VIDEO: Questions about the vaccine? Here are the answers.

VIDEO: Questions about the vaccine? Here are the answers.

The first COVID-19 vaccines have been shipped and are making it to people on the health care front lines, a development that marks the beginning of the end of the difficult pandemic.

But you probably have questions.

Experts on Wednesday answered dozens of them during a Facebook Live video event. They explained what they know about the safety and effectiveness of the vaccine that’s been approved by federal regulators and how it might be distributed in the coming days, weeks and months.

Dr. Robert Citronberg, Advocate Aurora Health Executive Medical Director of Infectious Disease and Prevention, said the vaccine trials didn’t reveal serious safety concerns in the short term

“The vaccine is incredibly effective. It proved 95% in preventing COVID-19 in participants in the trial,” Dr. Citronberg said. “We expect there to be side effects. The side effects tell us for the most part that your body is responding to the vaccine and creating antibodies, which is exactly what we want.”

“We know that COVID makes people sick, very sick, (you can) die from it,” he said. “The risks of COVID, getting sick from COVID and dying from COVID far outweigh the risks of the vaccine.

Jane Dus, Regional Chief Nursing Officer and co-leader of Advocate Aurora’s COVID vaccine strategy, said front line health care team members will be first to get the vaccine, and the general public will come later. More detailed guidelines are coming soon.

“I think the key point here is that everyone who wants the vaccine will get the vaccine eventually,” Dus said. “We believe that people will get the vaccine within four to six months.

You can watch the full video, with lots of answers about vaccine myths, why the vaccines require two doses, and what you need to know about children.

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Comments

97 Comments

  1. I have epilepsy and cerebral palsy if I were to get the covid 19 shots would that affect it in any way and would it cause me to have seizures again

  2. There has been some suggestion that the currently shipped vaccine has 5 does per vial, but some pharmacists are finding that there may be 6 or 7 does per vial … does that mean that additional people can be vaccinated?

  3. Phizer is based in New York… is the current weather issue affecting the distribution?

  4. My husband in the year 2003 got Multiple Myeloma. He had an autologous stem cell transplant and has been in remission for 18 yrs but while in the hospital got Guillian Barre Syndrome. He has severe after effects in his legs with numbness and venus statis dermitites. We were always told not to get vaccines because it could trigger his Guillian Barre. Should he get the Merdona vaccine? Is it safe for him? Also if I got the vaccine could I transfer anything to him if I was not feeling well. He is 82, I am 75.

  5. Will patients with compromised immune systems and those considered high risk patients be able to get the vaccine?

  6. Can i get the vaccine if i am breast feeding? I am a healthcare worker in a hospital.

    Thanks

  7. I know a front line worker who received the first dose of the vaccine, they were told to plan on taking a couple of days off after they received the second dose because they would not be feeling well. Can you explain this?

  8. If I opt out of the vaccine for the first round when will I get another chance to receive the vaccine?

  9. I’m 80 with 2 chronic conditions. How will I know where and when I can get a vaccine

  10. shirley a davis January 2, 2021 at 9:50 am · Reply

    How will I know when I can get the vaccine, !’m 83 with heart and cancer issues and really need to get it as soon as possible.

  11. Is this vaccine for anyone including if you have egg allergies

  12. How will we know when the vaccine is available for our age and conditions? My husband and I are both over 75 and he has Stage 4 cancer.

  13. How can I get in line for the vaccine— I am 73 years old with CHF

    • Lillian and I are pushing 90. Will our Advocate doctor let us know when the vaccine becomes available for old farts like us?

  14. Im over 65 and high risk with conditions like CHF and respiratory conditions on oxygen. When will the vaccine be available for me and how will i be notified?

  15. How can I get the vaccine?
    How can I sign up to get the vaccine?
    I do not see that info nor information about signing up on my LiveWell phone APP nor my WEB log in to Advocate Aurora

    I will be 68 in Feb, 2021
    I have had Pneumonia 2 times requiring hosp treatment
    I have medication controlled high blood pressure

    I am a long tern patient of Advocate; my primary care physician is at Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center.

  16. I am 66 years old with diabetes and asthma .How and when can I register for the coven 19 shoot

  17. I am 66 years old with diabetes and asthma .How and when can I register for the coven 19 shoot.can I sign up on line?

