For the latest information about COVID-19 vaccines and testing, along with our current mask and visitation guidelines, visit Updates from USA Health.
Get the latest statistics about local cases of COVID-19 from the Alabama Department of Public Health: Desktop Site | Mobile Site
The following recommendations come from the CDC and USA Health, with additional content provided by Nebraska Medicine.
Multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) is
a serious condition that appears to be linked to COVID-19. Most
children who become infected with the COVID-19 virus have a mild
illness. But in children who go on to develop MIS-C, some organs and
tissues -- such as the heart, lungs, blood vessels, kidneys, digestive
system, brain, skin or eyes -- become severely inflamed. Signs and
symptoms depend on which areas of the body are affected. To learn more,
please read Information about Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children [PDF].
The Pfzer-BioNtech product is a vaccine authorized under emergency use that may prevent you from getting COVID-19. Because this is an emergency utilization of the vaccine, this product has not been granted full approval yet. This means the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has determined at this time the benefits of this vaccine outweigh the risks when administered to persons who are 16 years of age or older. You are encouraged to read the full Emergency Use Authorization (EUA).
The vaccine is given via an intramuscular injection (shot) into your deltoid (shoulder) muscle.
This vaccine works by sending messenger RNA (mRNA) into your muscle with instructions to your immune cells to stimulate an immune response (protection) against COVID-19. It teaches your body how to make a protein that triggers antibody production so if the real virus enters your body at a later date, your immune cells will recognize it and protect you against it.
It does not enter the part of your cell where your DNA is found (the nucleus) and therefore will not change or alter your DNA.
No, this is not a live vaccine and will not give you COVID-19. The vaccine does not contain SARSCoV2 and cannot give you COVID-19.
Yes, according to the latest trial information, the Pfzer-BioNtech vaccine is 95 percent effective in preventing COVID-19 infection. The vaccine requires two injections 21 days apart to give you protection.
Yes, in order to provide you with immunity (protection), the Pfizer vaccine requires a second injection 21 days after the first dose. The manufacturer recommends that you adhere as close to the 21 day period as possible +/- 2 days.
The exact duration is unknown at this time; however, information suggests the vaccine is effective for at least 3 months.
Yes, even if you take the COVID-19 vaccine, you should follow masking guidelines and maintain social distancing.
You may experience redness and/or muscle pain at the site of injection.
Pain at the injection site, tiredness, headache, muscle pain, chills, joint pain and fever are the most common side effects and should resolve in 2-3 days. Most people will experience more of these side effects following the administration of the second injection. It is important that recipients prepare and expect for potential side effects when receiving the vaccine.
Rarely, severe allergic reaction may occur within minutes up to an hour of receiving the vaccine. Signs of severe allergic reaction include difficulty breathing, swelling of the face and throat, increased heart rate, rash and dizziness. There may be other serious and unexpected side effects as this vaccine is still being studied in clinical trials.
If you are experiencing severe or life threatening side effects, please seek emergency care or call 911. Otherwise, please seek medical care. You will also receive information at the time of vaccination regarding how to report side effects, including utilizing the CDC’s V-safe app, as well as how to use the Vaccine Adverse Events Reporting System.
Pregnant women and women planning pregnancy in the next two months may choose to get the vaccine; however, they should discuss the vaccine with their healthcare provider first in order to ensure they are well-informed about the potential risks and benefits.
Yes, lactating mothers can receive the COVID-19 vaccine.
You should not get the vaccine if you have had severe allergic reaction to an ingredient in the vaccine or if you had a serious allergic reaction to a previous dose.
Vaccine ingredients can be found in the Emergency Use Authorization (EUA).
Immunocompromised persons can choose to receive the vaccine; however, they should discuss the risks and benefits with their healthcare provider first.
People should get the COVID-19 vaccine regardless of prior symptomatic or asymptomatic COVID-19 infection. If you are currently diagnosed with COVID-19, you should wait until you have recovered from illness and can discontinue isolation (at least 10 days from symptom onset and 24 hours without fever).
No, you will need to be free of sick symptoms, including fever, in order to be vaccinated. Temperatures will be checked at the time of vaccination and anyone with a fever will not be vaccinated.
This is unknown. Therefore, at this point we only know it protects the person getting the vaccine from getting disease symptoms. We do not know if this vaccine stops virus transmission. You should still follow universal masking and practice social distancing even with vaccination at this time.
The COVID-19 vaccine should not be administered at the same time as any other vaccine. A minimal interval of 14 days before or after administration with any other vaccine, including flu shots, should occur prior to COVID-19 vaccine administration.
Yes, vaccination is by appointment only at USA Health.
Please bring your photo ID and cell phone to your appointment if possible. You will receive instructions on how to utilize the CDC’s V-Safe App, a health checker app that utilizes text messages to check-in with recipients following vaccination.
Please wear something so that your upper arm may be accessed easily.
