COVID-19 Vaccine

Over the past few months, Allied Services has allocated time and resources in preparation for large-scale community vaccination clinics at our facilities in accordance with the Pennsylvania Department of Health (PA DOH) vaccination roll-out plan.

Despite our best efforts and continued communications with the PA DOH, we have received only very limited supplies of the vaccine beyond our initial request on behalf of our dedicated healthcare workers and medical partners. We share your disappointment. Throughout this process, we have remained committed to administering the vaccine as quickly as possible to members of our community. Thank you for your patience and understanding.

---

---

---

FAQs: What you need to know about getting vaccinated

Q: Will the COVID-19 vaccine prevent me from getting COVID-19?

A: Vaccines greatly reduce the chance of becoming infected with a virus. In clinical trials (studies), the two currently available vaccines were about 95% effective at preventing the virus. If you do get infected with COVID-19 after receiving the vaccine, vaccines can help your body fight the infection and reduce the severity of the disease. Remember, even with a COVID-19 vaccine, you will need to continue wearing a face mask and practicing physical distancing.

Q: Can I get COVID-19 from the vaccine, or expose my family to the COVID-19 virus?

A: No. Because the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines do not contain virus and cannot infect the vaccinated person, the vaccine itself cannot transmit the virus to the individual receiving the vaccine or to those around them.

However, it typically takes a few weeks for the body to build immunity after vaccination. Importantly, you could become infected with the virus that causes COVID-19 from external sources (NOT from the vaccine), shortly before or after vaccination and get sick because the vaccine has not had enough time to provide protection.

If you have symptoms not commonly seen after the vaccine, (such as shortness of breath, cough, loss of taste/smell, sore throat, runny nose) or a temperature higher than 100.4° F, you should contact your personal physician.

Q. Should I get the vaccine if I have a history of allergic reactions?

A: If you have a history of severe allergic reactions to vaccines, talk with your doctor before receiving the vaccine.

Q. Can I get the vaccine if I am not feeling well?

A: If you are not feeling well, it is recommended that you wait until you are feeling better to get the vaccine.

Q. How many doses will be needed?

A: Two shots are needed to provide the complete protection. The first one primes the immune system, helping it to recognize the virus, and the second one strengthens the immune system. You will need to receive the second dose at the same location you receive the first.

Q. What can I expect during my vaccination appointment?

A: Please arrive at the exact time indicated on your scheduled appointment to help us maintain social distancing. You’ll receive information about the vaccine and its emergency use authorization, potential side effects and prevention protocols after your vaccination. We’ll also give you documentation that you received the vaccine — make sure to keep this while waiting for your second dose. Even after you’ve received a vaccine, you must still continue preventive best practices like hand-washing, masking and physical distancing.

Q. What are common side effects of the vaccine?

A: Side effects are like other vaccines. The most common side effects are pain/redness at the injection site, headaches, fatigue, muscle/joint aches and low-grade fever. Most side effects last less than 24 hours.

Q: I had COVID-19. Why must I wait 10 days before I get the COVID-19 vaccine?

A: For the safety and protection of our staff and patients, and in accordance with guidelines, you should quarantine for 10 days once you have tested positive for the virus and 20 days from testing if you were hospitalized due to COVID-19,

Q. Once I’ve been vaccinated, do I need to continue to wear a mask and practice social distancing?

A: Yes. While experts learn more about the protection that COVID-19 vaccines provide under real-life conditions, it will be important for everyone to continue using all the tools available to us to help stop this pandemic, like covering your mouth and nose with a mask, washing hands often, and staying at least 6 feet away from others. Experts need to understand more about the protection that COVID-19 vaccines provide before deciding to change recommendations on steps everyone should take to slow the spread of the virus that causes COVID-19.