Get the Facts, Get the Vax (COVID-19 Vaccination)

We recommend everybody who can to get a vaccine–and not just to prevent death. Thousands of people who have contracted COVID now experience long-term, debilitating effects, such as: 

• Severe pulmonary reactions that require high amounts of oxygen
• Heart and brain issues
• Kidney failure
• Clotting, stroke issues, and amputations

We encourage people to contact their primary care physician first if they fall into any of the following categories: 

• If you have ever had a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) to any component of the covid vaccine in the past
• You are a pregnant woman or child under the age of 18 for the Moderna Vaccine, or under 16 for the Pfizer Vaccine. Not enough people in these groups have been tested and observed, so the CDC cannot speak to the vaccine’s safety at this time. That being said, there is nothing in the vaccine’s makeup or current results to suggest any harm to these groups
• You should wait at least 90 days after receiving passive antibody therapy such as Monoclonal antibodies or convalescent plasma

• You have recently been vaccinated for something other than for COVID, such as shingles. Ideally, it would be best if spaced out at least two weeks apart.
• You have a specific medical condition that compromises your immunity, such as if you are undergoing chemotherapy. According to the CDC, the vaccine is safe for these individuals, but you are encouraged to consult your Medical Specialist for guidance on when you should be vaccinated
• Severe allergic reaction to any other vaccine in the past, please consult your physician before proceeding with the vaccine
• Moderate to severe illness, consider waiting until recovered

Whittier is using the Moderna vaccine and plans to continue with Moderna in the months ahead.  Only those 18 and above will be eligible when Massachusetts opens it up for everyone on Monday, April 19th.

• There is often a local reaction at the injection site, which may present as soreness, swollenness, redness, or rash. 
• You may feel fatigued, have muscle and joint aches, or experience a headache or fever following 24-48 hours. 
• You may wish to plan for some form of recovery the day after the vaccine, particularly the second shot, where the body is activating its immune response. 
• Feeling ill shows the vaccine is working, and you are building protection against severe COVID infection. 
• The CDC recommends taking Tylenol or Motrin as needed to manage symptoms after the vaccine.

Currently, our vaccination sites are small and very limited in the number of people we can vaccinate in a day. Check here to see your eligibility. Your best option is to check the following websites for openings, if you cannot secure a vaccine through Whittier Health Network: 

• Massachusetts DPH
• CVS
• Walgreens 
• Massachusetts Pre Registration Site
• Locations in MA Offering Vaccinations

Please note: while some Massachusetts Mass Vaccination Sites allow you to bring a buddy, any sites run by Whittier Health Network do not allow a companion, following MA DPH (Massachusetts Department of Public Health) recommendations.