COVID-19 Vaccine FAQs

Vaccinations are not currently available at Sanitas, but we’ll continually update the information available in response to the changing circumstances.

Are COVID-19 vaccines available?

• The FDA has granted Emergency Use Authorization for the COVID-19 vaccine developed by Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna so far, with more in development. These vaccines are currently available to select populations including healthcare workers and residents of long-term care facilities. COVID-19 vaccines are expected to be available to the general population sometime Spring/Summer 2021.

Can I get a COVID-19 vaccine at Sanitas? 

• No, not yet. Sanitas has applied to be a vaccine center in all the communities we serve, but approvals are pending. We are expecting to have vaccines available at our centers sometime Spring/Summer 2021.
• We will be sending notifications to patients opted into email and text messaging with updates, or you can periodically check the mysanitas.com website for updates. 

When does Sanitas expect to have the COVID-19 vaccine available to patients?

• Sanitas has applied to offer the vaccine in all the communities we serve, but approvals are pending. We are expecting to have vaccines available at our centers sometime Spring/Summer 2021.

Who is eligible to get a COVID-19 vaccine right now?

• The CDC has outlined a three-phased approach for the administration of COVID-19 vaccines. 
• The vaccine is currently available to healthcare workers, residents of long-term care facilities and select high-risk populations that have been deemed eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine by the CDC. When vaccines are more widely available, there will be increased access to the broader population.
• We anticipate vaccines will be available for the general population sometime Spring/Summer 2021.

What conditions are considered high risk to be eligible for a COVID-19 vaccine right now?

• People over age 65
• People with chronic conditions (such as cancer, chronic kidney disease, COPD, heart conditions, organ transplant, pregnancy, severe obesity, sickle cell, type 2 diabetes), and 
• Essential frontline workers as identified by the CDC and/or state governments

I fall into a phase 1 / high-risk category, where can I get the COVID-19 vaccine right now?

• If you meet the phase 1 criteria to get the vaccine now, you can call the state COVID-19 hotline to find out where the vaccine is available near you. Sanitas encourages all our high-risk patients to get vaccinated as soon as possible.
  • Florida: 866-779-6121
  • Texas: 211
  • Tennessee: 901-692-7523
  • New Jersey: 800-222-1222
  • Connecticut: Referring to Centers for Disease Control 1-800-232-4636

Are COVID-19 vaccines safe?

• Vaccines have played an important role in protecting the health and safety of communities and nations throughout history. The approved COVID-19 vaccines have undergone rigorous, multiple phased testing by the manufacturers as well as comprehensive evaluation by the FDA of the scientific data, manufacturing process and distribution techniques required. 
• Learn how the federal government is ensuring the safety of COVID-19 vaccines at: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/safety.html 

What are the side effects of the COVID-19 vaccine?

• According to the CDC and FDA, adverse reactions are usually mild to moderate in intensity and resolve within a few days. 
• The most common adverse reactions reported after vaccination in clinical studies included: Pain at injection site (84.1%), Fatigue (62.9%), Headache (55.1%), Muscle pain (38.3%), Chills (31.9%), Joint pain (23.6%), Fever (14.2%), Injection site swelling (10.5%), Injection site redness (9.5%), Nausea (1.1%), Malaise (0.5%), Lymphadenopathy (0.3%)
• Out of nearly 2 million doses in the U.S. so far, less than 0.001% have had a severe anaphylactic allergic reaction requiring epinephrine and all the patients recovered.

What allergies affect the COVID-19 vaccine?

• We don’t know the answer to this question at the current time with the data that is available. Per the Prescribing information we will not administer COVID-19 vaccine to individuals with known history of a severe allergic reaction (e.g., anaphylaxis) to any component of the COVID-19 vaccine.
• Consult your primary care doctor to discuss this rare possibility and evaluate the risks before scheduling an appointment to get the COVID-19 vaccine.

How does the COVID-19 vaccine work?

• Three types of COVID-19 vaccines are currently or soon will be undergoing clinical trials in the United States: mRNA, Protein subunit and vector. Each uses different technologies that recognize and protect us from COVID-19. The CDC provides further information here: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/different-vaccines/how-they-work.html 

How many shots of COVID-19 vaccine are required?

• According to the CDC, most COVID-19 vaccines will require two doses. The first shot will start building protection, and the second shot will help provide the most protection the vaccine offers. The waiting period between each dose will vary based on the manufacturer.
• For the current vaccines available, it is a 21-day period for Pfizer and a 28-day period for Moderna. This can vary by a few days to allow for scheduling follow up.

Which vaccine will Sanitas provide?

• It’s too early to tell and may vary by state. 

Will my COVID-19 vaccine at Sanitas be free?

• The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services states that people without health insurance or whose insurance does not provide coverage of COVID-19 vaccines can also get a COVID-19 vaccine at no cost.

Does Sanitas recommend getting the COVID-19 vaccine? 

• Sanitas encourages all our patients to get vaccinated as soon as possible except for patients with known history of severe allergic reaction to any component of the COVID-19 vaccine. 

Does Sanitas provide COVID-19 testing?

• Yes. If you have symptoms or think you may have been recently exposed, you can book an appointment on the mysanitas.com website, on the mySanitas Chat app or by calling 1-844-665-4827. 

What does it mean that the FDA has granted Emergency Use Authorization?

• Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) authority allows the FDA to facilitate the availability and use of medical countermeasures during public health emergencies, such as the current COVID-19 pandemic. It allows manufacturers to submit products including vaccines for review during the final stages of testing to allow the product to be available sooner when there are no adequate or available alternatives. 

Are the COVID-19 vaccines rigorously tested?

• Yes. Clinical trials are evaluating COVID-19 vaccines in tens of thousands of study participates in three (3) phases to generate the scientific data and other information needed by the FDA to determine safety and effectiveness. These clinical trials are conducted according to rigorous standards set forth by the FDA. There is also ongoing safety monitoring and reporting. 

Where can I learn more?

• The most up-to-date and comprehensive information can be found at: www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/