COVID-19 Vaccine

COVID-19 Vaccine Scheduling

Instructions for filling out the COVID-19 Vaccination Questionnaire

Things to Know Before Your Vaccine

Scheduling Frequently Asked Questions

What do I do after I submitted my questionnaire?
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. If you filled out the questionnaire through MyChart you will receive a notification to schedule through MyChart.

Can I change my answers after I submit my questionnaire?
Once you have submitted your questionnaire, you can find the submitted questionnaire in your Sent Messages. You can edit your questionnaire if you are in the same session that you submitted it. However, once you logout of your account you can no longer update your questionnaire. We are working on additional ways to change your answers. Please check back for updates.

Can I sign up for MyChart if I am not a Spectrum Health patient?
Yes, please follow the steps here to create a Spectrum Health MyChart account.

What is the selection process for who gets scheduled first?
Eligibility is based on Michigan Department of Health and Human Services guidance.

What locations are available to schedule the vaccine?
Available locations will be shown during the scheduling process.

When will I schedule my 2nd dose?
Shortly after the first dose you will receive notification to schedule your second dose. You can plan to schedule your 2nd dose at the same location 21 or 28 days after your first dose depending on vaccine manufacturer.

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

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.