Masking guidance update: Spectrum Health will continue to follow MIOSHA masking rules and CDC guidelines for infection prevention and control in response to COVID-19, which include wearing masks in health care settings. Consistent with current guidance, all people in our facilities must continue to follow our established masking guidelines onsite, regardless of vaccination status.

Vaccination update: For the latest on vaccines including third doses for the immunocompromised, booster vaccines coming in the fall, scheduling and other details, visit our COVID-19 Vaccine Information Center.

For more information on the vaccine and other scheduling options visit our COVID-19 Information Center.

Updates on masking in facilities and third doses. Click here to learn more.

Vaccines Administered: 542,354

Get a Vaccine

COVID-19 Vaccine

We are committed to health equity and enabling everyone—no matter what their race, ethnicity, or economic status—to receive the vaccine. This includes both our team members and the community we serve. The COVID-19 vaccine will help to protect you, your family, loved ones and the community.

We will continue to offer COVID-19 vaccines, based on availability and supply, that have met the rigorous requirements of the U.S. Food & Drug Administration and are recommended by the Centers for Disease Control.

We are continuously making updates to our scheduling, walk-in locations, and vaccine information. Please check back frequently as we work to keep you safe and informed.

Most Recent Updates

November 24, 2021: The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) amended the emergency use authorizations (EUA) for both the Moderna and Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccines authorizing use of a single booster dose for all individuals 18 years of age and older after completion of primary vaccination with any FDA-authorized or approved COVID-19 vaccine. The CDC also supports this recommendation.

You may read the FDA and CDC releases here for more information or see below for a few details.

November 5, 2021: The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has authorized emergency use of the the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine for children ages 5 to11. This vaccine has also been recommended by the Centers for Disease Control. Find more information from the FDA and CDC releases and learn how to schedule a vaccine.

Below, Rosemary Olivero, M.D., pediatric infectious disease specialist at Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital, answers frequently asked questions about the COVID-19 Vaccine and children.

Q & A with Dr. Rosemary Olivero

Pediatric infectious disease physician at Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital
RE: COVID-19 Vaccine and Children

What is your reaction to the emergency use authorization of the Pfizer vaccine for 5–11-year-old children?
This authorization couldn’t come at a better time. We are seeing COVID cases on the rise here in West Michigan, especially among children. COVID continues to be a big health issue for school-aged children and vaccination is the safest way to protect children.

Many say COVID-19 has had minimal impact on children so far – why would you say it is important for children to be vaccinated?
Children have not made up the majority of those coming into the hospital with severe COVID, but it’s not benign for all children either. We are seeing a 1 to 5 percent hospitalization rate in children, as well as long COVID cases and other indirect effects of missing school and being disconnected from friends and loved ones. Children make up 25 percent of our population in the U.S., and vaccinating our children is incredibly important for our communities to move past this pandemic.

What is the difference in the dose for children?
The vaccine authorized for emergency use authorization is the Pfizer vaccine. This is the same vaccine that is available for 12–17-year-old children. The dose authorized for 5–11-year-olds is one-third the dose given to a teenager.

Any concerns about the safety of this vaccine for children?
Pfizer submitted comprehensive safety and efficacy data on this vaccine, and I have no concerns after reviewing this data at length. The data from Pfizer shows no serious adverse effects other than occasional high fever. The overall side effect profile is very reassuring for this vaccine in children, we will scrupulously monitor for safety signals as the vaccine is provided to more and more children.

Will kids need two doses as well?
This is currently being deliberated. It is possible that children with immune compromise will receive two doses, and otherwise healthy children may only need one dose initially. We will learn more on these details as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) deliberate on this point.

Do you see any side effects in children who receive the vaccine?
The study investigators did not report adverse side effects other than pain at the site of the injection, fatigue, sore muscles and occasional mild fever. These side effects are expected with any vaccine.

If my child has had COVID, do they still need the vaccine?
Children who have already had COVID will have some immunity for a period of time, but we are not sure for how long. If your child has had COVID and it has been at least a year, the vaccine is recommended for stronger immunity.

Can children get the flu shot and COVID vaccine at the same time?
The annual flu shot is currently recommended for everyone – children and adults. It is important to get both your COVID-19 vaccine and flu vaccine this year. We know it is safe and effective for adults to get both at the same time and I do not anticipate any difference for children.

How does Flu and COVID-19 appear similarly or differently?
It is very difficult to differentiate between cold, flu or COVID-19. All can have mild symptoms or present like cold or flu. If you have any concerns about a respiratory illness in your child, we strongly recommend having your child tested for COVID-19.

