COVID-19 Vaccinations

COVID-19 Vaccination FAQs

Is the COVID-19 vaccine safe?

All vaccines follow strict tests and trials before being approved and available to the general public. Although COVID-19 vaccines were created quickly, safety and efficacy were not compromised during the development or approval process. There will be continued monitoring for any adverse events associated with receiving the vaccine. More information is available at the CDC.

How does the COVID-19 vaccine work?

The Pfizer and Moderna vaccines utilize mRNA genetic code to cause an immune response. These do not alter human cells. They only present the body with instructions to build immunity to COVID-19.

Janssen’s one-shot vaccine is a viral vector vaccine similar to the common vaccines that most of us have received. A viral vector vaccine uses a modified virus (in this case a weakened version of an adenovirus) to deliver important instructions to our cells.  These instructions, just like in an mRNA vaccine, trigger the production of antibodies.  So, although the delivery method is different, each vaccine is working to achieve the same end – triggering an immune response to fight COVID-19.

How is the Janssen (Johnson & Johnson) vaccine different from Moderna or Pfizer?

The three available vaccines use two different technologies to trigger immune responses. Pfizer and Moderna are mRNA vaccines (see DNA question above for more information) whereas Janssen’s one-shot vaccine is a viral vector vaccine similar to the common vaccines that most of us have received. A viral vector vaccine uses a modified virus (in this case a weakened version of an adenovirus) to deliver important instructions to our cells.  These instructions, just like in an mRNA vaccine, trigger the production of antibodies.  So, although the delivery method is different, each vaccine is working to achieve the same end – triggering an immune response to fight COVID-19.

Will the COVID-19 vaccine make me ill?

There could be localized reactions including but not limited to pain at the injection site, redness, and swelling. Other side effects identified during the clinical trials have included fever, fatigue, headache, and muscle pain. More safety information can be found at the CDC. 

Will I have to pay for the COVID-19 vaccine?

No you will not be charged for the COVID-19 vaccine.

Who is eligible to receive a COVID-19 vaccine through MCN Health?

Muscogee (Creek) Nation Department of Health is now vaccinating all Natives and the general public 12 years and older.

Am I eligible for the vaccine if I have already had COVID-19?

Yes. You are still eligible and should receive the vaccine. The vaccine will further boost your immune response to fight COVID-19.

Where can I sign up to receive the vaccine?

We have established an automated vaccine information line to provide our citizens and patients with the most up-to-date vaccine information.  You may call 918-758-3601 to leave a message to sign-up to receive the vaccine.  You can also find information on our vaccine page.

This line is not for emergency use.  If you have received the vaccine and are experiencing a reaction outside of the normal side effects of vaccination, please call 911 or seek care through your local emergency room.

Should I still get tested if I have been vaccinated?

If you are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms, you should get tested, even if you have already been vaccinated. Getting a COVID-19 test will help us detect and track emerging variants.

Am I at risk for getting COVID-19 if I have been vaccinated?

As variants emerge, we may see breakthrough cases of COVID-19. Breakthrough cases are cases of COVID-19 that occur after someone has been vaccinated. They happen only in a small percentage of vaccinated people, but it is possible for them to occur. Causes of breakthrough infection can include an individual with a weak immune response, new strains or variants.

The best thing you can do to protect yourself and those around you from new variants of COVID-19 is to get a COVID-19 vaccine.

Why do some individuals require a third mRNA vaccine?

People who are moderately to severely immunocompromised are especially vulnerable to COVID-19 because they are more at risk of serious, prolonged illness.  This additional does is intended to improve immunocompromised people’s response to their initial vaccine series.  CDC recommends the third dose of mRNA COVID-19 vaccine is administered at least 28 days after the second dose of Pfizer or Moderna Covid-19 vaccine.

Who is eligible to receive a booster?

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration amended the emergency use authorization (EUA) for the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine, authorizing the use of a single booster dose for administration to individuals 16 and 17 years of age at least six months after completion of primary vaccination with the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine.

Adults 18 years and older can get any booster of the COVID-19 vaccines authorized in the United States.

Are the booster shots the same formulation as the primary series?

Yes, COVID-19 booster shots are the same formulation as the current COVID-19 vaccines. However, in the case of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine booster, it is half the dose of the vaccine people received during primary series.

Can people mix and match vaccine brands for their booster shot?

Eligible individuals may choose which vaccine they receive as a booster. Some people may have a preference for the vaccine type they originally received and others may prefer to get a different booster.  CDC’s recommendations now allow for this type of mix and match dosing for booster shots.

To receive a booster, do I need to provide record of my original series?

Please bring you vaccination record card with you. However, if you have lost or misplaced your card, we may be able to locate your information on the Oklahoma State Immunization Information System.