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

If you are a current patient, you will be notified via MyChart or a phone call when you are eligible to receive a vaccination. Patients can also call 503.848.5847 to reach the COVID Hotline and schedule a COVID-19 vaccination appointment.

All NHC patients who are MyChart users may now elect to schedule their vaccination appointment using MyChart. When you become eligible and a vaccine is available, you will receive a MyChart message notification. If you do not have a MyChart account or if you would like to become an NHC patient, please contact us at 503.941.3197. You will be asked to leave a voicemail and someone will return your call shortly to assist.

Currently, NHC is only offering Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine.

Who is eligible for the vaccine now? All Oregonians 12 and older are eligible.

We will keep this page updated as we receive doses and continue 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?

NHC will follow the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and Oregon Health Authority (OHA) guidelines for vaccine roll-out. NHC has started contacting patients to schedule vaccination appointments; however, please DO NOT call NHC. If you are a current patient, you will be notified via MyChart or a phone call when you are eligible to receive a vaccination.

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?

Just as you can get the flu 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, but all currently authorized COVID vaccines are 85% – 98% effective at preventing severe disease and hospitalizations.

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.

If I've already had COVID-19 and recovered, do I still need to get vaccinated?

Yes. CDC recommends that you get vaccinated even if you have already had COVID-19 because you can be diagnosed more than once. While you may have some short-term antibody protection after recovering from COVID-19, we don’t know how long this protection will last.

Is it safe to get a COVID-19 vaccine if I have an underlying medical condition?

Yes. COVID-19 vaccination is especially important for people with underlying health problems like heart disease, lung disease, diabetes, and obesity. People with these conditions are more likely to get very sick from COVID-19.

Can I choose which vaccine I get?

Unfortunately, we don’t have the luxury to choose right now. People are encouraged to receive the earliest vaccine available to them.

Are all currently authorized COVID-19 vaccines effective?

All COVID-19 vaccines currently available in the United States have been shown to be highly effective at preventing severe illness from COVID-19. Scientists recommend you take the vaccine that you are offered. All three vaccines are safe and effective.