Vaccination

• All available COVID-19 vaccines prevent moderate cases of COVID-19 and are extremely effective at preventing more severe cases that can lead to hospitalization and death.
• The COVID-19 vaccine can help protect you by creating an immunity response in your body without you having to become sick with COVID-19.
• Getting vaccinated also might help protect people around you from COVID-19, especially those at increased risk of severe illness from COVID-19.

Who is eligible?

Beginning March 29th, all adults are eligible to receive a COVID-19 vaccine in Texas. Most vaccines are authorized for people 18 years old and older; the FDA has authorized the Pfizer vaccine for use in people 12 and older.

Can I get the vaccine if I am pregnant?

Yes. Pregnant and recently pregnant people with COVID-19 are at increased risk of severe illness, death, and pregnancy complications. The CDC issued Health Advisory for Pregnant People to increase COVID-19 vaccination among people who are pregnant, recently pregnant (including those who are lactating), who are trying to become pregnant now, or who might become pregnant in the future to prevent serious illness, deaths, and adverse pregnancy outcomes.

Do I need to wait to get the COVID-19 vaccine if I have recently received a different vaccine, such as the flu shot?

No, you do not need to wait to get the vaccine. Updated guidance states vaccines can/should be co-administered. Read the CDC's Coadministration of COVID-19 vaccines with other vaccines for more information.

Do I need to show proof of Citizenship?

No. You will not need to prove citizenship to get a vaccine and public health will never share your information with any immigration or law enforcement agencies.

If I already had COVID-19 do I still take the vaccine?

Yes, people may get vaccinated after recovering from their COVID-19 infection.

Who should NOT get the Pfizer, Moderna or Johnson & Johnson vaccine?

• Anyone with a previous severe or immediate allergic reaction should consult with their doctor first.
• Those younger than 12 years of age for the Pfizer vaccine.
• Those younger than 18 years of age for the Moderna or Johnson & Johnson vaccine.
• People currently isolating or experiencing symptoms of COVID-19; these people can get vaccinated once they have finished 10-day isolation and symptoms have resolved. 

Can children receive the COVID-19 vaccine?

Currently, only the Pfizer vaccine is approved for individuals who are 12 years of age or older. No vaccines are approved for anyone under 12 years of age at this time.

Is parental/guardian consent needed for minors to receive the vaccine?

Yes. Parental consent (written or verbal) is required prior to vaccination for anyone under the age of 18.

Are parents/guardians required to accompany the child?

Yes. A parent/guardian are required to accompany children between the ages of 12 – 17 years old to receive the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccination.

What supporting paperwork will be needed to get my child the COVID-19 vaccine?

Children ages 12 and up are now eligible to receive the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine with parental consent. A photo ID (for the parent/guardian; & for the child if available) is preferred but not required. We are not requiring other supporting documentations such as birth certificates. The parent/guardian who accompanies the minor to the appointment can self-attest to the child’s age and identity.

As vaccines become more available, people will be able to get them at doctor’s offices, pharmacies, hospitals and other “usual” sites.

Search for a vaccine pop-up clinic near you.

Other Vaccine Providers

• Texas MedClinic
• University Health System
• WellMed

Locations may be subject to change.

Additional providers within San Antonio can be located via the DSHS Vaccination page.

There is no charge for the vaccine or administration.  You do NOT need health insurance.

Is the vaccine safe?

Yes. Severe side effects are rare. Severe allergic reactions seem to be occurring about 1 for every 100,000 injections.

How were the vaccines developed so quickly?

Every study, every phase, and every trial was reviewed by the FDA and a safety board. Scientists have been working since the start of the pandemic to make COVID-19 vaccines as soon as possible.

Will the government be tracking me?

No. Individuals can decide to sign up with the State’s C immunization registry so individuals can have a record of receiving their COVID vaccine.

Is the vaccine made from fetuses?

No. The vaccines do not contain human fetal cells.

Does the vaccine have any blood cells in it?

No. The mRNA vaccines do not contain any blood products.

Is there enough vaccine for everyone?

Yes. There is enough vaccine available for everyone.

Do I need an appointment?

No. You do not need an appointment to receive a vaccine.

What are the possible side effects?

Side effects to the vaccine are normal. The most common side effects are:

• On the arm where you got the shot:
• • Pain
  • Swelling
• Throughout the rest of your body:
• • Fever
  • Chills
  • Tiredness
  • Headache

Helpful Tips

To reduce pain and discomfort where you got the shot:

• Apply a clean, cool, wet washcloth over the area.
• Use or exercise your arm.

To reduce discomfort from fever:

• Drink plenty of fluids.
• Dress Lightly.

