COVID information, FAQ & resources

Which COVID vaccine is being distributed by Advocate Health Care?

We’re distributing the 2024-25 Moderna COVID shots to anyone 6 months and older.

Is the vaccine safe for children?

Yes, the vaccine for children has the same active ingredients as the vaccine for adults, but children receive a smaller dose that’s the right size for them. Your child should get the vaccine made for their age group. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends children who meet the eligibility criteria get vaccinated.

Is the current vaccine effective against COVID variants?

According to the FDA, the 2024-25 vaccine more closely targets the COVID variants that are circulating now and provides better protection against serious consequences of the virus. While vaccinated people can get infected, the chances of getting very sick or dying from COVID are much less than for those who are not vaccinated.

Is it OK to get other vaccines at the same time as the COVID vaccine?

Yes. According to the CDC, it’s safe to get the COVID vaccine at the same time as other vaccines.

Some vaccines are fully approved for certain ages, and some have emergency use authorization. What is emergency use authorization?

Emergency use authorization, or EUA, means unapproved medical products can be used in an emergency to diagnose, treat or prevent serious or life-threatening diseases, assuming safety and quality criteria have been met. No serious safety concerns were reported while the vaccines were tested in trials, and the FDA also conducted a thorough evaluation to ensure the vaccines met its standards for safety, effectiveness and manufacturing quality.

Who can get vaccinated now?

Anyone 6 months and older can get the 2024-25 vaccine, even if you haven’t previously been vaccinated against COVID.  

Talk with your doctor if you have questions about getting vaccinated.  And If you’re immunocompromised, see the CDC’s guidance for immunocompromised people for more information.

I had COVID and was treated with monoclonal antibodies or convalescent plasma. Can I still get a COVID vaccine?

Yes. Talk to your doctor if you’re not sure what treatments you received or if you need more guidance about getting vaccinated.

Should I get vaccinated if I have allergies?

Do not get the updated COVID shot if you were treated for an allergic reaction within four hours after receiving a previous COVID vaccine or booster. You also should not get vaccinated if you’ve had a severe allergic reaction to any component of any of the vaccines.

We’re distributing the Moderna vaccine, which has the following components: messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA), lipids (SM-102, polyethylene glycol [PEG] 2000 dimyristoyl glycerol [DMG], cholesterol, and 1,2-distearoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine [DSPC]), tromethamine, tromethamine hydrochloride, acetic acid, sodium acetate and sucrose.

Should I get the vaccine if I’m pregnant or breastfeeding?

The vaccines are very effective in pregnant women. The CDC recommends women who are pregnant or breastfeeding get the COVID vaccine. What’s more, pregnant women are more likely to get severely ill with COVID compared to nonpregnant women, according to the CDC.

How do I get my shot?

Schedule an appointment for your vaccination by contacting your primary care provider or by visiting an Advocate Pharmacy. 

Should I get vaccinated if I already had COVID?

It’s recommended that people who have had COVID get the vaccine. However, if you’re still contagious, you should delay your vaccine appointment until you’re no longer contagious. Contact your doctor if you’re not sure if you’re contagious.

You may also consider waiting three months from your last positive COVID test to get vaccinated. Studies have shown this waiting period can improve the body’s immune response to vaccination. There’s also a low risk of reinfection in the months immediately following an infection. 

Are there side effects from getting the vaccine?

The most commonly reported side effects in trials included pain at the injection site, tiredness, headache, muscle pain, chills, joint pain, nausea and fever. Side effects such as these often indicate a person’s immune system is responding to the vaccine.

Minor side effects are common after a vaccine, and our providers will help you understand and manage them. If you experience something more serious than a side effect after getting vaccinated, contact your health care provider to get care right away.

You could experience some discomfort and soreness from the injection as well as nonserious effects. Our providers will explain any side effects before you get the vaccine.

Like adults, children may also experience common side effects such as headaches, muscle pain, fatigue or fever. Common side effects in children 3 years old and younger include irritability, sleepiness and loss of appetite.

What if I experience an allergic reaction after getting the vaccine?

Everyone who receives a vaccine will be monitored by our providers for 15-30 minutes after vaccination. We're prepared to respond quickly and appropriately should anyone experience an allergic reaction.

I lost my vaccination card. How can I get a new one?

The CDC is no longer distributing vaccination cards and providers are no longer required to fill out these cards. If you got your vaccination at an Advocate Health Care location, you can get a copy of your immunization history in the LiveWell app or website. You can also request a copy from your primary care provider. Other options include the state health department’s immunization information system. You can find state Immunization Information Systems (IIS) information on the CDC website or v-safe if you enrolled in this tool.

If you didn’t get your vaccine at an Advocate location, contact your vaccination provider to access your vaccination record. If you can’t contact your vaccination provider directly, contact your state health department’s immunization information system. You can find state IIS information on the CDC website.