Who currently qualifies for the COVID-19 Vaccine?
As of Monday, March 29, 2021, everyone age 16 and older is now eligible to receive a COVID-19 vaccine in Texas.
Additionally, a federal directive has made the vaccine available to certain school personnel and certified childcare providers. For more information about the rollout, visit the Texas Health and Human Services vaccine eligibility page.
Are the COVID-19 vaccines safe?
The FDA has issued Emergency Use Authorization for the available COVID-19 vaccines, which means that although these vaccines have undergone some testing and approval processes, they have not yet undergone standard testing and FDA approval.
However, millions of Americans have already successfully received COVID-19 vaccines. All the available vaccines are currently under the scrutiny of the most intensive safety monitoring protocols in our country’s history including the use of both established and new safety monitoring systems. Thus far, instances of severe side effects have been minimal, although you might experience some normal, mild side effects (flu-like symptoms) after vaccination.
Additionally, you cannot contract COVID-19 from a vaccine.
Can I get COVID-19 after vaccination?
A vaccination teaches the body’s immune system to recognize and fight the coronavirus that causes COVID-19 illness. Typically, two or three weeks (after the second dose of a two-dose vaccine or after the first dose of a single-dose vaccine) are needed for the body to build up its protections and develop immunity against the virus.
As a result, it’s possible to contract COVID-19 after vaccination in between your first and second doses or if you’re exposed too soon after receiving your final dose of the COVID-19 vaccine.
I have recently tested positive for COVID-19. When will I be able to receive it?
You can get vaccinated once you have fully recovered from a COVID-19 illness. If you received treatment with convalescent plasma, then the CDC recommends waiting 90 days.
How do I schedule the second dose of the vaccine?
When you receive your 1st dose at Gulf Coast Health Center, our staff will automatically schedule an appointment for you to receive your second dose.
Do you accept walk-in appointments for the vaccine?
With high demand and limited available vaccines, we are administering COVID-19 vaccines by appointment only at this time. It is imperative that you keep your appointment and arrive on time.
How can I receive a COVID-19 test?
If you have COVID-19 symptoms or might have been exposed to the virus, you can get tested at Gulf Coast Health Center. Tests are administered by appointment only. To help us meet the high patient demand, it is imperative that you keep your appointment and arrive on time.
How long will I need to wait for my COVID-19 test results?
We typically receive COVID-19 test results within three days of testing. A representative from Gulf Coast Health Center will contact you with your results once we receive them.
What should I do while waiting for my COVID-19 test results?
What you do while you wait for your test results depends on your particular situation.
Stay at home and keep away from others if:
- You have symptoms.
- Someone in your home has tested positive for COVID-19.
- You have been in close contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19.
If you have no symptoms and have not been in close contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19, then you do not have to stay home while waiting for your test results. In these cases, wear a mask and stay at least six feet away from people who are not members of your household.
If you begin to develop any symptoms, stay home and away from others.
What if I tested positive for COVID-19?
If you receive a positive COVID-19 test result, this means you currently have COVID-19. You should stay home and monitor your symptoms. If your symptoms worsen, contact your healthcare provider. Be sure to describe your symptoms and let them know that you tested positive for COVID-19. They will provide you with further instructions for your care and quarantine.
