Coronavirus Information
COVID-19 TESTING AND VACCINE INFORMATION
Doctor's hand holding vaccination syringe

COVID-19 Vaccine Information

Vaccines by appointment only. No walk-up appointments.

Date updated: 2-7-2022

Who is eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine:

  • People age 6 months and older should receive a primary vaccine series.
    • Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine:
      • 6 months – 4 years: 3 doses of Pfizer in the primary series. The first and second doses are given 3–8 weeks apart and the second and third doses are given at least 8 weeks apart.
      • 5 Years and Older: 2 doses of Pfizer in the primary series, given 3–8 weeks apart.
    • Moderna vaccine:
      • 6 months and older: 2 doses of Moderna in the primary series, given 4-8 weeks apart.
    • Novavax vaccine:
      • 18 years and older: 2 doses of Novavax in the primary series, given 3-8 weeks apart.

COVID-19 Booster Information:

Updated bivalent vaccines are the only booster shots currently approved for use. New bivalent vaccines include an MRNA component of the original COVID-19 virus strain and an MRNA component to protect against the Omicron BA.4 and BA.5 variants. You only need a single shot of the bivalent vaccine to be considered fully boosted.
  • The Moderna bivalent booster is approved for individuals age 6+.
  • The Pfizer bivalent booster is approved for individuals 5+.
Age-eligible patients may receive a single booster dose if they have been fully vaccinated with a two-shot regimen of Pfizer, Moderna or Novovax, or a one-shot regimen of Johnson & Johnson/Janssen. The eligible age groups can receive boosters if it has been:
  • At least 2 months after completing the primary vaccine series.
  • At least 2 months after receiving the most recent booster with the prior monovalent vaccine.
  • At least 2 months after being ill with COVID-19.
*Sansum Clinic currently has a supply of both the Pfizer and the Moderna bivalent booster vaccines. We will do our best to accommodate requests for a specific formulation based upon availability of these updated bivalent vaccines.

      Immunocompromised Individuals:

      Vaccine eligibility is different for people with moderately to severely compromised immune systems. If you fit this criteria, please contact your doctor to schedule.

      How to Schedule an Appointment:

      Any child under 18 receiving a COVID-19 vaccine or booster must be accompanied by a parent or guardian, and a consent form is required. 

      • Patients age 6 months – 4 years old: To schedule, call the Pediatrics Department at (805) 563-6211.
      • Patients age 5 – 11 years old: To schedule, visit MyChart or call the Pediatrics Department at (805) 563-6211
      • Patients 12-17 years old: To schedule, call the Pediatrics Department at (805) 563-6211. 
      • Patients age 18+: You may request the vaccine at your next primary care appointment or visit myturn.ca.gov to find a walk-in location.
      • Not a patient of Sansum Clinic? Visit myturn.ca.gov or call (833) 422-4255.

         

        Frequently Asked Questions

        Many patients are calling with the questions below. Please review this information and if you have any additional questions, send a MyChart message to your primary care provider.

         

        COVID-19 Vaccine Booster Information

        COVID-19 Vaccine Booster Information

        Is there a difference between a third dose of an mRNA COVID vaccine versus a booster dose?
        Am I considered fully vaccinated without a booster?
        Do I need a booster dose?
        Will an antibody or other test show whether I need a booster dose?
        If I need a booster shot, does that mean that the vaccines aren’t working?
        Can I get a Pfizer booster after a Moderna initial series (or vice versa) or one of the mRNA vaccines after a J&J vaccine?
        Should I mix and match my COVID-19 booster vaccine?
        Does receiving a booster eliminate the need for further precautions?
        Are there side effects to the COVID-19 vaccine booster shot?
        What are these new COVID-19 boosters, and how do they differ from the existing ones?
        Who is eligible for a bivalent COVID-19 booster shot?
        Can I get a bivalent booster now, if I just recently got my second univalent booster?
        How long do I need to wait to get the bivalent booster if I’ve had COVID-19?
        Can I still get the original monovalent vaccine as a booster dose?
        Are there any special considerations around scheduling, given that it's also time for flu vaccines?
        Will these new bivalent boosters provide protection from another surge of COVID-19?
        Can I get the bivalent booster if I regularly receive EVUSHELD injections to protect myself from COVID-19?
        For individuals who are immunocompromised and who have recently completed a two-dose primary series and are due for the next dose, should they get a third monovalent dose or should the third dose be the bivalent booster dose?
        When might the bivalent boosters be offered to children under 12?

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        Stay Up-To-Date

        Stay Up-To-Date

        How can I get the most up-to-date information?

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        General Information

        General Information

        What COVID-19 vaccines are available at Sansum Clinic?
        What are the benefits of getting a COVID-19 vaccine?
        How do the COVID-19 vaccines work?
        Will the vaccine work against new COVID-19 variants?
        Can the vaccines cause COVID-19?
        Can the COVID-19 vaccine be co-administered with other vaccines?
        How long does protection from a COVID-19 vaccine last?
        Is there anyone who should not get the COVID-19 vaccine?

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        Safety and Side Effects

        Safety and Side Effects

        Is the COVID-19 vaccine safe?
        Was the vaccine made too quickly?
        What are the potential side effects to receiving the COVID-19 vaccine?
        If I have side effects after receiving the vaccine, am I contagious to those around me?
        I had a reaction to the first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine that requires two doses. Should I get a second dose?
        Are there side effects to the COVID-19 vaccine booster shot?
        What do I need to know about myocarditis related to the COVID-19 vaccine?

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        Who Should Get the Vaccine?

        Who Should Get the Vaccine?

        Is there anyone who should not get a COVID-19 vaccine?
        Is the vaccine safe for those with compromised immune systems?
        If I am of child-bearing age, pregnant or breastfeeding, is it safe for me to get the vaccine?
        Can I get a COVID-19 vaccine if I have a history of severe allergic reactions?
        If I have already had COVID-19, do I still need to get a COVID-19 vaccine?
        Can I get the vaccine if I am currently ill/infected with COVID-19?
        If I received monoclonal antibody therapy or convalescent plasma as treatment for COVID-19 illness, do I need to wait to get a COVID-19 vaccine?
        Can children receive the COVID-19 vaccine?

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        Vaccine Availability and Scheduling

        Vaccine Availability and Scheduling

        Can I select which vaccine to receive at Sansum Clinic?
        Will I be billed for the vaccine?
        Can I get a vaccination if I just show up without an appointment?
        Can I get a COVID-19 vaccination when I come for my next appointment?
        If I received the first vaccine dose somewhere else, can I receive my second dose at Sansum Clinic?

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        After Your Vaccination

        After Your Vaccination

        Do I still need to wear a mask and avoid close contact with others after receiving a COVID-19 vaccine?
        Will I test positive for COVID-19 after I receive a vaccination?

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