COVID-19 Vaccine
Tri-County Health Care wants to provide safe and efficient vaccination for everyone. A COVID-19 vaccine has arrived and many are eager to get the shot, but first, refer to the information below. You deserve the utmost knowledge about the vaccine, any side-effects and instructions for receiving it.
Vaccination Appointments
We are hosting Pfizer vaccine clinics for ages 12 and over every Thursday in August. Parents need to be present to sign a consent waiver. These clinics are open to anyone seeking a first or second dose of the Pfizer vaccine. Call 218-631-3510 to schedule an appointment. Walk-ins are also welcome.
All individuals interested in receiving the single-dose Johnson & Johnson vaccine should call 218-631-3510 to be put on the schedule.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the benefits of getting a COVID-19 vaccine?
COVID-19 can cause severe medical complications and there is no way to know how the virus will affect you. Infected individuals can also spread the disease to friends, family and others around them.
Getting a COVID-19 vaccine helps protect you by creating an antibody response in your body without having to become sick with COVID-19. The vaccine can prevent you from getting COVID-19 or keep you from becoming seriously ill or developing complications.
Is it safe for pregnant women or women who plan to have children?
People who are pregnant can get the COVID-19 vaccine. The COVID-19 vaccine is safe for people who want to have a baby one day. Learn more here.
The CDC states: "There is currently no evidence that any vaccines, including COVID-19 vaccines, cause fertility problems—problems trying to get pregnant. The CDC does not recommend routine pregnancy testing before COVID-19 vaccination. If you are trying to become pregnant, you do not need to avoid pregnancy after receiving a COVID-19 vaccine. Like with all vaccines, scientists are studying COVID-19 vaccines carefully for side effects now and will report findings as they become available."
What COVID-19 vaccines have been approved and how do they work? Are they safe?
There are several COVID-19 vaccines in clinical trials. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration reviews the results of these trials before approving COVID-19 vaccines for use. Data collected from trials must show that vaccines are safe and effective before the FDA can give emergency use authorization. For more information on the process, read our blog post here.
Are there side effects after getting the COVID-19 vaccine?
The side effects of the COVID-19 vaccine may feel like the flu and might even affect your ability to do daily activities but should go away in a few days. Mild side effects may include pain, redness or swelling where the shot is given, fever, fatigue, headache, muscle pain, chills or joint paint. Click here for additional information on side effects and helpful tips for reducing pain and discomfort after vaccination.
What about herd immunity?
Herd immunity occurs when most people in a population are immune to a disease. Being immune means they cannot get the disease because they either got a vaccine or already had the disease and cannot get it again, at least for a while.
We do not know enough about COVID-19 to be sure herd immunity is possible. COVID-19 is a new disease and there has not been enough time to fully study immunity yet.
- We do not know how long a person cannot get sick again after they already were sick with COVID-19
- We do not know if being infected before will make the next infection better or worse
- We do not know if a person who was ill before and then has contact with COVID-19 again will be able to pass the virus to others again
We cannot let herd immunity happen naturally, at the cost of thousands of Minnesotans getting very sick and possibly dying. Vaccination is a way to reach herd immunity without people getting sick and/or dying. Vaccination lets a person’s body develop protection against a disease without having to get sick. (Source: MDH)
Should I get the COVID-19 vaccine if I have a history of allergies?
If you had an immediate allergic reaction - even if it was not severe - to a vaccine or injectable therapy for another disease, consult your medical provider to see if you should get the COVID-19 vaccine. Your provider will decide if it is safe for you to get vaccinated.
MASKING IS REQUIRED AT ALL TIMES AT TRI-COUNTY HEALTH CARE
CDC guidelines indicate that masking is no longer necessary for vaccinated individuals. HOWEVER, the guidelines also state that healthcare facilities should still require masking and social distancing.
These rules are in place to protect our patients and staff. Many people in our communities are unvaccinated or immunocompromised. Additionally, Wadena County currently has one of the highest COVID-19 case rates in the state.
Visitors refusing to wear a mask will be asked to leave the facility.
Thank you for your patience and understanding. We value our patients and are exercising the best infection prevention practices to keep staff and patients safe.
For the most up-to-date CDC guidance, please visit the CDC website.
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