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

Check back frequently as Spectrum Health continues to expand vaccine access throughout our communities.

Schedule a COVID-19 Vaccination

Update (March 30, 2021): Spectrum Health is expanding vaccine availability to all 16 and older, immediately.

To set up an appointment for someone ages 16 or 17 or for those needing special assistance, please call 833.755.0696. A parent or guardian must accompany minors. If you are 16 or 17 you are only eligible for the Pfizer vaccine.

If you are 18+ and a Spectrum Health MyChart account holder, click the link below to self-schedule online. Upon logging in, you will arrive at the scheduling page where you can select “COVID-19 Vaccine First Dose” to begin scheduling.

Schedule Your Vaccinations (Spectrum Health MyChart Users)

If you are 18+ and NOT a Spectrum Health MyChart account holder, click the link below to self-schedule online. You will have an opportunity to create a Spectrum Health MyChart account upon scheduling and we recommend that you do for ease of scheduling the second dose.

Schedule Your Vaccination (Non-Spectrum Health MyChart Users)

Please note the following:

Appointment availability is based on vaccine supply. As we receive shipments of vaccine we will add new appointments. New appointments will generally be released on a weekly basis. If you do not see an available appointment, please check the following week. Follow us on our social media channels for updates.

All appointments are for a first dose only. If you are trying to schedule your 2nd dose and have already received your first, please do so through Spectrum Health MyChart or by calling the Vaccine Call Center (833.755.0696).
 
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.

Spectrum Health COVID-19 Vaccine Call Center
Contact: 833.755.0696
8 a.m. to 8 p.m., seven days a week

Spectrum Health COVID-19 Vaccine Call Center
Contact: 833.755.0696
8 a.m. to 8 p.m., seven days a week

Scheduling Frequently Asked Questions

A second dose of the Pfizer and Moderna vaccine is necessary to further boost the immune response and ensure long-term protection from COVID-19. Community members can schedule their 2nd dose after they have received their first by calling 833.755.0696 or through their Spectrum Health MyChart account.
Please call 833.755.0696.
This login will only work if you are logging into Spectrum Health MyChart. To create an account, click here.
Please call 833.755.0696.
Through your Spectrum Health MyChart account or by calling 833.755.0696.

You will need a Spectrum Health MyChart account. Click here to create an account.

Things to Know

If your vaccination is scheduled at DeVos place, please view the instructions for arrival below.

Driving Directions

303 Monroe Ave NW Grand Rapids, Michigan 49503-2233 From US-131 and I-196, follow Digital and orange signs that will guide you towards parking. Please note that Eastbound I-196 will close effective April 9 to July 23, 2021, see alternate routes here.

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.

Parking

We encourage you to allow extra time for parking. If you are running late, we will still honor your appointment.

65+ and Mobility Assistance
 
If you need mobility assistance, please use DeVos Place Parking. Drivers can also use our drop off zone in front of DeVos Place on Monroe Avenue and proceed to the cell phone lot within the Gerald Ford Museum parking lots to wait until pick up notification.

DeVos Place (for 65+ and those requiring mobility assistance)
Enter the north parking entrance from the West on Michigan St. or the south parking entrance from the East on Lyon St. Please note that you cannot turn left into DeVos Place parking coming from the east. Parking attendant will provide you with information regarding your appointment and special instructions for those who need assistance.
 
All others please choose one of the other convenient parking options below (See map below):

Government Center Ramp
Across the street from DeVos Place, parking is located at Government Center located at 300 Monroe, just a short walk away. Government Center Ramp can be entered off of Ottawa or one of the two Monroe entrances. Please bring parking ticket to the clinic for validation. Validation will be available after you exit the vaccine clinic’s observation area.

MOTU
Park at any of the convenient Motu meters. To download the MOTU app instructions or to get the free 2 hour parking validation code, click here.

Gerald Ford Museum North and South Lots
Located off from Scribner Avenue and Bridge Street/Michigan Avenue. These lots are available as overflow. Gates will open automatically upon entry.
 
A shuttle, ran by The Rapid, will run every 8 minutes to and from DeVos Place. The shuttle stop is located on Bridge Street/Michigan avenue. To return to these lots, The Rapid will pick up at the bus stop located just outside of DeVos Place/Monroe avenue on the left after exiting.

Devos place map

Arrival and Virtual Waiting Room:

We offer a virtual waiting room that allows you to wait in your car until your appointment time. After parking, please text "HERE" to 844.973.3640. We will text you back when we are ready for you to come into the building.

Note: If you are unable to text or are arriving by bus or alternate method, please enter the building at your appointment time. To enter DeVos place, use the Monroe street entrance on the east side of the building. You will see blue and orange directional signs to help guide you.
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)

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.

Learn More About the Vaccine

The Johnson and Johnson vaccine now adds a third safe and effective option to prevent COVID infections and help in ending the pandemic.

We now have 3 COVID-19 vaccines that are:
  • Safe with limited short-term side effects. Millions of Americans have now safely received a COVID-19 vaccine.
  • Highly effective in prevention of: COVID-19 infections, hospitalizations related to COVID-19, and deaths related to COVID-19.
  • For those rare, vaccinated individuals who may still get COVID-19, we expect the severity of the infection to be much lower.

Get up-to-date information on the COVID-19 vaccines and its efficacy and science by visiting the resources found here.

Vaccine 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. 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.

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. 


Experiences With the COVID-19 Vaccine