You can take an over-the-counter medication (like acetaminophen [Tylenol]) after your vaccine to help with side effects if you have no other medical reasons that prevent you from taking these medications normally.

Will I get as sick receiving the vaccine as I would from the virus?

No. You cannot become infected, or infect others, from receiving the vaccine because it does not contain any live virus.

Are the side effects after the 2nd dose different?

Many people report more side effects after their second dose compared to their first one. The most common side effects include fever, chills, tiredness, and headache. Side effects typically occur 24-48 hours after the injection, but they should go away in a few days.

Do I need to quarantine if I start experiencing side effects from the vaccine?

No. The side effects do not mean that you are sick with the virus. Side effects occur because the vaccine is preparing your body for if/when it comes into contact with COVID-19.

What do I do if I become sick between injections?

Discuss your side effects with a health practitioner to evaluate whether your side effects might be from COVID-19 infection, vaccine side effects, or another cause.

Do I need to get my 2nd dose at the same location as my 1st dose?

Due to widely available access to COVID-19 vaccine, it is no longer necessary to return to the location where the first dose was received: A second dose can be obtained at any location currently offering COVID-19 vaccines.

Do I need to get my 2nd dose from the same brand as my 1st dose?

Yes.

What happens if I don’t get the second dose?

It is highly recommended to complete both doses (Moderna/Pfizer) to receive the full benefit.

When should I get my 2nd dose?

Make every effort to get your second dose on schedule. If you miss your second dose appointment, try to get it as soon as possible.

What happens if I miss my appointment for my 2nd dose?

Your second dose may be given up to 6 weeks after the first dose, if necessary.

Do I still need to wear a mask and physically distance after receiving the vaccine?

• If you are not fully vaccinated and aged 2 or older, you should wear a mask in indoor public places.
• In general, you do not need to wear a mask in outdoor settings.
• In areas with high numbers of COVID-19 cases, consider wearing a mask in crowded outdoor settings and for activities with close contact with others who are not fully vaccinated.
• If you are fully vaccinated and have a condition or are taking medications that weaken your immune system, you may need to keep taking steps to protect yourself, like wearing a mask. Talk to your healthcare provider about steps you can take to manage your health and risks.
• If you are fully vaccinated, see When You’ve Been Fully Vaccinated.

How long does the protection from the vaccine last?

We do not yet know how long protection lasts after vaccination

Do I need to keep a record of my vaccination?

It is highly encouraged to keep a record of your vaccination in the event you need proof of vaccination in the future. It may be needed for things such as future travel. You are encouraged to take a picture of both the front and back of your vaccination card once you receive it.

Is there a record of my vaccination being kept?

Yes. If you want a copy of your vaccination record, start by contacting the clinic, doctor, or healthcare provider that administered the vaccination. If your provider has the record on file, this will be the fastest way of obtaining your records. Or you could request it from Texas DSHS by completing a record request form and mailing it to: Texas Department of State Health Services ImmTrac Group MC-1946 P.O. Box 149347 Austin, TX 78714-9347 OR Fax the record request form to: 512.776.7790; 512.776.7288. You can access this information by visiting https://www.dshs.state.tx.us/immunize

Will I need an annual shot?

This is currently unknown.

What do I do if I have been vaccinated but others around me have not?

You should continue practicing COVID prevention measures to protect yourself and others from COVID-19. These measures (such as wearing a mask, physically distancing, washing your hands) are the best way to avoid spreading the virus. The vaccine is NOT a cure and even when you are vaccinated, there is still a possibility that you could contract COVID-19 or spread it to others.

What do I do if others around me have been vaccinated but I have not?

You should continue practicing COVID prevention measures to protect yourself and others from COVID-19. These measures (such as wearing a mask, physically distancing, washing your hands) are the best way to avoid spreading the virus.

What happens if I am exposed to someone with COVID19 after I have received both doses of the vaccine?

Fully vaccinated people with no COVID-like symptoms do not need to quarantine or be tested after an exposure to someone with suspected or confirmed COVID-19, as their risk of infection is low. "Fully vaccinated" means more than two weeks have passed since the second dose in a 2-dose series, -OR- one dose of a single-dose vaccine. People should still monitor for symptoms of COVID-19 for 14 days after an exposure. If they experience symptoms, they should isolate themselves from others, and see a healthcare provider to discuss getting tested.

What can I do now that I have been vaccinated?

Fully vaccinated people can:

• Visit indoors in small groups with other fully vaccinated people without wearing masks or physical distancing
• Should still avoid medium or large-size gatherings
• Visit indoors with unvaccinated people from a single household who are at low risk for severe COVID-19 disease without wearing masks or physical distancing

Who is eligible for the booster shot?

The Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine booster shot will be available at Metro Health clinics on September 29. To receive the booster shot, it must be at least six months since the completion of your Pfizer vaccine primary series. People who are 65 years and older, or those who are 18-64 years and have under lying medical conditions are eligible. People in high risk occupational and institutional settings are also eligible, such as teachers, health-care workers and grocery store employees.

If I get a booster, can I get an H-E-B gift card?

No.

When can I get a COVID-19 vaccine booster if I am NOT in one of the recommended groups?

Additional populations may be recommended to receive a booster shot as more data becomes available. The COVID-19 vaccines approved and authorized in the United States continue to be effective at reducing risk of severe disease, hospitalization, and death. However, the virus that causes COVID-19 constantly evolves. Experts are looking at all available data to understand how well the vaccines are working for different populations. This includes looking at how new variants, like Delta, affect vaccine effectiveness. Read more on how to prevent infection.

If we need a booster shot, does that mean that the vaccines aren’t working?

No. COVID-19 vaccines are working well to prevent severe illness, hospitalization, and death, even against the widely circulating Delta variant. However, public health experts are starting to see reduced protection, especially among certain populations, against mild and moderate disease.

What should people who received Moderna or Johnson & Johnson’s Janssen vaccine do?

The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) and CDC’s recommendations are bound by what the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) authorization allows. At this time, the Pfizer-BioNTech booster authorization only applies to people whose primary series was Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine. People in the recommended groups who got the Moderna or J&J/Janssen vaccine will likely need a booster shot. More data on the effectiveness and safety of Moderna and J&J/Janssen booster shots are expected in the coming weeks. With those data in hand, CDC will keep the public informed with a timely plan for Moderna and J&J/Janssen booster shots.

What are the risks to getting a booster?

For many who have completed their primary series with Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine, the benefits of getting a booster shot outweigh the known and potential risks. So far, reactions reported after the third Pfizer-BioNTech shot were similar to that of the 2-shot primary series. Fatigue and pain at the injection site were the most reported side effects, and overall, most side effects were mild to moderate. However, as with the 2-shot primary series, serious side effects are rare, but may occur.

Does this change the definition of "fully vaccinated" for those eligible for booster shots?

People are still considered fully vaccinated two weeks after their second dose in a 2-shot series, such as the Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna vaccines, or two weeks after a single-dose vaccine, such as the J&J/Janssen vaccine. This definition applies to all people, including those who receive an additional dose as recommended for moderate to severely immunocompromised people and those who receive a booster shot.

Can you explain these "permissive" recommendations related to people 18 to 49 with underlying medical conditions, and people 18 to 64 who may be exposed due to occupational/institutional setting? How are these different from the other two recommendations?

Adults 18–49 who have underlying medical conditions are at increased risk for severe illness from COVID-19, as are people 18-64 are in an occupational or institutional setting where the burden of COVID-19 infection and risk of transmission are high. However, that risk is likely not as high as it would be for adults 50 years and older who have underlying medical conditions, or people who live in long-term care settings. With the lower risk, the data do not support that everyone who falls into this group should get a booster shot. Therefore, CDC’s recommendation is not as strong for these populations, but still allows a booster shot to be available for those who would like to get one. People 18 and older who are at high risk for severe COVID-19 due to underlying medical conditions or their occupation should consider their individual risks and benefits when making the decision of whether to get a booster shot. This recommendation may change in the future as more data becomes available.

Will providers accept anyone who says they’re eligible to receive a booster shot? Will people need to show a doctor’s note/prescription or other documentation?

It’s important to note that individuals can self-attest (i.e., self-report that they are eligible) and receive a booster shot wherever vaccines are offered. This will help ensure there are not additional barriers to access for these select populations receiving their booster shot.

No.

No. Appointments are not required. If you wish to make an appointment, please register at Vaccination for COVID-19.

Please see the Location information on the vaccination registration page for directions and arrival instructions.

You need to bring an ID and wear a face mask.

You do not need an appointment to receive the second dose of Moderna or Pfizer vaccines. If you pass the recommended interval for your second dose, you can still receive your second dose without restarting your vaccine series.

The timing between your first and second shot depends on which vaccine you received. You should not get the second dose earlier than the recommended interval.

• If you received the Moderna vaccine, you will need to wait at least 24 days after your first dose.
• If you received the Pfizer vaccine, you will need to wait at least 21 days after your first dose.

You will need to complete the series of the 2 shots in order for them to work. Get the second shot even if you have side effects after receiving the first shot, unless a vaccination provider or your doctor tells you not to get a second shot.

If you pass the recommended interval for your second dose, you can still receive your second dose without restarting your vaccine series.

No.

