COVID-19 Vaccine

Update:
Based on current guidance from the State of Michigan, Spectrum Health has begun vaccinating all those 65 years or older as supplies allow. Prioritized groups of frontline workers will be notified by employers of their eligibility and where they can get a vaccine with an appointment.

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. Once it is available to you, we recommend receiving the vaccine so we can start to move past the pandemic to better health.

Quick Links:


COVID-19 Vaccine Scheduling

  • Step 1

    Step 1: Register for the COVID-19 vaccine

    This adds you to the list. You do not need to be a Spectrum Health patient to use this service.

  • Step 2

    Step 2: Wait for a notification that you are able to schedule


    After you have registered, you are all set. You will be notified when there is vaccine available and it is time for you to schedule your appointment.
  • Step 3

    Step 3: Schedule your vaccination

Register for the COVID-19 Vaccine

To begin registration, click Start Registration below in the language of your choice. After following the instructions and providing your information, you will be added to the list for a vaccine. You do not need to be a Spectrum Health patient to use this service.

If you previously filled out a COVID-19 vaccination questionnaire through Spectrum Health, rest assured we have your registration, and you are on the list for a vaccine. You do not need to complete registration again.

If you are eligible for a vaccine and unable to complete your registration online, call  833.755.0696.

Spectrum Health COVID-19 Vaccine Call Center Hours
8 a.m. to 8 p.m., seven days a week

Call volumes are extremely high. Registering using the link above is the fastest, easiest and preferred method. Only use the phone line if you are eligible for a vaccine and are unable to register online or have received a notification to schedule. This will allow those who are most in need to reach our team.

The call center can assist with:

  • Registering for the COVID-19 vaccine for patients who meet the state’s criteria but are unable to use the online registration.
  • Navigating scheduling/rescheduling once you have received a notification to schedule.

The COVID-19 call center team cannot:
  • Tell you how long it will be until you will be able to schedule your vaccination. This is based on guidance from the State of Michigan and Spectrum Health’s vaccine supply.
  • Schedule appointments if you have not received a notification that you can schedule.
 

 

Things to Know

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
  • Have received any other vaccine in the last 14 days (including flu or shingles vaccine)
  • 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)
  • 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.
 
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.

  • 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.

Second Dose

Timing of the second dose is critical, 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.

Scheduling Frequently Asked Questions

What do I do after I register?
You are now on the list and do not need to do anything else. It may take weeks or months to receive a notification that you are able to schedule due to vaccine supply and your eligibility.

What if I previously registered via Spectrum Health MyChart?
If you previously filled out your COVID-19 vaccination questionnaire via Spectrum Health MyChart, rest assured we have your submission, and you are on the list for a vaccine.

What is the selection process for who gets scheduled first?
Once you register, you are on the list for a vaccine. Based upon your responses, you will receive a notification to schedule based upon:
  1. MDHHS vaccine distribution guidance
  2. An ethical distribution framework
  3. When you registered,
  4. and Spectrum Health’s available vaccine supply

It may take weeks or months for you to receive the vaccine and we will provide regular updates. 

COVID-19 Vaccine Distribution Phases

Spectrum Health is working with the State and local health departments, area hospitals, pharmacies and other partners to implement the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services plan for a phased approach to distribution.

On January 11 Spectrum Health began vaccinating all those 65 years or older. Based on current guidance from the State of Michigan, prioritized groups of frontline workers will be notified by employers of their eligibility and where they can get a vaccine with an appointment.

For complete descriptions of each phase visit Michigan.gov. 

Learn More About the Vaccine

Get up-to-date information on the COVID-19 vaccine and its efficacy and science in the Frequently Asked Questions and links to additional resources below.

Frequently Asked Questions

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. 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.

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?
Yes, 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.


Experiences With the COVID-19 Vaccine