  18. I am 69 and have a suppressed immune
    system due to treatments for bladder cancer. When will i be eligible???

  19. How can I register for the vaccine? I am a 59 year old RN with several preexisting conditions.

    • Elizabeth Benedetto January 19, 2021 at 11:11 am · Reply

      How would I get the Covid vaccine as soon as possible? My husband and I are 74 and want to know how, when and where we can register.
      Thank you.

  20. When can I get the vaccine?

  21. How/when do I signup to get the vaccine?

  22. LORRAINE T MASSIE January 19, 2021 at 10:53 am · Reply

    77 yrs old

  23. I’m 72 have had quadruple bypass, 5 stents and take Repatha every 2 weeks
    besides my heart , thyroid and cholesterol
    medicines. When can l expect to get my vaccine.. Thanks so very much…

  24. I’m 67 and my hubby 69. We are aurora patients but have been unable to find when and where we can begin the vaccination process. Please help us.

  25. Can I schedule a vaccine for covid?

  26. All I want is to know when I can get my vaccine. Your web site is full of ‘who care’ marketing junk! All I want to know is when I can get my vaccine.
    I go to your Green Bay Mason Street facility. I have computer accounts .. nothing communicated. Come to your web site nothing… call “we are following CDC policy that’s all I can tell you. Give me a break.
    I am 73 which I believe qualifies me for a vaccine. When can I get my vaccine? Next week, next month, next year, next decade?

  27. I am alergic to shellfish is it safe for me to get vaccine

  28. Good morning,
    Yesterday I signed up to receive my Covid vaccination. I will be 70 this coming Feb. Will I receive a confirmation that my name is on the list?
    Thank you.
    With kind regards,
    Connie Greeson

  29. How do I sign up to get the covid vaccine?

  30. How do i schedule covid vacc. appt
    on the livewell app…i have an account

  31. I am 73 years old and would like to schedule a covid vaccine.

  32. Kelly O’Neil Shearer January 21, 2021 at 12:49 pm · Reply

    I was told at my Aurora site that I can go on LiveWell and sign up for the COVID vaccine. I cannot find it anywhere, plz let me know how to get this appointment. I’m 65 with a heart valve issue so I would like this sooner than later. Any assistance would be appreciated.

  33. Richard E. Wagner January 21, 2021 at 2:12 pm · Reply

    I want to sign up for the vaccination. My birthdate is May 24 1931, so I’m age eligible.

  34. How do I get scheduled for vaccination ?

  35. 74yrs. with congestive heart failure, diabetes, kidney disease, pacemaker, high blood pressure, and sleep edema. When can I get the vaccine for covid. All my doctors are with Aurora and have my records

  36. When can I get vaccinated? I am 65 and have copd

  37. I am 55 years old and I like to no where can I get the cOVID-19 vaccine shot. I really like to have it. my wife has already had one Dose at her work I really like to have it at the doctor Office at lake shore medical clinic in Franklin they told me wait two weeks .at the pharmacy to they told me the same thing I waited in two weeks they still do not have it

  38. When I can schedule for a appointment to do the COVID-19 vaccine shot at the doctor office if they have it

  39. I am 72 years old and a patient of dr Robert Hoshizaki with asthma. Where can I register to get my COVID 19 shot. Can I get it at good shepherd hospital?

  40. I am 72 years old and advocate patient can schedule my appointment for vaccine now?

  41. Trying to schedule my second covid vaccine on MyAdvocateAurora.org, I get through the questions and when it comes to the schedule tab and I get a message “Sorry, we cant schedule your appointment.”
    What am I to do?

  42. I am 71 years old, Type 2 diabetic, cancer survivor, and I have other pre-assisting health issues. When will be able to sign-up/register to get the vaccine? Do I wait for my doctor/nurse or someone from Advocate Aurora to contact me first, etc. So many conflicting stories about how to begin the process. I am anxious to beginn as soon as possible. Thank you for any assistance/information

  43. I would like to get my vaccine as soon as possible. You can access my health issues on my personal doctors file. I do have lot of
    health issues, with last oppointment just found out there is a blockage in my heart. &
    I am on lot of medication with other issues.
    Please consider me for my vaccination as soon as possible, & please notify me thru
    email. I would appreciate greatly if you consider me as a candidate.