COVID-19 vaccination will help protect you from getting COVID-19. You may have some side effects, which are normal signs that your body is building protection. These side effects may affect your ability to do daily activities, but they should go away in a few days.

• Common side-effects
  • On the arm where you got the shot:
    • Pain
    • Swelling
  • Throughout the rest of your body:
    • Fever
    • Chills
    • Tiredness
    • Headache
• If you have pain or discomfort, talk to your doctor about taking an over-the-counter medicine, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen. You can also contact a Federally Qualified Health Center.
• If you get a COVID-19 vaccine and you think you might be having a severe allergic reaction after leaving the vaccination site, seek immediate medical care by calling 911. Learn more about COVID-19 vaccines and rare severe allergic reactions.
• CDC is also implementing a new smartphone-based tool called v-safe to check-in on people’s health after they receive a COVID-19 vaccine. When you receive your vaccine, you should also receive a v-safe information sheet telling you how to enroll in v-safe. If you enroll, you will receive regular text messages directing you to surveys where you can report any problems or adverse reactions you have after receiving a COVID-19 vaccine.
  • Learn more: What to Expect after Getting a COVID-19 Vaccine - English (PDF)
  • Qué esperar después de la aplicación de la vacuna contra el COVID-19 - español (PDF)

If you are fully vaccinated, you can resume activities you did prior to the pandemic without wearing a mask or physically distancing, except where required by federal, state, local, tribal, or territorial laws, rules, and regulations, including local business and workplace guidance.

View the CDC's Guidance for Fully Vaccinated People for information on what you can do after you are fully vaccinated.

No, the registration is not transferrable. Each person needs to register individually. Registration will be confirmed at the site for each person. Multiple registrations for the same person will be cancelled.

If you are looking to cancel your scheduled appointment please call 311 option 8 at least 24 hours ahead of your scheduled appointment or email your Name, DOB, Phone Number, Appointment Date, and Time asking for a cancellation to COVID-19@sanantonio.gov.

Metro Health will be scheduling second dose COVID-19 vaccine appointments on-site after patients receive their first dose at the Alamodome to streamline the scheduling process.

I haven’t been vaccinated yet. How can I get a gift card?

The vaccine is one of the best ways to protect yourself from severe infection or hospitalization caused by COVID-19. You must receive either the one-dose Johnson & Johnson vaccine or the second dose of the two-dose Pfizer or Moderna vaccines at a Metro Health vaccine clinic to be eligible to receive a gift card while supplies last.

If I received my first vaccine dose at another clinic or location not associated with Metro Health but get my second dose at a Metro Heath vaccine site, can I get the gift card?

Thank you for getting vaccinated! Yes, if you get your second dose at a Metro Health vaccine site, you are eligible for the gift card just as long as you received your first dose after July 31, 2021.

Is there an age requirement to receive the gift card?

There is no age requirement. The Pfizer vaccine is currently authorized for people 12 and older and is offered at Metro Health vaccine sites.

Do I need to show any type of identification or proof of residence to receive the gift card?

Yes. You will need to bring your COVID-19 vaccination card. You will also be asked to fill out a form with your name, address, zip code, date of vaccination and the type of vaccine received.

If I completed my vaccine series after July 31, but before the gift cards became available on September 24, can I still get a gift card?

Thank you for getting vaccinated. Unfortunately, you are not eligible to receive the incentive.

I got vaccinated at a non-Metro Health site, am I still eligible for a gift card?

No. This incentive program is reserved for Metro Health vaccine sites only.

I’m already fully vaccinated. Can I get a gift card?

Unfortunately, the gift card is only for people who have yet to be fully vaccinated. The incentive is to encourage people to become fully vaccinated.

Can I pick up a gift card for myself and my child who is getting vaccinated?

Yes. You can receive a gift card on behalf of your child after he/she completes their vaccine series at a Metro Health vaccine clinic. The Pfizer vaccine is authorized for people 12 and older and is offered at Metro Health vaccine sites.

Can I get a booster shot and pick up a gift card?

No. The gift cards are an incentive to encourage vaccinations among unvaccinated people.

What date will the gift cards be available?

September 24.

Where can I pick up my gift card?

Eligible individuals will be given a gift card at the time their vaccine series is completed at a Metro Health vaccine site, including the Alamodome drive-thru clinic.

Are there any items that cannot be purchased with the H-E-B gift card?

No alcohol or tobacco products can be purchased.

Who paid for these gift cards?

The Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) provided funding for municipalities to encourage vaccinations in their communities. The CDC approved Metro Health’s use of $1 million from federal COVID-19 relief funds to purchase 10,000 gift cards from H-E-B to incentivize vaccinations in San Antonio and Bexar County.