid faculty, staff, and students in the appropriate Phase, as defined by the Georgia Department of Public Health, are eligible to receive the vaccine. This includes faculty, staff, and students at UGA’s extended campuses. Since vaccine is being administered by Phase, you will receive an email with instructions on how to receive the vaccine if you are identified as being in the current Phase.

 

What if I am based at a UGA extended campus?
You may receive the vaccine in Athens during your eligible Phase. You may also receive the vaccine from your local healthcare provider or Department of Public Health.

 

Who can get an appointment for the COVID-19 vaccine?
Beginning January 11th, we will schedule appointments for the following individuals in Phase 1a:

  • Healthcare workers in clinical settings
  • Law enforcement personnel
  • Adults aged 65 and older

 

How do I make an appointment?
You will receive an email invite that includes instructions on how to make an appointment and register with the University Health Center.

 

What is the cost for vaccination?
There is no out-of-pocket cost for COVID-19 vaccination. You will be asked to provide your insurance card so we can charge an administration fee. If you are uninsured or your insurance does not reimburse for the administration fee, you will not be billed.

 

Can I request a specific brand of vaccine?

  • No. We use vaccine as we receive it. For your first dose you may receive the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine, and we cannot tell you ahead of time which one it will be.
  • For your second dose of vaccine, you will receive the same brand as your first dose (for example, if you were vaccinated with Pfizer first, your second dose will be Pfizer).

 

How will I know when to come back for my second vaccination?

  • We will make a return appointment for you to receive your second dose. You will also receive a vaccination card that tells you which vaccine you received and when you need to return.
  • If you receive the Pfizer vaccine, you will need to return in about 3 weeks for your second dose. If you receive the Moderna vaccine, you will need to return in about 4 weeks.

 

Why will I need to stay on site for monitoring after my vaccination?
We recommend you stay for 15-30 minutes after receiving the vaccine.

 

After I receive the vaccine do I still need to wear a mask and practice social distancing?
Yes! We will still need to wear masks and practice physical distancing until a large proportion of the population is vaccinated and we are sure the vaccine provides long-term protection. Initially, we will not have enough vaccine to vaccinate everyone who wants the vaccine, and the virus will still be transmitted.

 

I am not in Phase 1a, when can I get the vaccine?

  • Currently there is not a timeline for moving to the next Phase of vaccination. Moving to the next Phase will depend on availability of vaccine and how quickly demand in the current phase is met across the US.
  • The Georgia Department of Health will announce the next Phase, and we will follow their guidelines.

 

graphic of vaccine administration phases in Georgia

 

Vaccine-specific FAQs:

 

What are the most common side effects?
Side effects are mild, temporary, and normal signs that your body is building protections. You may experience pain and swelling in the arm of the injection. Throughout the rest of your body you may experience fever, chills, tiredness, and headache.

 

Can someone contract COVID-19 from the vaccine?
No, it is not possible to contract COVID-19 from the vaccine. COVID-19 vaccines use inactivated virus, parts of the virus, or a gene from the virus. The vaccine imitates the infection so that our bodies create antibody defenses to fight off COVID-19.

 

If I already had COVID-19 should I still get the vaccine?
Yes. Individuals with a history of COVID-19 may wait for 90 days to receive the vaccine. However, you are eligible to receive the vaccine two weeks after completion of an isolation period.

 

Is the vaccine effective?
Yes! The vaccine is approximately 95% effective in preventing COVID-19.

 

How long before the vaccine offers protection?
The vaccine can take up to two weeks to offer protection, and the first dose will only provide partial protection. It is important that you receive both doses of vaccine.

 

How long will the vaccine offer protection?
We do not yet know how long immunity lasts.

 

What if I have additional questions about the vaccine?
Please refer to the following sites: