SBSS COVID-19 Vaccine Resource Center
Information for Older Adults and their Caregivers
Your trusted source for COVID-19 vaccine information for older Angelenos, ages 65 and up. If in doubt or if you have any questions, please contact your healthcare provider.
Last updated on January 21st, 2022.
Quick Links:
Vaccines and the Omicron Variant
Vaccine Information
There are a few different ways to get a vaccine or booster shot. You can log on to myturn.ca.gov to find a walk-in clinic near you, make an appointment, or to find transportation or in-home options for COVID-19 vaccines.
Visit: Myturn.ca.gov
Using the Website
The website will ask you if you are visiting for a COVID-19 or flu vaccine. You can click the “Booster” or Vaccine” tab and it will take you through a form to for your specific needs. The form will ask you a few questions, including whether you have had a vaccine before, what type (Pfizer, Moderna or Johnson & Johnson/Janssen), and your age range.
Making appointments
If you would like to make an appointment, the process is the same. Once you fill out the application, you will be asked to put in your address or zip code. The website will give you a number of locations where you can go. Click on a location with a “Schedule an Appointment” bar that has the type of vaccine you would like. Some clinics may carry only one type, while others have multiple options. From there, you can choose a date and time that works for you!
For in-home vaccination or transportation
During the application, the website will ask you if you would like to get a vaccination within your home or receive transportation to get a vaccination. If you click “yes”, you can put in your name, phone number and address and someone will call you back to arrange a vaccine for you. Transportation and in-home vaccination are available free of charge.
Vaccine Information
What vaccines are available?
The Pfizer, Moderna, and Janssen/Johnson & Johnson vaccines are currently being distributed. Your healthcare provider can help you choose which vaccine is right for you, depending on vaccine availability. You will need a second dose of the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines for maximum effectiveness. If you need a second dose, be sure to make a follow-up appointment before you leave your vaccine site. Click on the images or links below for more information.
Janssen/J&J Vaccine Information
How the Pfizer and Moderna Vaccines Work
You will not be injected with the live COVID-19 virus and the vaccine will not change your DNA. Both the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines are mRNA vaccines. They give the body enough material to recognize what the virus might look like, so it can mount an immune response if you become infected in the future. For a more detailed information about how these vaccine works, refer to the links above.
Efficacy
According to the CDC, the Pfizer vaccine was 95% effective and the Moderna vaccine was 94.1% effective at preventing COVID-19 in clinical trials after two doses. Please refer to the vaccine information pages above for more detailed information.
Safety
Both the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines have undergone extensive testing during clinical trials. Both have been authorized for emergency use by the FDA, and the Pfizer vaccine is now fully authorized. The Pfizer vaccine is indicated for people 12 and over, and the Moderna vaccine is indicated for people 18 and over. Allergic reactions can happen, but they are rare. For more information about vaccine safety and testing, please click here: CDC Understanding How Vaccines Work.
How does the Janssen/Johnson & Johnson Vaccine Work?
The Johnson & Johnson (J&J) vaccine, also called the Janssen vaccine, works by a viral vector. The vaccine will not give you the COVID-19 virus, or any other virus. Instead, the J&J vaccine contains a harmless virus that is modified with a piece of the COVID-19 virus. Your body will recognize this piece and remember what COVID-19 looks like, allowing you to mount an immune response if you are infected with COVID-19 in the future.
EFFICACY
The Janssen/J&J vaccine has been approved for adults 18 years and older. According to a worldwide trial of over 40,000 people, the Janssen/J&J vaccine was 66% effective in preventing moderate to severe cases of COVID-19 and 77% effective at preventing severe illness at 14 days post vaccination. Any vaccine may help prevent you from getting a severe case of COVID -19. The Janssen/J&J vaccine is also very convenient since there is only one dose.
SAFETY
The Janssen/J&J vaccine has undergone extensive testing in the US and abroad for prevention of COVID-19 infections. In addition, viral vaccines have been used to fight many other viruses in the past. For more information about emergency use authorization and how the Janssen/J&J vaccine was tested, please click here.
WHY J&J USE WAS PAUSED AND REAUTHORIZED
The J&J was temporarily paused due to concerns about blood clots. These clots are very rare, about 7 people in every 1 million vaccinated in adult women 18 to 49. Older adults and men are at even less of a risk. The CDC has reauthorized vaccination with J&J due to the extremely low risk and great protection against COVID-19. To learn more, please click here.
WHO SHOULD GET THE VACCINE
Most people should get vaccinated against COVID-19! It prevents transmission, hospitalization and death from COVID-19.
Groups at risk
Everyone is at risk of getting COVID-19, regardless of health status or age group. Vaccines considerably reduce this risk. Some of the most vulnerable groups include older adults, immunocompromised people, essential workers, and those in long-term care facilities. Protect everyone by getting a vaccine!
PRE-EXISTING CONDITIONS
It may be useful to tell your health care provider about your medical conditions. They can help you make the decision that is right for you. You should also talk to your provider if you are currently sick with a fever, immunocompromised, or if you have any questions. Keep in mind that getting vaccinated may prevent you from getting COVID-19.
If you have already Had COVID-19
If you have had COVID-19, you may be less likely to be re-infected with the virus at first. Some people call this “natural immunity”. However, this immunity does not last long or protect against all variants. COVID-19 vaccines offer better protection against reinfection than natural immunity. If you have had COVID-19 and are done with isolation, you can receive a COVID-19 vaccine unless you have had certain treatments in the hospital including monoclonal antibody treatments.
Who should not get the vaccine?
You should not any vaccine if you are allergic to any of the vaccine ingredients, or if you have a severe reaction to the first dose of a Pfizer, Moderna, or Johnson & Johnson vaccine. Most people should get vaccinated. You can find more information on the ingredients below. Also, if you have had any other recent vaccines (a shingles vaccine, etc.) you should ask your doctor before getting the COVID-19 vaccine. Talk to your healthcare provider for more information.
Making an Appointment
How to GET THE VACCINE
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We advise contacting your healthcare provider or making an appointment at a local pharmacy chain. At many locations, walk-ins are now accepted.
Pharmacy chains who have agreed to administer the COVID-19 vaccine include Albertsons, Vons, Sav-On, Pavilions, Ralphs, Costco, CVS, Rite Aid, Walgreens and Walmart. However, because there is limited supply, please call first to ensure availability.
Doses and Return appointments
There are 2 doses for the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines. At your first appointment, they will schedule another time for you to receive the last dose. The Pfizer shots are given about 21 days apart and Moderna are given 28 days apart. If you can, bring your vaccine card to your second appointment. The Johnson & Johnson is a 1 dose vaccine, so you will not need to make a return appointment.
After your first series of vaccine(s), you may be eligible to get a booster shot. These are additional doses to boost your immunity against COVID-19 after time has past.
Information for Homebound Individuals
The LA County Department of Public Health is working hard to consider the needs of homebound seniors that cannot take public transportation. All Los Angeles County residents are eligible for COVID-19 vaccinations at home if it is difficult to leave their home. You can request an in-home vaccination over the phone or online, and you will be contacted to schedule a vaccination within 7-10 days. For more information, click here.
Vaccines are free of charge and available regardless
of health insurance or immigration status!
After You Get Vaccinated
What to Expect After Getting the VACCINE
At the clinic
After you receive a vaccine, you will be monitored for at least 15 minutes by a healthcare provider for signs of an adverse reaction. Keep in mind that severe allergic reactions are rare. You will also receive a vaccination card at your appointment. Bring this to your appointment for your second dose.
SIde Effects
Side effects vary greatly among individuals. When you return home, you may experience some side effects including headache, tiredness and pain/swelling at the injection site. They should subside within a few hours to a few days. You may experience more side effects with the second dose of the vaccine. Call your health care provider if you are worried. Getting COVID-19 is much worse than any side effect!
For a full list of side effects and steps you can take to minimize them, please refer to the link below.
CDC What to Expect After the Vaccine
Being “Fully Vaccinated”/Developing Immunity
In general, being “fully vaccinated” refers to the point in time when the vaccine becomes the most effective at preventing COVID-19. It takes about 2 weeks after someone has received a full series of a vaccine (2 doses of the Moderna or Pfizer vaccines, or 1 dose of the Janssen/J&J vaccine) for your body to build up some immunity and become “fully vaccinated”. It is advisable to use safe practices before and after you receive a vaccine, regardless of the time point. However, because the vaccines are so effective, being fully vaccinated can reduce your risk of getting or spreading COVID-19.
Once you are Fully Vaccinated
According to the CDC, fully vaccinated people can do many activities like gather in groups without masks. However, with the development of the Omicron variant, some rules have changed. It is recommended that older adults that are fully vaccinated wear masks whenever they are in public, especially since the Delta and Omicron variants are highly transmissible. Wearing a mask or not wearing a mask is a matter of personal choice, and for the comfort of yourself and others around you.
Booster shots: Now Available
Booster shots do not mean that vaccines are not effective.
However, over time immunity against COVID-19 can become less strong. Many new variants have surfaced, and each is better adapted to survive and infect more people. Booster shots give your body more material to better recognize and fight against the virus. Booster shots are now recommended for everyone 12 years or older who received a Johnson & Johnson vaccine 2 or more months ago, or a Pfizer or Moderna vaccine 6 or more months ago.
RECOMMENDATIONS ABOUT TIMING
Vaccines have different guidelines for when to receive a booster.
For those that received the Johnson & Johnson vaccine, a booster shot can be given at least 2 months after the original dose in people age 18 years and older. For those that received the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine, a booster shot can be given at least 6 months after the second dose of the original vaccine.
MIX-AND-MATCH
Vaccines series can be “mixed” by choice or availability.
For example, someone who was fully vaccinated with the Johnson & Johnson vaccine can receive a Pfizer OR Moderna booster shot 2+ months after their primary dose. Similarly, someone who was fully vaccinated with a Pfizer vaccine can receive a booster shot of a Johnson & Johnson OR Moderna vaccine 6+ months after their final dose. You may also choose to get a booster shot that is the same type of vaccine you were originally given. For more information on how to choose, read this LA Times article.
Making an appointment
Most pharmacies, grocery stores and health providers offer booster shots, even for walk-ins. You may choose to go where you received your previous vaccine(s). It is advisable to call and make an appointment or avoid weekends to reduce wait times.
Vaccines and the Omicron Variant
Vaccines are Effective
New studies from many medical organizations and the CDC have found that having a full COVID-19 vaccine series with a booster shot is 90% effective at preventing hospitalization from the Omicron Variant of COVID-19. In addition, having a vaccine and booster shot prevent many from contracting the Omicron variant in the first place.
Because the Omicron strain of COVID-19 is highly contagious, it is still possible to get COVID-19 even if you are vaccinated. It is very important to still take precautions like wearing a mask, social distancing and practicing good hand hygiene. In addition, getting a booster shot can protect you substantially more.
More Information
Where can I find more information, or get an answer to a specific question?
We are here to help older adults and their caregivers. For questions or more information about how you can get the COVID-19 vaccine, please call SBSS at 213-388-4444.
You may also refer to official sites, such as the Los Angeles Department of Aging, LA County, or your healthcare provider.
Other Resources:
CDC Guidelines for those caring for people with dementia
Sign up for updates on the vaccine from the LA County Department of Public Health