At Gulf Coast Health Center, we are pleased to be able to provide COVID-19 vaccinations to our communities in Texas. We are currently receiving a supply of both Moderna and Pfizer COVID-19 vaccines.
How Many Vaccine Doses Will I Need?
Both the Moderna and Pfizer COVID-19 vaccines require patients to receive two doses, and it’s recommended that both of a patient’s vaccine doses come from the same brand. For example, if your first vaccination is a Moderna vaccine, then it’s best to get a Moderna vaccine for your second dose.
How Much Time Will I Have to Wait Between COVID-19 Vaccine Doses?
The second dose of the Moderna or Pfizer vaccine should be timed for developing optimal immunity in the patient’s body. The exact timing between the first and second dose depends on which brand of vaccine you receive.
- Moderna - If you received a Moderna vaccine, your second vaccination should be scheduled 4 to 6 weeks after receiving your first dose.
- Pfizer - If you received a Pfizer vaccine, your second vaccination should be scheduled for 3 to 6 weeks after receiving your first dose.
When you receive your first COVID-19 vaccine dose at Gulf Coast Health Center, our healthcare provider will automatically work with you to ensure you receive your second dose at the right time.
What to Expect When You Get Vaccinated for COVID-19
Like all vaccines, the COVID-19 vaccines carry some risk of allergic reaction and side effects.
Not everyone experiences them, but mild side effects following the COVID-19 vaccine are normal and actually indicate that your immune system is responding properly and building protection. Side effects usually clear up after a few days of receiving the vaccine.
The chance of having a severe reaction to a COVID-19 vaccine is less than 0.5%, but we take all risks seriously. So, although serious reactions are rare, our provider will have all patients wait on-site for 15 to 30 minutes after receiving a vaccination for observation and safety.