How important is it that children receive this vaccine?
Vaccinating children is an essential step that we need to take as a community and as a population. This will help reduce the likelihood that novel variants will emerge and will also reduce overall spread of COVID-19 in the community.

My child is completely healthy, should I give them the vaccine?
Yes, your child should be vaccinated even if they are normal and completely healthy. Negative impacts from an acute COVID-19 infection as well as suffering from long COVID-19 infection can be worse than side effects of the vaccine.

My child has a chronic medical condition like asthma or diabetes – should they get the vaccine?
These children may have additional risk of becoming ill from COVID-19 and should certainly be vaccinated.

Is myocarditis a concern in this population post vaccination?
Myocarditis is a very rare condition that may result after vaccination and is very manageable. I tell parents not to worry about this extremely rare possibility, which occurs in 1 in 100,000 vaccine recipients, which pales in comparison to the risk for adverse health outcomes in those who have a natural COVID-19 infection.

The table below that compares the vaccine guidelines for the third (additional) dose and the booster dose based on authorizations provided by the FDA and recommended by the CDC.

	Third (additional) dose	Booster dose
Vaccine	Pfizer and Moderna (mRNA Vaccine)	Pfizer and Moderna Janssen (J&J) -Spectrum Health locations are not offering Janssen vaccines. You will be given the choice to mix and match a booster vaccine if you schedule at a Spectrum health location
Recommendation	People 18 years and older who have a moderately to severely compromised immune system and have already received two previous doses. Read on or visit the CDC for more information	People 18 years of age and older, who have completed a primary vaccine series. Other criteria vary by vaccine. See links below for details based on your vaccine preference.
Age/Conditions	Undergoing active cancer treatment for tumors or cancers of the blood Received an organ transplant and are taking medicine to suppress the immune system Received a stem cell transplant within the past two years or are taking medicine to suppress the immune system. Have a moderate or severe primary immunodeficiency (such as DiGeorge syndrome or Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome) Have advanced or untreated HIV infection Undergoing treatment with high-dose corticosteroids or other drugs that may suppress your immune response	Pfizer Moderna Janssen (J&J) Mix and Match Vaccine emergency use authorizations
Timing	28 days after second dose	Varies based on vaccine type

Information about COVID-19 and the vaccine changes rapidly. We encourage you to check the CDC website for the latest information.

COVID-19 vaccine availability

Receiving your COVID-19 vaccine in a timely manner is important. We encourage you to make an appointment at any of the many convenient locations available throughout the state. Visit vaccines.gov to find a pharmacy or clinic near you.

If you are interested in scheduling a COVID-19 vaccine at a Spectrum Health location you can do so via your MyChart account or by calling 833.755.0696. Please note that appointments may be limited. Learn how to schedule based on age group in our Get a Vaccine section.

The Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine for children ages 5-11 is available in multiple Spectrum Health locations, resulting in limited appointments.
Pfizer and Moderna booster vaccines are now available for scheduling at Spectrum Health locations.
Spectrum Health locations are not offering the Janssen Johnson & Johnson vaccine. The CDC recommendations now allow for mix-and-match dosing for booster shots. Eligible individuals may choose which vaccine they receive as a booster during scheduling.

Science, Safety and Education

Learn more about the COVID-19 vaccine and how to prepare you and your family to receive it.

Get to know the vaccines

How the vaccines work/approval process

Vaccine Safety

Stories and Hope

Unique experiences from patients, family members, doctors and others.

My Why: COVID-19 vaccine stories

Experiences with the COVID-19 vaccine

Giving Opportunities

Community Connections

How Spectrum Health is bridging the information gap across our communities alongside partners.

COVID-19 Vaccine Health Series

Raising awareness with community partners

Get a COVID-19 Vaccine

How to schedule an appointment with a Spectrum Health Provider

Individual ages 5-11 – Must be accompanied by a legal guardian:

The Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine for children ages 5-11 is available at multiple Spectrum Health locations.

You can schedule an appointment for your child at a Spectrum Health location by calling the COVID-19 Vaccine call center at 833.755.0696 or online with your Spectrum Health MyChart account.

Individual ages 12-17 years - Must be accompanied by a legal guardian:

Call your Spectrum Health primary care provider/pediatrician, to schedule an appointment. Note that your appointment may be made with any primary care provider based on appointment availability.

If you do not have a Spectrum Health primary care provider, call the Spectrum Health COVID Vaccine Call Center at 833.755.0696 to schedule an appointment at other available locations like urgent care facilities or clinics.

