Are you up to date with your COVID-19 vaccine and booster? Here's the latest on protecting yourself from COVID and serious health problems. These updates are especially important if you're:
- 65 or older
- Immunocompromised
- Pregnant or planning to get pregnant
Specialized Vaccine FAQs
Get answers to questions about:
Am I up to date with my COVID vaccine?
Yes, if you've received a bivalent (updated) COVID-19 vaccine. This applies to adults and children aged 6 years and older.
Children 6 months–4 years old should get up to 3 bivalent (updated) mRNA vaccine doses, depending on their vaccination history.
Do I need protection from an additional COVID vaccine dose?
The CDC recommends an additional bivalent vaccine dose for those considered at higher risk for COVID and serious health problems:
- Adults ages 65 years and older
- People who are immunocompromised
Learn more about updated vaccine guidance.
Is the vaccine safe for pregnant and breastfeeding women?
Evidence shows:
- COVID vaccination during pregnancy is safe and effective
- COVID vaccines aren't associated with fertility problems in women or men
If you're pregnant or were recently pregnant, you're more likely to get very sick from COVID compared to people who aren't pregnant. Also, if you have COVID during pregnancy, you're at a higher risk for complications. These can affect your pregnancy and developing baby.
Getting a COVID vaccine can help protect you and your baby from serious health problems from COVID.
What you need to know about pregnancy, breastfeeding & COVID vaccines.
Who can get vaccinated?
Anyone over 6 months old can get vaccinated at UVA Health. Schedule an appointment for yourself through MyChart or by calling 434.297.4829.
See our FAQs for children's vaccinations, including scheduling information.
How much does it cost to get vaccinated?
During the COVID pandemic, vaccines were free. Health insurance typically covers the cost of preventive treatment like vaccines.
Where can I get the vaccine at UVA Health?
See the list of locations giving the COVID vaccine.
Is the vaccine safe?
All vaccines for COVID-19 must pass the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s normal review of safety and effectiveness before being approved for use. So far, study findings show that COVID-19 vaccines have excellent safety profiles. The studies followed thousands of people over several months.
We're following the CDC and VDH guidelines.
If you’re concerned, talk with your healthcare provider about what’s best for you.
Will I experience side effects?
It’s very common to feel tired for a few days after being vaccinated. Findings of clinical trials show that COVID-19 vaccines can cause mild:
- Fever
- Chills
- Fatigue
- Muscle aches
- Headache
Your arm may feel sore afterward. As long as the soreness is around your injection site, you generally don’t need to be concerned.
What side effects should I call my doctor about?
Seek immediate medical help if you experience:
- Hives
- Swelling of the face and throat
- Difficulty breathing
- A fast heartbeat
- Dizziness
- Weakness
How does the vaccine work?
You can learn more about the different COVID-19 vaccines through the Centers for Disease Control (CDC).
If I already had COVID-19, should I get the vaccine?
You can get COVID-19 more than once. You may want to get the vaccine even if you already had the virus.
Which type of COVID-19 vaccine will UVA use?
We're giving the approved and available COVID-19 bivalent vaccines. The original (monovalent) mRNA COVID-19 vaccines are no longer recommended for use in the United States.
If I feel sick on the day of my vaccination appointment, should I still get it?
Contact your primary care provider for guidance.
Does my young child get the same dose as me?
Like other childhood vaccines, this one is given based on age, not weight. Different doses are used for adults and children 12 years or older, children 5 – 11 years old, and children 6 months – 4 years of age. The number of doses recommended for children ages 6 months to 4 years is customized based on their COVID-19 vaccination history.
First Day of COVID-19 Vaccinations
On Tuesday, December 15, 2020, the UVA Health frontline staff - including doctors, nurses, environmental services workers, and pharmacists - received their first of two COVID-19 vaccine doses. View vaccination day transcript.