  44. Waiting to get my vaccine – Rita

  45. I am waiting to schedule my vaccine shot.

  46. Christine Peters January 22, 2021 at 1:08 pm · Reply

    I am 71 and have a compromised immune system. I have gone over numerous websites regarding Covid-19 and feel like I am well informed on the the issues on this virus, with the exception of how to make an appointment for getting the vaccine. I am a Aurora Advocate Health patient in McHenry County – can I expect information from AAH when appointments for the vaccination are available?

  47. want to schedule vaccine for over 75 years old.

  48. Want to schedule a covid vaccine asap Need information on how to make an appointment

  49. I am 74 years.
    I would like to sign up for the COVID
    Vaccine.

    • I am 82 years old and my wife is 79.We have heart,blood pressure and other issues.When can we get our vaccine shots?

  50. I understand the PR need to convince people to get vaccinated. Ok, now we want DETAILS on EXACTLY how we signup or can be assured the system will automatically alert us when we are eligible. I want to enter my name and to be shown that I am in fact on the list. Can’t be that difficult.

  51. I am 78 years old, with many serious health problems. I need information on how and where to sign up for the Covid Vaccine ASAP!
    My PCP is Dr. Jorge Balandrin, at Advocate Medical Hospital in
    Oak Lawn, IL.

  52. I am 78 years old. I had a splenectomy and bladder cancer. I have high blood pressure, am borderline Diabetes Melittus, and I am obese. Dr. Jorge Balandrin is my primary physician in Oak Lawn. In 2019 I was
    hospitalized for 6 days @ Palos Hospital with serious lung infection and breathing difficulties. It took me almost 6 months to recover from
    fatigue caused by the illness.

  53. I’m 73. Have heart disease and am obese.

  54. Julie A. Long-Weidman January 25, 2021 at 2:37 pm · Reply

    I received the firstCOVID-19 vaccination. My husband had been ill and he tested positive . Then approx 4 days later I had mild symptoms and tested positive as well. Gould I hold off on my second vaccinnation the recommended 3 months and if so, will I need to repeat the first vaccination and should I have my antibodies tested first?

  55. How do I sign up for the vaccine ?

  56. Sheila MangaserRoss January 25, 2021 at 3:33 pm · Reply

    I am 67 years old, recently has lumbar spinal fusion surgery, and also deal with gastrointestinal issues. I’m wondering how soon I might be able to receive the Covid19 immunization. Thanks.

  57. How do I sign up for the vaccine I’m over 65 and have been a patient of Aurora for years

  58. Laurie Buchberger January 25, 2021 at 5:24 pm · Reply

    My husband and I are both patients at Aurora and we want to know how we will be notified as to when we can schedule an appointment for the vaccine

  59. My wife and I are registered to receive vaccines–we are over 65 years of age, but I don’t see where on the website how to schedule an appointment. Thank You

  60. Why are 2/3 of the vaccines delivered to our state not being administered? I’m a 72 year old at-risk patient – I need the vaccine ASAP (not in the spring/summer).

  61. I’m 71 and have a heart condition. How do I get the vaccine?

  62. I’ve been trying for over a week to schedule a Covid-19 vaccine for my 76 year old husband and myself (67) and have been unsuccessful. The LiveWell app says that if you qualify for the vaccine, they’ll call you. Neither of us have received a call and I’ve been calling non stop for 5 days and cannot get through. This website is not helpful! Please help!

  63. Can you tell me when essential workers are going to be able for the vaccine? (i am in the agricultural business, age 57)
    Is there a site where i can register as an essential worker?
    Thanks
    Paula

  64. I am female 76 year old had revaccination for pneumonia ppvw23 how long to wait to have Covi 19 vaccine

  65. Michael Kopitzke January 26, 2021 at 5:45 pm · Reply

    I am currently recovering from the virus and was told that I have immunity for three months. Should I delay being vaccinated?

  66. Henry Baumgaertel January 27, 2021 at 12:17 am · Reply

    Trying to schedule a vaccination time . Im 76 years old with a drop foot . How do I schedule an appointment

  67. 80 years old, 81 in one month, Wife 77 Years old

    Covid Vaccinations, When ????

  68. I’m a 67 years old female and last October I had an MRI with Gadavist, a gadolinium based contrast agent. I had a terrible reaction to the dye. Can I still get the vaccine without any reactions?