Individuals 18 years and older:

Schedule your first, second, third or booster dose of the vaccine online with your Spectrum Health MyChart account to see a list of available options including primary care offices, urgent care locations and vaccine clinics by vaccine manufacturer preference.

Schedule Your Vaccinations (Spectrum Health MyChart Users)

Call the Spectrum Health COVID-19 Vaccine Call Center at 833.755.0696 if you do not have a Spectrum Health MyChart account, have trouble accessing your account or need special assistance including language services.

Please note that appointments may be limited. Find other convenient and local vaccine locations at vaccines.gov.

Call Spectrum Health COVID-19 Vaccine Call Center at 833.755.0696. Hours: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday - Friday. 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. , Saturday and Sunday

Are there accommodations for people who need interpretation services?
Interpreting services are available at no cost if English is not your preferred language. If you need other accommodations, please call our vaccination schedulers at 833.755.0696.

Is there assistance for people with a hearing disability?
Video Remote ASL services are available at our vaccination clinics. If you need other accommodations, please call our vaccination schedulers at 833.755.0696.

Are there accommodations for people who need interpretation services?
Please call 833.755.0696.

How do I cancel or reschedule my appointment?
Through your Spectrum Health MyChart account or by calling 833.755.0696.

What if I have a MyChart account through another health care provider, can I use that to login?
You will need a Spectrum Health MyChart account. Click here to create an account.

Are Spectrum Health vaccine locations only available to Spectrum Health patients?|
Spectrum Health urgent care facilities and regional clinics are available to anyone eligible for a vaccine. Call the COVID-19 Call Center to find available locations in your area.

Patients of Spectrum Health Primary Care/Internal Medicine/Pediatrics offices can make a vaccine appointment by calling their doctor’s office.

For your safety, if you fit into any of the categories below you will not be able to receive your vaccine at your scheduled appointment:

Are not feeling well and have a temperature greater than 100.4F
If you have ever had a severe allergic reaction for which you were hospitalized or treated with epinephrine (EpiPen) as a result of: a previous dose of COVID-19 vaccine, a component of the COVID-19 vaccine, or an injectable medication containing polyethylene glycol (PEG) or polysorbate. If you have, you will need a message from your provider indicating you are able to get the COVID-19 vaccine.
Received passive antibody therapy as treatment for COVID-19 in the last 90 days
Are currently in self-isolation for COVID-19 (10 days of self-isolation are required after symptoms)

If the items above apply to you, please cancel/reschedule your appointment. If you are unsure if you should get the COVID-19 vaccine and want to speak with a provider, please contact a primary care provider.

Wear clothing that allows a clinician to easily access your upper arm, as the vaccine is delivered to the deltoid muscle. Consider wearing a short-sleeved shirt or wear a short-sleeved shirt under a sweater or jacket that can easily be removed.

Transportation

Need a ride? If you are 60+ and think you might need a ride to get your COVID-19 vaccine, you may be eligible for a low-cost or donation-based ride. Download the flier to learn more.

You should expect this appointment to take between 30 and 60 minutes.
In compliance with existing Visitor Restrictions please wear a mask, come alone to your vaccine appointment.
Arrive at your scheduled appointment time. We will not be able to accommodate early arrivals.
Further instructions will be provided prior to your appointment and upon arrival.
Video Relay Service (VRS) is available for Deaf and Hard of Hearing at the clinic.
Translation services are available for those who require an interpreter.

Second Dose

Timing of the second dose is critical if you received the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines, and you must get the second dose to receive the full protection of the vaccine. If you did not also schedule your second dose when you made the first dose appointment, you will receive a notification to schedule within 24 to 48 hours.

MCIR Text You May Receive

Spectrum Health is authorized by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services to participate in the Michigan Care Improvement Registry (MCIR). After you receive a dose of COVID-19 vaccine, you may receive a text message from MCIR to notify you when you are due for a second dose. If you do not want to receive further texts, reply with “STOP”.

Side Effects

The symptoms below are commonly experienced after a vaccine:
Injection site pain, swelling or redness
Excessive tiredness or feeling weak
Muscle pain, joint pain
Fever
Chills
Headache
Nausea or upset stomach or diarrhea
Swollen lymph nodes

If your side effects are worrying you or do not seem to be going away after a few days please contact your primary care provider or the Vaccine Scheduling Line at 1.833.755.0696 to further discuss your reaction to the vaccine. If you do not have a primary care provider, we suggest scheduling a virtual visit through your preferred health system’s electronic resources.