Yes, you will be given a consent at your appointment.
Your appointment will likely take 20-30 minutes due to the recommended 15 minute observation period after the vaccine is administered. Please allocate enough time in your schedule when making your appointment. If you have a history of anaphylactic allergies, please be prepared to stay for an extended observation period (at least 30 minutes).
Yes, you will be given a Vaccination Card that contains the date of your vaccine, manufacturer and lot number. You should keep this card for future reference.
You will receive an automatic 21 day follow up appointment for your second injection at the time of your appointment. If you need to change the date of that appointment, please email c19vaccine@health.southalabama.edu. Keep in mind, the manufacturer recommends adhering as close to the 21 day follow up as possible for the second injection.
Yes, it is always a good idea to inform your healthcare provider regarding vaccines you have received.
You will not know it is working or feel any different; however, in about 1-2 weeks after your vaccine you should start producing antibodies to protect you against COVID-19. Don’t forget you will need a second shot in 21 days to receive the fullest protection possible.
You are encouraged to read the Emergency Use Authorization (EUA). You may also visit the CDC’s COVID-19 Vaccine Website.
The following instructions come from Nebraska Medicine.
The following instructions are provided to assist you to safely care for yourself or others who are infected or potentially infected with COVID-19.
Your healthcare provider and public health staff will evaluate whether you can be safely cared for at home. If it is determined that you do not need to be hospitalized and can be isolated at home, you will be monitored by staff from your local health department. You should follow the prevention steps below until a healthcare provider or local health department says you can return to your normal activities.
You should restrict activities outside your home, except for getting medical care. Under no circumstance should you go to work, school, or public areas. Avoid using public transportation, ride sharing, or taxis.
If you have a medical appointment, call the healthcare provider prior to your appointment and tell them that you have or may have COVID-19. This will help the healthcare provider’s office take steps to keep other people from getting infected or exposed. Ask your healthcare provider to call the local or state health department. Persons who are placed under active monitoring or facilitated self-monitoring should follow instructions provided by their local health department or occupational health professionals, as appropriate. If you have a medical emergency and need to call 911, notify the dispatch personnel that you have, or are being evaluated for COVID-19. If possible, put on a facemask before emergency medical services arrive.
You might be feeling anxious, afraid, lonely or uncertain. Download this guide for a list of helpful behavioral health resources, and a few tips for taking care of your emotional health while you're quarantined.
You should wear a facemask when you are around other people (e.g., sharing a room or vehicle) or pets, and before you enter a healthcare provider’s office. If you are not able to wear a facemask (for example, because it causes trouble breathing), then people who live with you should not stay in the same room with you, or they should wear a facemask if they enter your room.
Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw used tissues in a lined trash can.
Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or clean your hands with an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains 60 to 95% alcohol, covering all surfaces of your hands and rubbing them together until they feel dry. Soap and water should be used preferentially if hands are visibly dirty. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
Clean all high-touch surfaces daily. High-touch surfaces include counters, tabletops, doorknobs, bathroom fixtures, toilets, phones, keyboards, tablets, and bedside tables. Also, clean any surfaces that may have blood, stool, or body fluids on them. Use a household cleaning spray or wipe, according to the label instructions. Labels contain instructions for safe and effective use of the cleaning product including precautions you should take when applying the product, such as wearing gloves and making sure you have good ventilation during use of the product.
You should not share dishes, drinking glasses, cups, eating utensils, towels or bedding with other people or pets in your home. After using these items, they should be washed thoroughly with soap and water.
Please contact your local or state health department as soon as possible. Persons who are placed under active monitoring or facilitated self-monitoring should follow instructions provided by their local health department or occupational health professionals, as appropriate.
Seek prompt medical attention if your illness is worsening (e.g., difficulty breathing). Before seeking care, call your healthcare provider and tell them that you have, or are being evaluated for COVID-19. Put on a facemask before you enter the facility. These steps will help the healthcare provider’s office to keep other people in the office or waiting room from getting infected or exposed.
If you have a medical emergency and need to call 911, notify the dispatch personnel that you have, or are being evaluated for COVID-19. If possible, put on a face mask before emergency medical services arrive.
Patients with confirmed COVID-19 should remain under home isolation precautions until the risk of secondary transmission to others is thought to be low. The decision to discontinue home isolation precautions is made on a case-by-case basis, in consultation with healthcare providers, and state and local health departments.
If you are providing care for a person infected or suspected to be infected with COVID-19, please note the following.
If you are providing care for a person infected or suspected to be infected with COVID-19, please note the following.
Household members, intimate partners, and caregivers in a non-healthcare setting may have close contact (within 6 feet) with a person with symptomatic, laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 or a person under investigation. Those in close contact should monitor their health and should call their healthcare provider right away if they develop symptoms suggestive of COVID-19 (e.g., fever, cough, shortness of breath).
Those in close contacts should also follow these recommendations:
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