Hann’s Pharmacy is gearing up to do our part in keeping our community safe by administering the COVID-19 vaccine as it becomes available to us. Here are some of the most frequently asked questions we are receiving at this time.
How will I know when Hann’s has the vaccine?
A: Complete our pre-registration form at https://hannspharmacy.com/covid-19-vaccination-pre-registration/ and we will email you when we receive the vaccine. This email will include a link to our booking site so that you can then make an appointment on a first-come, first-serve basis. If you are unable to book an appointment, we will email you when we receive the next batch of vaccines.
Which vaccine will Hann’s be administering?
A: Due to the storage requirements, we are more likely to get Moderna.
Who is able to get the vaccine?
A: Guidelines restrict people 16 years or older to get Pfizer and ages 18 years and older to get Moderna. There are other requirements that depend on the Phase we are currently operating within our area which can be viewed up to date on websites of the CDC, Virginia Department of Health, and your local county websites. Please visit https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/covid-19-vaccine/ for the latest information.
Are there risks if I am pregnant/breastfeeding or trying to get pregnant?
A: The World Health Organization has announced in January 2021 that they only recommend the Pfizer and Moderna vaccine to pregnant women at high risk, such as healthcare workers, or those that have conditions that put them at high risk for the virus. The WHO does not recommend pregnancy testing prior to vaccination, nor does it recommend delaying pregnancy following vaccination. The WHO does recommend that lactating women be offered the vaccines, saying that the shots are unlikely to pose a risk to breastfeeding children. However, many groups such as the American Society of Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) have issued statements that emphasize the importance of shared decision making between patients and their physicians to discuss the benefit vs risk for that patient and that all pregnant or patient trying to get parent should have the choice.
If I do not pre-register, does that mean that I cannot get the vaccine from Hann’s?
A: Not at all. Pre-registration only gives you the advantage of getting an email once we receive the vaccine so that you can get into the booking portal on a first-come, first-serve basis to make your appointment. Pre-registering also lessens the load of data entry for our staff in order to process the vaccine when the time arrives.
What should I expect the day of the vaccine?
A: We plan to hold the vaccinations during our off-hours of regular operation. We will only allow the person vaccinating to enter and there will be a limited number of people being vaccinated at the same time, so need to worry about crowds. We recommend arriving 15 minutes prior to your appointment. Please stay in your car. We will call or text you when it is time for you to enter the building.
Additionally, be prepared to wait 15-30 minutes after receiving the vaccine to ensure you have not had any kind of allergic reaction. You should wear a comfortable shirt with easy access to your arm without having to get undressed. Please also wear a mask. Bring all required forms with you to your appointment, along with a picture ID and insurance.
What are the side effects of the COVID-19 vaccine?
A: There are possible side effects such as injection site redness, reaction, and pain, fever, chills, headache, and fatigue. It has been noted that the second injection may induce these side effects to a greater degree. This does not mean you have active COVID-19 infection, but instead that your body is identifying the vaccine as if it were the real infection and reacting to it in order to create antibodies. Suggestions to treat these symptoms would be to sip on cool drinks, chew crushed ice or popsicles, take acetaminophen or ibuprofen to reduce any fever and relieve any aches or pains, hydrate, and keep some nutrition intake.