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COVID-19

COVID-19 vaccination and testing information

Updated October 30, 2023

Vaccine availability

*Vancouver Clinic has a limited supply of the 2023–2024 COVID-19 vaccine. Many local pharmacies have shots available.*

  • Ask for the vaccine during a primary care visit. If you do not have a primary care clinician at Vancouver Clinic, call 360-882-2778 to get established. Or find an open appointment online.

Please note:

  • Patients under 18 must have a parent or legal guardian present to provide consent. The parent or legal guardian must remain at the clinic while the shot is being administered.
  • Patients who want a specific brand should check Vaccinate WA to locate their preferred brand through a local pharmacy.

Vaccine eligibility

The CDC recommends that everyone 6 months and older be up-to-date on their COVID-19 vaccinations. Learn more about vaccines and boosters for specific groups of people. For more information about the vaccine, please visit the Clark County Public Health website.

COVID-19 care and testing

If you are a patient and are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms or need testing, please make an appointment with your primary care clinician through MyChart or call 360-882-2778. If you are not established with a primary care clinician or if you need to be seen right away, please visit one of our Urgent Care locations or schedule an Urgent Care appointment.

Tests for COVID-19 are ordered at the discretion of a health care clinician. Vancouver Clinic uses a PCR method for testing. Results are available within 24–48 hours.

Home testing options

An FDA-approved home test kit may be a good option for some patients. Please consult the CDC’s website to learn when to consider self-testing, how to use a self-test, and how to respond to the results.

Resources

The CDC has the most current information about the virus, including everything you need to know about how the virus spreads, how it’s treated, how to protect yourself, and what to do if you get sick. Stay on top of the latest by visiting the CDC website, which is updated frequently. Additional information is available at:

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is considered immunocompromised?

A medical condition or immunosuppressive medications or treatments can classify a patient as immunocompromised. Conditions and treatments include but are not limited to:

  • Active treatment for solid tumor and hematologic malignancies
  • Receipt of solid-organ transplant and taking immunosuppressive therapy
  • Receipt of CAR-T-cell or hematopoietic stem cell transplant (within two years of transplantation or taking immunosuppression therapy)
  • Moderate or severe primary immunodeficiency (e.g., DiGeorge syndrome, Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome)
  • Advanced or untreated HIV infection
  • Active treatment with high-dose corticosteroids (i.e., ≥20mg prednisone or equivalent per day), alkylating agents, antimetabolites, transplant-related immunosuppressive drugs, cancer chemotherapeutic agents classified as severely immunosuppressive, tumor-necrosis (TNF) blockers, and other biologic agents that are immunosuppressive or immunomodulatory.

Talk to your doctor if you have concerns or questions about the health of your immune system.

Do I have to wait and be observed after the shot?

Yes, the CDC recommends that all individuals who receive the vaccine be observed for 15–30 minutes afterward. The exact time depends on your health history. When you sign the consent to receive the vaccine, you also agree to the waiting period. While reactions are extremely rare, it’s important that a medical professional verify that your body is handling the shot well.

Should I eat before getting the vaccine?

It’s particularly important for individuals who are diabetic to eat normally and monitor their blood sugar. Receiving any shot while blood sugars are out of bounds increases the risk of complications. To help ensure a smooth experience, patients who are not diabetic should also make time for healthy meals and snacks.

Do I need to worry about myocarditis?

On June 25, 2021, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration added a warning to the Pfizer and Moderna patient fact sheets. These COVID-19 vaccines carry a very low risk of myocarditis and pericarditis, which cause inflammation of the heart or the tissue surrounding the heart. Cases usually occur in patients under 30 following the second dose. The CDC continues to recommend full COVID-19 vaccination as the benefits outweigh the risk of COVID-19 infection and its complications (hospitalization, severe illness, long-term health problems, and death). According to the CDC, “most patients with myocarditis and pericarditis who received care responded well to treatment and rest and quickly felt better.”

How can I get a new COVID-19 vaccination card if mine is lost?

Washington state allows you to safely access your official vaccination record online through the MyIR website or MyIR mobile app. Once registered, you can access proof of COVID-19 vaccination, as well as childhood immunization information, for you and your children. Alternately, you may request a printed version of your immunization record from your clinician’s office.

To access and share proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test with increased privacy, consider using MyChart. MyChart helps patients generate a personal QR code to keep on their smart device. Learn how at mychart.com/covid.

May I get the flu shot and a booster dose at the same time?

Yes, it’s safe to get both vaccines at the same time—and in the same arm if you wish. Your immune system is smart and knows how to respond to both shots. Most childhood vaccines are given in groups, so it’s a very common practice.

Are boosters safe and effective?

Yes. Hundreds of millions of doses of the original mNRA have been safely given around the globe. Boosters are modeled after the original vaccine. This means that they have a similar safety profile and side effects. Boosters increase people’s antibody levels, helping prevent COVID-19 infection and providing robust protection against severe disease and hospitalization.

Visitor & Mask Policy

Visitors

For the safety of patients, visitors, and staff, Vancouver Clinic asks that any support person you bring to your appointment is in good health (no fever, sneezing, coughing, or runny nose).

Masks

Please wear a mask if you have a cough, fever, or other respiratory symptoms. Everyone entering the Infusion and Oncology suites must mask to protect immunocompromised patients who are at higher risk for severe illness. Masking is optional in other clinic areas.

Overview

Information about COVID-19

People with COVID-19 experience a wide range of symptoms and may be mildly sick to severely ill.

Symptoms may appear 2–14 days after exposure to the virus. People with these symptoms or combinations of symptoms may have COVID-19:

  • Fever or chills
  • Cough
  • Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
  • Fatigue
  • Muscle or body aches
  • Headache
  • New loss of taste or smell
  • Sore throat
  • Congestion or runny nose
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Diarrhea

This list does not include all possible symptoms. COVID-19 testing is available through a provider order at Vancouver Clinic.

How to protect yourself

  • Get vaccinated against COVID-19.
  • Follow public health guidelines.
  • Wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
  • When soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60 percent alcohol.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands.
  • Cover coughs and sneezes. Use a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash and wash your hands.
  • Stay home and away from others when sick.
  • Avoid close contact with people who are sick.

If you feel sick

  • Stay home when you are sick, especially if you have respiratory illness symptoms. Whether you have the seasonal flu, the common cold, or something else, it’s important you stay away from others when sick.
  • Monitor yourself for fever, coughing, and shortness of breath. For mild-to-moderate symptoms, use home monitoring and care.
  • If you need to seek care, schedule a visit with your primary care provider or Urgent Care through MyChart. For scheduling assistance or to speak with an advice nurse, please call (360) 882-2778.
  • If you are experiencing life-threatening symptoms, call 911 or go to the nearest hospital emergency room.
Resources

The CDC has the most current information about the virus, including everything you need to know about how the virus spreads, how it’s treated, how to protect yourself, and what to do if you get sick. Stay on top of the latest by visiting the CDC website, which is updated frequently.

Washington State Department of Health:
https://www.doh.wa.gov/Emergencies/Coronavirus

Centers for Disease Control:
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html

Clark County Public Health:
https://www.clark.wa.gov/public-health/novel-coronavirus

Resources for the Homebound:
Download a list of local resources