COVID-19 Frequently Asked Questions

Looking to get the facts about the COVID-19 vaccines? Here’s what you need to know about the different vaccines and the benefits of getting vaccinated.

Is Bakersfield Heart Hospital (BHH) offering COVID-19 vaccine appointments for the primary vaccine series (first and second dose) or booster shots?
No. BHH is not offering COVID-19 vaccines or booster shots for our community at this time. Individuals who would like to receive a vaccine (primary vaccine series or booster) should visit here.
Why should I get the COVID-19 vaccine?
Because there is currently no cure for COVID-19, prevention is our best strategy. The development of COVID-19 vaccines is an important step in helping minimize the effects of this potentially deadly virus. Vaccines work by training your immune system to recognize and fight off the viruses and bacteria they target. By triggering an immune system response to a virus through a vaccine, your body is better equipped to destroy these disease-causing microbes in the future should you be exposed to COVID-19.
If I have recovered from COVID-19, should I get the COVID-19 vaccine?

Yes. You should get the COVID-19 vaccine if you’ve had the virus. We do not currently have enough information to determine if, or for how long, someone is protected after infection (through natural immunity) from getting COVID-19 again. The vaccine is much more effective at preventing COVID-19 infection.

Please note that if you’ve had COVID-19 monoclonal antibody therapy or COVID-19 convalescent plasma, you should not receive the COVID-19 vaccine until at least 90 days following treatment.

If I am pregnant, breastfeeding or considering becoming pregnant, can I take the COVID-19 vaccine?
COVID-19 vaccination is recommended for all people aged 12 years and older, including people who are pregnant, breastfeeding, trying to get pregnant now, or might become pregnant in the future. Pregnant and recently pregnant people are more likely to get severely ill with COVID-19 compared with non-pregnant people. Getting a COVID-19 vaccine can protect you from severe illness from COVID-19. Read more on the CDC’s guidance on the COVID-19 vaccine while pregnant or breastfeeding here.
If I am sick, how can I get monoclonal antibody therapy at BHH?

Patients need to be evaluated by a medical provider to determine if they are a candidate for monoclonal antibody therapy. If the provider recommends the treatment, they can instruct you on where to receive the therapy.

Will I need to get a booster shot if I’ve already had the full course of the COVID-19 vaccine?
CDC now recommends that people whose immune systems are compromised moderately to severely should receive an additional dose of mRNA COVID-19 vaccine after the initial 2 doses.
How many doses of the COVID-19 vaccine are required?

The Pfizer vaccine requires two doses, administered 21 days apart.

The Moderna vaccine requires two doses, administered 28 days apart.

The Johnson & Johnson/Janssen vaccine is one dose.

After my first vaccine, can I get a second vaccine from a different manufacturer?

No. You should complete the series of vaccines with the same product.

What’s the difference between the Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna and Johnson and Jonson’s Jansson COVID-19 vaccines?
All currently authorized and recommended COVID-19 vaccines:

  • are safe,
  • are effective, and
  • reduce your risk of severe illness

To see the specific differences between the vaccines, go here.

If I wear a mask and social distance, do I still need the COVID-19 vaccine?
Yes. Although mask wearing and social distancing are important to limit exposure to COVID-19, the vaccine will help protect you from serious illness if you become infected. The combination of getting vaccinated and following guidelines, such as mask wearing and social distancing, offer the best protection for you and can help prevent spread to others.
Will I need to continue wearing a mask and practicing social distancing after getting the vaccine?

Yes. No vaccine is 100 percent effective, and the CDC recommends that everyone continues using all the tools available to us to help stop this pandemic, such as covering your mouth and nose with a mask, washing hands often, staying at least six feet away from others, following CDC travel guidance, following quarantine guidance after an exposure to someone with COVID-19, and following any applicable workplace or school guidance. Together, COVID-19 vaccination and following CDC’s recommendations on how to protect yourself and others, offers the best protection from getting and spreading COVID-19.

Can I get the COVID-19 vaccine if I’m not feeling well?
The COVID-19 vaccine does not take the place of any other vaccination. In our current environment, it is extremely important to do as much as possible to stay healthy, including getting the flu vaccine and any others recommended by your healthcare provider to prevent the spread of illness.
How long will my COVID-19 immunity last after vaccination?
It is unknown at this time how long immunity will last; ongoing studies will help determine if repeat vaccination is needed, and if it is, how often we may need a booster. Therefore, after vaccination you will still need to wear a mask and social distance until further notice. Factors such as how many people get vaccinated and how the virus is spreading in communities will help determine when we may be able to stop taking these extra precautions.
Does the COVID-19 vaccine cause any side effects?
Side effects are a normal sign that your body is building protection. Some people may experience more symptoms with the COVID-19 vaccine compared to other vaccinations, such as the flu shot. The second or booster dose can produce symptoms more severe than experienced with the first dose. The most common side effect is muscle soreness or aching in the arm, which will resolve without treatment. Other common side effects after vaccination may include:

  • Swelling or redness where the vaccine was administered
  • Muscle and joint achiness elsewhere
  • Low-grade fever
  • Chills
  • Fatigue
  • Headache

These side effects are expected and not serious. They will resolve with time. If you are experiencing symptoms more serious than those described, or fever continues for more than two days, contact your doctor or seek care at the nearest emergency department. Make sure you notify the vaccine administrator of these symptoms prior to your second vaccine shot.

Can the vaccine cause COVID-19?
No. None of the COVID-19 vaccines currently in development in the U.S. use the live virus that causes COVID-19. After receiving the vaccine, you may experience symptoms such as arm pain, low-grade fever, chills or fatigue. This is normal and symptoms will resolve without treatment.

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