What you need to know about the COVID-19 vaccines

Getting vaccinated is still the best way to protect against serious illness from COVID-19. M Health Fairview continues to offer vaccinations to people who want them, including children and people who are pregnant. You do not need to be a current M Health Fairview patient, nor do you need a prescription or qualifying health condition to get the vaccine from us. We are following the guidance of the Minnesota Department of Health and leading scientific organizations.

How can I get a COVID-19 vaccine?

You can get the updated vaccine at an M Health Fairview location, by scheduling an appointment at an M Health Fairview primary care clinic or our Fairview retail pharmacies.

1. Appointments at most retail pharmacies.
Most of our retail pharmacies are currently scheduling appointments for the updated vaccine. Please visit www.fairview.org/pharmacy to schedule.

Please note: Our retail pharmacies are only vaccinating patients 5 years and older. For younger patients, please schedule an appointment at a primary care clinic.

2. Appointments at some primary care locations.
Our primary care clinics have the updated vaccine available during regularly scheduled appointments. Please ask your provider about the options during your visit. Get a list of M Health Fairview primary care clinic locations.

Do you provide COVID-19 vaccines for pregnant individuals and children?

We continue to offer COVID-19 vaccines for everyone, including pregnant individuals and children, in line with recommendations from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine (SMFM), and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG). These leading medical organizations strongly support vaccination for these groups as a safe and effective way to prevent serious illness.

If you have questions about whether vaccination is right for you or your child, please speak with your healthcare provider.

How should I prepare for a COVID-19 vaccine appointment?

Please discuss your COVID-19 vaccine options and concerns with your healthcare provider. They can advise you if you have special concerns, such as if you are pregnant, nursing, or have a weakened immune system.

Will my insurance cover a COVID-19 vaccine?

If you have questions about coverage, we recommend checking with your insurer.

What should I expect at my COVID-19 vaccine appointment?

The COVID-19 vaccine will be injected into your upper arm, so plan to wear a short-sleeved shirt
After receiving your vaccination, you will be asked to wait nearby for a 15-minute observation period to monitor you for immediate adverse reactions.

If you have a history of allergic reactions to a vaccine, you will be asked to wait nearby for a 30-minute observation period. Our vaccinators are prepared to respond to adverse reactions during the observation time. They will have access to EpiPens and guidance on how to care for individuals experiencing reactions.

What are the vaccine side effects?

Common side effects include redness, pain or swelling at the injection site, headaches, fatigue, chills, fever, and muscle soreness. Side effects usually clear up within 3 days. 

Is it possible to have an allergic reaction to the COVID-19 vaccine?

There is a very small chance that the COVID-19 vaccine may cause a severe allergic reaction. Signs of a reaction include: Difficulty breathing, swelling of the face and throat, a fast heartbeat, a rash on your body, or dizziness and weakness. If you think you’re having an allergic reaction after leaving the place where you received the vaccine, seek immediate medical care by calling 911.

Can I get COVID-19 from the vaccine?

It is not possible to get COVID-19 from the vaccines. The Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine uses only genetic material from the coronavirus causing COVID-19 while the Novavax vaccine delivers a harmless protein found in the virus, but not the whole virus.

Will the vaccines protect me against newer variants?

The updated vaccines are expected to provide good protection against COVID-19 from the currently circulating variants.