Questions and Answers about the COVID Vaccine

Can I get the COVID-19 vaccine at Wheeler?

PAGE UPATED: January 3, 2024: Yes! Help protect yourself and the people around you by getting a flu and COVID vaccine. Call our Navigation Center at 888.793.3500 to schedule an appointment today. 

  • No insurance? We offer walk-in vaccinations for you and your family, Monday through Friday, 9 AM to 3:30 PM, at our Family Health & Wellness Centers in Hartford and Waterbury.
    • These events are supported by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of an award totaling $189,922 with 0% financed with non-governmental sources. The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement, by HRSA, HHS, or the U.S. Government. For more information, please visit HRSA.gov.

Have Questions?

The TikTok below answers some common ones quickly, or scroll down for more authoritative answers.

What are the side effects? Is is safe?

Generally, there are very few side effects from the first of the two doses. Most people seem to have just a sore arm.

Some people have minor side effects after the second dose, like aches, headache, fatigue, a fever, or other conditions. These side effects typically pass in 24-48 hours. This is actually a good sign! It shows that your body's immune system is working.

Can the vaccine give me COVID?
Is the vaccine really tested?
Will the vaccine alter my DNA?
Do we really know what is in the vaccine?

We understand there are concerns about the importance of vaccination, particularly in populations of color; we want to help you overcome your hesitancy in getting this vital vaccine! The CDC web site also has a very good listing of researched answers to these and other questions.

What are the benefits of getting the vaccine?

  1. The vaccine will help you from getting COVD-19
  2. The vaccine is a safer way to build protection for your health
  3. The vaccine will help us all stop the pandemic

Is it free?

No one can be denied a vaccine if they are unable to pay the vaccine administration fee. From the CDC web site: "Vaccine doses purchased with U.S. taxpayer dollars will be given to the American people at no cost. However, vaccination providers can charge an administration fee for giving someone the shot. Vaccination providers can be reimbursed for this by the patient’s public or private insurance company or, for uninsured patients, by the Health Resources and Services Administration’s Provider Relief Fund. No one can be denied a vaccine if they are unable to pay the vaccine administration fee."

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