As of May 13, 2021, all Californians age 12 and above are eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. As we rejoice this next step on the path back to a sense of normalcy, Beverly Hospital is here to provide some key reminders to be mindful of for you and others.
Do Not Fall For Scams. The Vaccine Is Free
The COVID-19 vaccine is free to all eligible parties regardless of whether or not you have health insurance. Be wary of ads online or other outlets offering access to the vaccine in exchange for any form of payment. Legitimate vaccine clinics will not ask for your Social Security Number, bank account information, or credit card numbers in order to register you for an appointment. Don’t allow scammers to take advantage of the interest in obtaining the vaccine. To learn more about COVID-related frauds and scams, please visit the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at: ftc.gov/coronavirus/scams
Complete The Vaccine Series To Fully Reap Vaccine Benefits
It is important to get both doses to maximize your protection from the virus that causes COVID-19. Receiving only one of two shots potentially weakens your resistance to COVID-19. The Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine was found to be 95% effective while the Moderna vaccine was 94% effective after the 2nd dose. If you missed your 2nd dose appointment, reach out to your clinic to reschedule. You will not need to restart the vaccine series. Remember, you are considered fully vaccinated 2 weeks after completing your respective vaccine series.
Know Which Vaccine To Get For Minors
If you are making a COIVD-19 vaccine appointment for someone between the ages of 12-17, remember only the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine has been approved for this age group. Double check with your clinic of choice on which vaccine they are offering before registering. If you or someone you know are age 18 and above, the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine is also an option. If you have any further concerns about the vaccine, please reach out to your primary care provider.
Don’t Share Your Vaccine Card On Social Media
Receiving the COVID-19 vaccine is something to celebrate. Much so that you may want to share with your loved ones on social media platforms like Facebook or Instagram. However, what you share may lead to identity theft. “Posting your vaccine card online is exposing valuable information such as your full name, date of birth, vaccine lot number, and more,”said Beverly Hospital Cyber Security Expert Faxiao Xu,” With this information alone, scammers are able to produce counterfeit vaccination cards, open new accounts under your name, guess your Social Security Number, and other forms of identity theft.” What do we suggest sharing instead? You can take a picture of yourself with your vaccine sticker or flexing your bandaged arm.
Follow Masking Guidelines As Required
Recent masking guidelines from the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) do state that fully vaccinated people may do several activities without wearing masks or physical distancing. However, you will still need to mask up where required by federal, state, local, tribal, or territorial laws, rules, and regulations, including local business and workplace guidance. There are still others around you who may be unvaccinated thus at a higher risk of contracting the virus. For the latest updates for what you can do after being fully vaccinated, visit: www.cdc.gov
Washing Your Hands Is Still Important
Hand washing is crucial with preventing the spread of illnesses and infections. Wash your hands with soap and warm water or use hand sanitizer when hand washing supplies are unavailable. Help keep yourself and those around you safe by using this simple form of protection.
These are only a few of many other pieces to take into account on this journey. Beverly Hospital encourages you to sit down and have a conversation with your family and friends about it. Together as a community, we are strong and can overcome this pandemic with flying colors.
Need The Vaccine?
Join the over 50% of Californians who have finished their vaccine series. Beverly Hospital is proud to be hosting vaccination clinics to provide the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine to eligible community members. Find more information about it at: https://beverly.org/vaccine. You can register to receive the vaccine from us or from other clinics by visiting:
If you do not have access to a computer or need additional help, please call the LA County Vaccine Appointment Line at 833-540-0473 or State of California Vaccine Appointment Line at 833-422-4255