What should I expect after getting my COVID-19 Vaccine?
You may have some side effects, which are normal signs that your body is building protection. To learn more about side effects and when to call your primary care provider please download the CDC’s “What to expect” document below. "What to Expect after Getting a COVID Vaccine" (.pdf)

How does the COVID-19 vaccine work?
Vaccines work by tricking the immune system to fight off an infection. They do this in different ways. Some use weakened versions of the virus that are unable to cause illness (chicken pox and measles); some use dead virus (influenza); and the COVID-19 vaccine uses pieces of the virus to target a specific protein on the surface of the virus.
Note: You cannot get COVID-19 from a vaccine. The vaccine would contain proteins or other biological substances to stimulate the immune response, but not the coronavirus itself.

How is the vaccine administered?
Health care personnel and patients will receive a COVID-19 vaccine as a shot into the muscle of the upper arm. If you are receiving the Pfizer of Moderna vaccine, a second dose is then administered either three or four weeks later.

Is the COVID-19 vaccine safe?

The FDA carefully reviews all safety data and only authorizes vaccine use if there’s sufficient evidence strongly suggesting that patients have benefitted from the vaccine and that it meets safety standards. The FDA has rigorous scientific and regulatory processes in place to help ensure the safety and effectiveness of a vaccine.

Is the COVID-19 vaccine effective?
The COVID-19 vaccine has been shown to be effective, based on initial clinical trials. Because the vaccine is authorized for an emergency use during the pandemic, the vaccine’s maker will continue to collect data to demonstrate whether the vaccine is effective over longer periods of time. Find more information in the Emergency Use Authorization for Moderna, Pfizer and Johnson & Johnson (Janssen) vaccines.

Is there a cost to getting the COVID-19 vaccine?
The COVID-19 vaccine is available at no out-of-pocket cost. Insurance is not required to register for an appointment. If you have insurance, please include that information when scheduling.

Does the vaccine have side effects?
There are usually mild to moderate side effects from the COVID-19 vaccine. The most common side effect caused by the vaccine includes pain at the site where the vaccine was given, which is in the arm. Other side effects may include a headache, fever, chills or muscle aches.

Do I need to get my 2nd dose?
If you received the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine, it is important to get your 2nd dose in order to receive the full protection of the vaccine. This is based on the clinical trial data for both COVID-19 vaccines.

Who does the CDC recommend receive a a third dose of the COVID-19 vaccine?
Currently, CDC is recommending that moderately to severely immunocompromised people receive a third dose. This includes people who:

Are undergoing active cancer treatment for tumors or cancers of the blood
Have received an organ transplant and are taking medicine to suppress the immune system
Have received a stem cell transplant within the past two years or are taking medicine to suppress the immune system
Have moderate or severe primary immunodeficiency (such as DiGeorge syndrome or Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome)
Have advanced or untreated HIV infection
Are undergoing treatment with high-dose corticosteroids or other drugs that may suppress your immune response

Who should get a booster vaccine?
For individuals who received a Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna COVID-19 vaccine, the following groups are eligible for a booster shot at six months or more after their initial series:

65 years and older
18 years and older who live in long-term care settings
18 years and older who have underlying medical conditions
18 years and older who work or live in high-risk settings

Those who received the Janssen Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine, are 18 years or older and were vaccinated two or more months ago are recommended to receive a booster shot.

CDC’s recommendations now allow for mix and match dosing for booster shots. Eligible individuals may choose which vaccine they receive as a booster dose.

Can I receive a flu vaccine and a COVID-19 vaccine at the same time?
Yes, you can receive a flu vaccine at the same time as your COVID-19 vaccine. Your Spectrum Health MyChart account gives you the option to schedule both vaccines at the same appointment.

Your Spectrum Health MyChart account gives you easy access to your COVID-19 vaccine records.
If you received your vaccine from Spectrum Health, we’ve automatically captured your vaccine information in your Spectrum Health MyChart account. To find it:

Sign in
Go to your Menu
Scroll down to My Record and choose COVID-19.

You’ll find your vaccination record with a QR code for easy scanning and any past COVID-19 test results. This also is where to go to schedule future COVID-19 vaccines or screenings.

What if I didn’t get my vaccine at a Spectrum Health location?
Easily upload your vaccine card to your MyChart account. You’ll find the upload feature by following the instructions provided above.

If you lost your card, return to the provider who administered your vaccines and request a replacement. They should have you on file and be able to reproduce a copy.

