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Getting your COVID-19 vaccine

NHC will follow the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and Oregon Health Authority (OHA) guidelines for vaccine roll-out. See eligibility guidelines here: OHA COVID Vaccine Phases

Please DO NOT call your NHC provider to schedule a vaccine. We will contact you when you are eligible for your vaccine.  It will take time to vaccinate all eligible persons.

If you are a current patient, you will be notified via MyChart or a phone call when you are eligible to receive a vaccination.

Who is eligible for the vaccine now?

Everyone in Phase 1a, Groups 1, 2, 3 and 4; and Phase 1b, Groups 1, 2, 3, 4, 5

Beginning March 29, the following groups will be eligible for vaccination:

  • Adults age 45 to 64 with underlying health conditions as defined by the CDC
  • Seasonally-impacted frontline workers, such as migrant seasonal farm workers, seafood and agricultural workers, and food processing workers
  • Currently displaced victims of the September 2020 wildfires
  • Wildland firefighters
  • People living in low-income and congregate senior housing
  • Individuals experiencing houselessness

No later than May 1, the following groups will be eligible:

  • All other frontline workers as defined by the CDC
  • Individuals age 16-45 with underlying health conditions
  • Multigenerational household members

No later than June 1, Phase 2 of vaccination will begin with all adults aged 45 to 64. And, no later than July 1, all Oregonians 16 and over will be eligible to receive a vaccine.

We will keep this page updated as we receive doses and begin vaccinating NHC patients. You can also follow our Facebook and Twitter accounts for news and updates.

To learn more about Oregon’s vaccine availability and roll-out, visit the Oregon Health Authority’s web page.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is able to get COVID-19 vaccine first?

NHC patients that are in the 1A category will be eligible to get the vaccine at NHC once it becomes available.

Patients that are in Phase 1B Groups 1 and 2 (educators, childcare providers and patients ages 80+) will not be eligible to receive the vaccine until after January 25.

When will NHC start vaccinating patients?
The first group of patients that will be scheduled for the COVID-19 vaccine Phase 1A and Phase 1B Groups 1 and 2. This includes patients who are ages 80 +, educators, health care workers, caregivers, etc.

OHA has communicated that those vaccines will be available after January 25. Once NHC has received vaccines from OHA, we will communicate this to our patients, on the website and via social media.

How much will the vaccine cost?

There is no charge to patients for the COVID-19 vaccine. Patient insurance information may be collected at your visit.

I am high risk. Should I get the vaccine?

Yes. Adults of any age with certain underlying medical conditions are at increased risk for severe illness from the virus that causes COVID-19. We recommend that everyone, who is eligible, is vaccinated as soon as it becomes available.

Are there any known side effects?

Most reported side effects are sore arm, fatigue, and lightheadedness.

It has been reported that individuals over the age of 65 have less side effects.

Please note: If you have allergies and own an EpiPen, NHC recommends bringing your EpiPen with you to your vaccination appointment.

Is there a wait list or a way to sign up?

NHC is working with OHA and Washington and Clackamas Counties to obtain vaccines. We will follow OHA guidelines on the roll out of the vaccine.

If you are a current NHC patient, you will be notified via MyChart when you are eligible to receive a vaccination. If you do not have a MyChart account or would like to become an NHC patient, please contact 503-941-3197.

Can infants or young children get the vaccine?

Not at this time. The vaccine is currently authorized for people ages 18 and older.

Do you have to get the vaccine to travel?

You will need to contact your travel provider, airline, or destination for this answer. Click here for more safety information on traveling.

Can my employer require a COVID-19 vaccine?

According to the Oregon Bureau of Labor and Industries, employers may require workers to get the COVID-19 vaccine — with some exceptions. Ask your employer what their requirements are. Learn more.

Can you still get COVID-19 after getting the vaccine?

The COVID-19 vaccine is reported to be 95-98% effective. So just as you can get the flu even after you’ve received a flu shot, there is also a chance you can get COVID-19 after you’ve received both doses of the vaccine.

I am an educator. How do I schedule a COVID-19 vaccine with NHC?

Educators can expect to hear from their school administration about when and where to get their vaccine.

NHC will follow OHA COVID-19 vaccine guidelines. Visit the OHA COVID-19 vaccine website for the most up to date information: https://covidvaccine.oregon.gov/

I'm pregnant. Can I get the vaccine?

Pregnant people are at increased risk for severe illness or adverse pregnancy outcomes from COVID-19. If you are pregnant and eligible to receive a COVID-19 vaccine, you may choose to be vaccinated.

If you have questions about vaccinations and pregnancy, please contact your primary care provider. You can also learn more by visiting the CDC’s website.

How does the COVID-19 vaccine impact my DNA?

The vaccine does not affect or alter your DNA in any way.

Messenger RNA vaccines (mNRA vaccines) are a new type of vaccine that teach your cells how to make a piece of protein. The mNRA shot does not get into the nucleus of the cell, where your DNA is kept.

Learn more about how mRNA vaccines work.

Can I get COVID-19 from the vaccine?

No. According to the CDC, mRNA vaccines do not use the live virus that causes COVID-19, so they cannot give you COVID-19. Learn more.

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