Vaccine Clinics

This page tells you what you need to know about the vaccine clinics that Chatham will be offering on campus.

Vaccine and Booster Clinics 

In order to assist with receiving an original vaccine and/or booster shot, Chatham and UPMC offer campus vaccine clinics. Clinic dates and registration instructions will be listed here. 

If you are unable to attend a campus vaccine clinic, you can make a vaccine appointment through an authorized vaccine provider.  

 

Frequently Asked Questions

We know that many people have questions or are trying to understand what is real information and what is misinformation about COVID vaccines. Making sure you are getting accurate vaccine information is critical and can help stop common myths and rumors from gaining traction. To help, the CDC has put together this Myths and Facts about COVID-19 Vaccines web page filled with great resources and questions.

In addition, the following FAQs were adapted from information provided by UPMC.  If you don't see the answer to your question below, please visit UPMC’s COVID-19 Vaccine Information and Updates page for additional information. 

According to data reported by Pfizer and Moderna, both vaccines are more than 94% effective in preventing COVID-19.

The vaccines exceed the efficacy benchmark for emergency use authorization. All are highly effective in preventing hospitalization and death. The effectiveness of the vaccine will continue to be monitored as distribution continues.

The FDA has reviewed the safety and efficacy of these vaccines before issuing an emergency use authorization, which authorizes their use in the U.S. Both Pfizer and Moderna have submitted data for full FDA authorization and approval, which is expected this summer. 

Even after the EUA, these vaccines are undergoing additional clinical and real-world studies to confirm the vaccine's safety, effectiveness, or possible side effects. Nearly 300 million vaccine doses have been administered in the U.S. as of June 1. 

The most common side effects to the vaccines include pain and swelling where you received the shot, fever, chills, fatigue, and headache. These are common for many vaccines because a vaccine triggers an immune response. The side effects should go away within a few days.

There have been some reports of isolated allergic reactions to the vaccine, which scientists are investigating. Allergic reactions to vaccines are not common and are typically mild.

The COVID-19 vaccines from Pfizer and Moderna are mRNA-based. If you previously had an allergic reaction to any ingredient in an mRNA COVID-19 vaccine, you should not get the vaccine. If you had an allergic reaction to the first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, the CDC does not recommend that you get the second dose.

If you have a history of anaphylaxis or severe allergic reaction to a vaccine, vaccine component, or injectable medication, you should consult your primary care physician or allergist before receiving the COVID-19 vaccine.

No.

The Pfizer and Moderna vaccines are mRNA vaccines. mRNA is genetic material our body naturally makes, and in this vaccine, this tiny piece of genetic material teaches our cells how to make a virus protein that triggers an immune response inside our bodies. That immune response, which produces antibodies, is what helps to protect us from getting infected if the real virus enters our bodies. The mRNA and protein quickly disappear after they have taught our body to respond to the virus. For more information on COVID-19 vaccines and mRNA, read this article from UPMC.

The Johnson & Johnson vaccine, meanwhile, is a viral vector vaccine. A viral vector vaccine uses a different virus as the “vector” – i.e., the mechanism that delivers instructions to your body. The Johnson & Johnson vaccine uses an adenovirus – a common virus that typically causes the cold or flu symptoms. Scientists added a piece of the coronavirus’ genetic material to the adenovirus. When you receive the vaccine, your body recognizes the coronavirus’ genetic material and creates antibodies against it. Although the adenovirus can enter your cells, you cannot get sick from it. For more about viral vector vaccines, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s website.

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists has recommended that pregnant and lactating women should be able to get the vaccine if they fall into one of the distribution groups. Talk to your doctor if you are pregnant and are wondering if you should get the vaccine.

On May 10, 2021, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) authorized the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine for children aged 12-15. The vaccine was already authorized for people 16 and older.

Data show the Pfizer vaccine is safe for children 12 and older and effective in preventing COVID-19. For more information, see the FDA report.

At this time, no children under the age of 12 are eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine. Vaccine clinical trials in children younger than 12 are ongoing.

  • People with a history of certain health conditions should not receive the COVID-19 vaccine
  • Had a severe or immediate allergic reaction after a previous mRNA COVID-19 vaccine or any of its components
  • Received monoclonal antibodies or convalescent plasma for the treatment of COVID-19 within the last 90 days
  • Anyone currently sick with COVID-19
  • Anyone currently under quarantine after exposure to COVID-19