What should I do if I lost my vaccine card?
If you lost your card, go back to the provider that administered your vaccines and request a replacement. They should have you on file and be able to reproduce a copy.

Third (additional) dose for the immunocompromised

Who is recommended to receive a third dose?
Currently, the CDC is recommending moderately to severely immunocompromised people receive an additional dose. This includes people who have:

Been receiving active cancer treatment for tumors or cancers of the blood
Received an organ transplant and are taking medicine to suppress the immune system
Received a stem cell transplant within the past two years or are taking medicine to suppress the immune system
Moderate or severe primary immunodeficiency (such as DiGeorge syndrome, Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome)
Advanced or untreated HIV infection
Active treatment with high-dose corticosteroids or other drugs that may suppress their immune response

Is the “third or additional” dose different from the Booster vaccine?
A third dose, also referred to as an additional, and a booster vaccine are different. Read below for more information:

Third dose: The CDC recommends people with moderately to severely compromised immune systems receive an additional (or third) dose of mRNA COVID-19 vaccine at least 28 days after a second dose of Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine or Moderna COVID-19 vaccine.
Booster: A “booster dose” refers to another dose of a vaccine that is given to someone who built enough protection after vaccination, but then that protection decreased over time (this is called waning immunity). The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has authorized, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend, a single booster dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine be administered at least six months after completion of the primary vaccine series in certain populations. Visit the CDC guidelines for more information on the booster vaccine.

Can I mix and match third (additional) doses?
For people who received either Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna’s COVID-19 vaccine series, a third dose of the same mRNA vaccine should be used. If the mRNA vaccine product given for the first two doses is not available or is unknown, either mRNA COVID-19 vaccine product may be administered.

What should immunocompromised people who received the J&J/Janssen vaccine do?
The FDA’s recent EUA amendment for immunocompromised patients only applies to mRNA COVID-19 vaccines, as does the CDC’s recommendation. Emerging data has demonstrated that immunocompromised people who have low or no protection following two doses of mRNA COVID-19 vaccines may have an improved response after an additional dose of the same vaccine.

There is not enough data at this time to determine whether immunocompromised people who received the Johnson & Johnson’s Janssen COVID-19 vaccine also have an improved antibody response following an additional dose of the same vaccine.

Where can I get a third (or additional) dose of the vaccine?
You can get your third or any doses from your local pharmacy or visit https://www.vaccines.gov/ to find a convenient location.

Third doses also are available at Spectrum Health by appointment. Easily schedule your third dose using your Spectrum Health MyChart account or by calling 833.755.0696.
Remember to have your vaccine card with you when you go to your appointment.

How much time should there be between a second and third doses?
The CDC recommends people with moderately to severely compromised immune systems receive an additional (or third) dose of mRNA COVID-19 vaccine at least 28 days after a second dose of Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine or Moderna COVID-19 vaccine.

If I had a reaction to my first or second dose, should I proceed with a third dose?
If you have any concerns about receiving a third dose, speak with your health care provider.

Do I need a provider’s order to receive a third dose?
You don’t need a provider order to schedule you’re your third dose of the vaccine.

Remember to have your vaccine card with you when you go to your appointment.

Booster Vaccine

Who should get a booster vaccine?
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has authorized, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has recommended a single booster dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna and Janssen (J&J) COVID-19 vaccines for certain populations after the completion of the primary vaccine series. Visit the CDC guidelines for more information on the booster vaccine.

Is the booster vaccine different from the “third or additional” dose?
A third dose, also referred to as an additional, and a booster vaccine are different. Read below for more information:

Third dose: The CDC recommends people with moderately to severely compromised immune systems receive an additional (or third) dose of mRNA COVID-19 vaccine at least 28 days after a second dose of Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine or Moderna COVID-19 vaccine.
Booster: A “booster dose” refers to another dose of a vaccine that is given to someone who built enough protection after vaccination, but whose protection has decreased over time (this is called waning immunity).

Can I mix and match booster vaccines?
CDC’s recommendations now allow for mix and match dosing for booster shots. Eligible individuals may choose which vaccine they receive as a booster dose. Some people prefer the vaccine type that they originally received, and others may prefer to get a different booster.

Where can I receive a booster vaccine?
You can get your booster vaccine at your local pharmacy or visit https://www.vaccines.gov/ to find a convenient location.

Booster vaccines also are available at Spectrum Health by appointment. Easily schedule your third dose using your Spectrum Health MyChart account or by calling 833.755.0696.