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Southeast Lab Services, previously located at 62 Doctors’ Park, is now open at 60 Doctors’ Park, upper level. Office hours are Monday – Friday from 8am – 4:30 pm.

COVID-19 Vaccine FAQ

What brand of vaccine are we receiving?

We use the FDA-approved Pfizer vaccine.

How does the vaccine work?

This is the first-ever authorized vaccine to use mRNA, or messenger RNA. It triggers the immune system to produce protective antibodies without using actual bits, either live or dead, of the virus.

Who is eligible to participate at this time?

  • All Missouri residents ages 12 and older

Do I need to take both doses?

All participants must consent to taking both doses for the vaccine to be effective.

What if I cannot get my second COVID-19 Pfizer vaccine in 21 days?

The second dose should be administered as close to the recommended 21-day interval as possible. However, the CDC says the second dose of the Pfizer vaccine can be given up to six weeks (42 days) after the first dose.

Does this impact the effectiveness of the vaccine?

According to the CDC, receiving the vaccine later than the 21-day window does not impact the overall effectiveness of the vaccine in preventing COVID-19 or lessening the likelihood of serious illness and hospitalization.

Will I get sick if I take it?

All participants will be required to wait 15 minutes following their vaccination to be monitored for adverse side effects and/or reactions to the vaccine. Those who chose to take the vaccine must consent to any and all possible side effects or adverse events that might occur following the vaccination, including aches, fevers, chills and diarrhea. Those who experience a fever of 100.4 F or higher, must stay home and monitor their symptoms.

If I have already had COVID-19 do I still need to get vaccinated?

Early evidence suggests natural immunity from COVID-19 may not last very long, so we recommend getting the vaccine even if you have already had the virus or are currently COVID positive. There is currently no evidence to suggest that the vaccine could be unsafe for people who have recovered from the coronavirus. In fact, some studies have shown that the milder the symptoms some experience results in a faster disappearance of antibody concentration. Much like the flu vaccine, the COVID vaccine does not guarantee that you won't get the virus if you've been vaccinated, but if you do contract COVID the symptoms are likely to be mild.

Will the flu vaccine protect me from COVID-19?

A flu vaccine will not protect you from getting COVID-19, but it can prevent you from getting influenza (flu) at the same time as COVID-19. This can keep you from having a more severe illness. While it’s not possible to say with certainty what will happen this winter, CDC believes it's likely that flu viruses and the virus that causes COVID-19 will both be spreading during this time. That means that getting a flu vaccine is more important than ever.

Do I need to wear a mask if I've been vaccinated?

It is no longer mandatory to wear a mask in the hospital/clinic setting if you are vaccinated against COVID-19 and the flu.

Visitors will be required to wear a mask if:

  • They have signs/symptoms of acute illness (fever, cough, difficulty breathing, sudden loss of taste/smell, sore throat, body aches, diarrhea, or vomiting).

What is the cost?

The vaccine will be provided at no cost to all who need or want the vaccine, regardless of ability to pay, to ensure all have access.