  69. I am a 62 year old. I have diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, I’ve had pneumonia for almost 4 weeks, at October of 2019. Just wondering when I can expect to get my COVID-19 vaccinating shots

  70. My wife is 64 and a long-time patient of Advocate Lutheran General – she has had cancer twice and is considered high-risk – will she be notified by her oncologist or by you through this system?

  71. I would like to know what is the best way for me to apply to get the vaccine for the Covid 19. Can I register at the local Walgreen’s and/or Osco?

  72. I am a 78 years old. My health is fair. I have type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure and triglycerides all 3 are under control thanks to the meds. I have sleep apnea and use a cpap all night. I have an over active thyroid which is also corrected by meds. I have been obese all my life. I am an Aurora Advocate healthcare patient. I need a COVID 19 vaccination as soon as possible. My wife condition is worse than mine as she is on oxygen 24hrs per day every day. We need help..

  73. I am 77 YEARS OLD. I do not have a spleen and I have high blood pressure. How do I schedule an appointment for a CoVid vaccine?

  74. how do i sign up for a covid shot?

  75. Robert L. Silver February 1, 2021 at 5:43 pm · Reply

    How do I get an appointment for the vaccine shot?

  76. How do I get an appointment for the COVID19 vaccine?

    • I am 69 and have asthma …My husband Joe is 83 and also has asthma and other issues. Where and when can we get our vaccines? No info on this site about that! please contact me!

  77. Marguerite Hastings February 1, 2021 at 8:07 pm · Reply

    I see all these questions, but no one has answered them. That is very confusing.
    I would like to know, when and where can I get the COVID vaccine. I am in the 1B group.

  78. TOBI STAR ABRAMS February 1, 2021 at 8:14 pm · Reply

    PLEASE I NEED THE COVID VACCINE ~~MY IMMUNITY IS SUPRESSED AS I HAVE CRONES DISEASE !! THANK YOU !!

  79. My mother is 95 years old. She is cared for at her home by her children. It is difficult for her to go out in a vehicle. Are there any procedures to vaccine senoirs/ senoirs at home who are not very mobile? She is a Advocate patient. She has not yet been notified to receive her first vaccine. 2/2/2021
    Thanks Jim G.

  80. Marilyn Wentland February 2, 2021 at 12:09 pm · Reply

    My husband was called to schedule an appointment for the covid vaccination. I have not been notified. I have had surgery at the hospital and we both use the critical care facility on Randall Road. What criteria is used to select candidates for vaccination?

  81. Marilyn Wentland February 2, 2021 at 12:14 pm · Reply

    My husband was contacted to get a covid vaccination. I have not received any information and have had surgery at there. we both use the critical care facility. he is 80 and I am 78.

  82. Marilyn Wentland February 2, 2021 at 12:18 pm · Reply

    My husband and I both use the critical care unit and I have had surgery at Sherman. he was allotted a covid vaccination appointment and I was not. he is 80 and I am 78.

  83. Marilyn Wentland February 2, 2021 at 12:27 pm · Reply

    my husband and I both use the critical care location and I have had surgery at Sherman. we requested information for covid vaccine. He received an email allowing him to make an appointment but I have received nothing. He is 80 and I am 78.

  84. Marilyn Wentland February 2, 2021 at 12:35 pm · Reply

    My husband and I both use Sherman Critical care. I had an operation there a few years ago. My husband who is 80 received an appointment for a covid vaccination. I am 78 and have heard nothing. Did the two year difference in age factor into the appointment?

  85. I am 70 and a heath condition and a advocate patient.
    I have not received any information or code as to how to get the vaccine.

  86. Thomas Sturgulewski February 3, 2021 at 7:25 pm · Reply

    I am a 78 year old and have a heart condition and also had lung cancer and am an adovcate aurora patient. I have not received
    any information to get the vaccine. How do I get on the list.

  87. I am 78 years old and have not seen a Doctor in years. How do I get on aurora’s list for the Covid-19 vaccine?

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About the Author

Mike Riopell
Mike Riopell

Mike Riopell, health enews contributor, is a media relations coordinator with Advocate Health Care and Aurora Health Care. He previously worked as a reporter and editor covering politics and government for the Chicago Tribune, Daily Herald and Bloomington Pantagraph, among others. He enjoys bicycles, home repair, flannel shirts and being outside.