Healthcare Services Find a Doctor Locations Patient Portal Research & Education menu About MedStar Health About MedStar Health COVID-19 Vaccine Information COVID-19 Vaccine Information Browse this page Overview Frequently Asked Questions Get Vaccinated Vaccine Availability Vaccine Safety Receiving the Vaccine After You Receive the Vaccine Booster Doses Learn More Frequently asked questions Your good health is our priority. The availability of COVID-19 vaccines is a positive turning point in a public health crisis that has impacted all of us. MedStar Health is pleased to vaccinate residents of any state and the District of Columbia, ages 5 and older. The FAQ below is intended to help provide you with the most up-to-date information on COVID-19 vaccines. Get vaccinated How do I receive the vaccine through MedStar Health? Will I be able to choose which vaccine I want? Vaccine availability The District of Columbia, Maryland, and Virginia are now administering vaccinations to anyone 5 years of age and older. Can I get updates on vaccine availability by calling my primary care provider's office? Vaccine safety Does the research show that the COVID-19 vaccines are safe and effective? Why should my child be vaccinated against COVID-19? Is it safe for children ages 5 through 17 years to receive the COVID-19 vaccine? Is the dose of the vaccine the same for children ages 5-11? I've heard about possible adverse reactions to the Johnson & Johnson (J&J) vaccine? Is it safe? Will the COVID-19 vaccine prevent me from getting serious COVID-19 disease? Can I get COVID-19 from the vaccine, or expose my family to the COVID-19 virus because of the vaccine? Were the vaccines studied in people from different ages, ethnicities, and gender groups? What do vaccine efficacy numbers really mean? Who decides if the new vaccines are safe and approved? How was the new vaccine developed so quickly? Why are there so many different types of vaccines? Are there any exclusions to receiving a COVID-19 vaccine? Can I take the vaccine if I am pregnant? Can I take the vaccine if I am immunocompromised or on immunosuppressant medications? Can I take the vaccine if I am anticoagulants or have a bleeding disorder? I had COVID-19. Why must I wait 10 days before I get the COVID-19 vaccine? Receiving the vaccine How many people need to be vaccinated to achieve herd immunity? If I receive the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine, when do I receive the second dose of the vaccine? Should I take my prescribed medications the day of my vaccination appointment? What else should I do I do the day of my vaccine? After you receive the vaccine How will side effects of the vaccine be monitored? If I develop side effects after vaccination, when should I call my healthcare provider? How can side effects of the vaccine be treated? How long does protection from COVID-19 vaccine last? I am vaccinated and in good health. Do I need to take the same safety precautions? I am vaccinated but have an impaired immune system. Do I need to take the same safety precautions? Where can I get a record of receiving the vaccine? Booster doses Can I get a COVID vaccine booster dose? I am between the ages of 12-17 and received both doses of Pfizer. Am I eligible for a booster? I meet the criteria. How do I schedule a booster? Learn more Where can I get more information about the COVID-19 vaccines? Updated November 8, 2021 10:44 a.m. Disclaimer Disclosure of Outside Interests Feedback Financial Assistance Policy Infection Control Policy MedStar Family Choice MedStar Health Office Policies MedStar Health Partners Notice of Nondiscrimination Online Privacy Policy Patient Privacy Policy Patient Rights Responsibilities Price Transparency Disclosures Quality & Patient Safety Social Media Sites and Disclaimers Translate © 2021 MedStar Health 877-772-6505 Careers Contact Us Medstar Facebook opens a new window Medstar Twitter opens a new window Medstar Instagram opens a new window Medstar Youtube opens a new window Medstar Linkedin opens a new window