What to Expect After Getting the COVID-19 Vaccine
The COVID-19 vaccine is the best way to stop the spread of the pandemic. Thank you for doing your part. Since this is your first time getting this vaccine, you might have questions. Here’s more information and resources for after you get the COVID-19 vaccine.
Things to remember
- Wait 15 to 30 minutes before leaving. This is a safety guideline set by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
- Get both doses if you receive the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine. Missing the second dose could mean you won’t build full protection against the virus. The Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine is a one-dose vaccine.
- Hang on to your vaccination card. This is proof you got vaccinated and shows which vaccine you got.
- Post the news on social media with #thisismyshot. Share why the vaccine matters to you and encourage others to get vaccinated, too.
- Keep wearing masks and social distancing. It takes about 2 weeks to get the vaccine’s full protection. Once you’re fully vaccinated, you can start getting back to parts of your old life, while still being COVID-safe. See the CDC’s latest advice for fully vaccinated people.
Rescheduling COVID-19 vaccine appointments
If you need to reschedule your COVID-19 vaccine appointments, it’s important to do it right away. Keep in mind there are limited amounts of the vaccine available, so appointments might fill up quickly.
Rescheduling before your first dose
Log in to MyAtriumHealth, click on your current appointment time and select the option to cancel your appointment. Once your appointment is canceled, you’ll see the alert that says you’re eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine. From there, you can find new times to schedule both doses.
Rescheduling after your first dose
We’ll schedule a new appointment time when you’re here for your first dose.
Rescheduling after leaving the location for your first dose*
- Online: Log in to MyAtriumHealth, click Customer Service Messages, and Send a message requesting a new appointment time.
- Phone: Call 704-468-8830, and we’ll reschedule your appointment over the phone.
*Only if you get the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine
Possible side effects of the COVID-19 vaccine
The most common side effect is pain, redness or swelling at the site of the shot. You may also have:
- Chills
- Headache
- Muscle or joint pain
- Diarrhea
- Tiredness
- Low fever
Like with other vaccines, you might have minor side effects. If you got a two-dose vaccine, side effects may be more noticeable after the second dose. Side effects usually go away in 48 hours, or 2 days.
Want to talk to a clinical team member about a side effect? Call 704-468-2000.
COVID-19 vaccine facts and FAQs
- COVID-19 fact sheets: Learn more about the type of COVID-19 vaccine you got.
Enroll in v-safe, an after-vaccination health checker
After you get the COVID-19 vaccine, you have the option to sign up for v-safe. V-safe is a smartphone-based tool that checks in on how you're doing. It also reminds you to get your second dose if you still need it.
Through text messages and web surveys, you can quickly tell the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) if you have any side effects after getting the vaccine. COVID-19 vaccines are already safe and help your body fight off the virus. Your responses on v-safe help make them even better.
Where to find your COVID-19 vaccination record
If you got your COVID-19 vaccine through Atrium Health, your vaccination record is in MyAtriumHealth. It includes the date(s) you were vaccinated and which vaccine you got.
Follow the instructions below to find your vaccination record in MyAtriumHealth.
Website:
- Log in to MyAtriumHealth.
- Click on Health Record.
- Under Immunizations, find your COVID-19 vaccination record.
App:
- Log in to MyAtriumHealth.
- Click on Health Record.
- Click on Health Summary.
- Scroll down to Immunizations to find your COVID-19 vaccination record.
You can also call the medical records department at 704-667-9500 or toll free at 844-383-2109.
Where to find more information
- COVID-19 Resource Center: Learn where to get tested, how to protect yourself and where to access care. You can also get news and updates on research and vaccines.
- MyAtriumHealth: This is where you can find details about your vaccine appointments.
- Your doctor: As always, we’re here for you. If you have more questions or concerns about the vaccine, please talk to your doctor.
- National and state resources:
#thisismyshot
Hugging your grandparents. Celebrating birthdays in person. Traveling somewhere new.
The COVID-19 vaccine is your best shot to getting back to the things you miss. When you get the vaccine, use #thisismyshot on social media to let us know what it means to you!