We are an approved vaccine provider. At this time, we are following the state’s guidelines and vaccinating eligible patients and community members as we have stock available. If you are interested in getting vaccinated, please call our clinic. To learn more about the vaccine and where to get one visit: https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/covid-19/vaccine-get.htm.
In the meantime, please use this page as a resource to learn more about the vaccine.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a third dose and a booster of the vaccine?
Right now, the terms are mainly a difference in eligibility and timing. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is recommending a third dose for moderately to severely immunocompromised people four weeks after receiving their second Moderna of Pfizer vaccine. That’s because immunocompromised people sometimes don’t build as much of a protective antibody response after the first two doses of the vaccine as people who are not immunosuppressed.
Booster shots are different in that they are recommended for everyone. The timing varies, though. For the latest information on when to get a booster, the CDC has some great information on who will be eligible and when.
NorthLakes will administer vaccine as stock and capacity allows. If you are interested in receiving a booster and are eligible, please contact the clinic and be sure to have your vaccination record card with the date of your last dose.
Does the need for a booster mean that the vaccine doesn’t work?
No. The vaccine stimulates your immune system to make antibodies, and over time, the amount of antibodies in your system can decrease. A booster dose brings those antibody levels back up and offers the best defense against COVID-19, including the Delta variant.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and CDC issued a joint press release on August 18, 2021, regarding booster shots. You can read that release here:
Can I get a different vaccine than my first round?
Yes. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, (CDC): “Eligible individuals may choose which vaccine they receive as a booster dose. Some people may have a preference for the vaccine type that they originally received, and others may prefer to get a different booster. CDC’s recommendations now allow for this type of mix and match dosing for booster shots.”
Here is the link to that page which contains information about COVID-19 booster shots:
https://www.cdc.gov/media/releases/2021/p1021-covid-booster.html
When should I get a vaccine booster shot?
Six months after you have received the second dose of the Moderna or Pfizer vaccine or the first and only dose of the Johnson & Johnson.
Should I call and schedule a time to get my booster shot?
If you are interested in getting the vaccine or need a booster, please give the clinic a call.
What if I lost my vaccine card?
This is what the CDC recommends to do if you have lost your vaccination card:
If you have lost your vaccination card or don’t have a copy, contact your vaccination provider directly to access your vaccination record.
- If you cannot contact your vaccination provider directly, contact your state health department’s immunization information system (IIS). You can find state IIS information on the CDC website. Vaccination providers are required to report COVID-19 vaccinations to their IIS and related systems.
- If you enrolled in v-safe or VaxText after your first vaccine dose, you can access your vaccination information using those tools.
- If you have made every effort to locate your vaccination information, are unable to get a copy or replacement of your vaccination card, and still need a second shot, talk to a vaccination provider.
Do I need my vaccine card to receive a booster?
No.
When will patients get the vaccine?
Now. NorthLakes will be vaccinating people using the instructions and vaccines given to us by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the State of Wisconsin. We are currently vaccinating approved medical patients weekly at our medical sites.
We hope you all will consider getting vaccinated. Again, it’s the best way to protect ourselves and those we love. We encourage you to learn more about the vaccine and watch for vaccine updates on this website.
Do NorthLakes medical providers recommend we get the vaccine?
Yes! NorthLakes medical providers are excited for the vaccine and recommend all patients who are eligible get vaccinated.
Is the vaccine safe?
Yes, the vaccine is safe. The vaccine was tested in trials with thousands of Americans and no serious safety concerns were reported. The FDA takes these approvals very seriously. In addition, the science to develop this vaccine is NOT new. Scientists have been doing research on this type of vaccine for many years with previous outbreaks caused by related viruses. This research gave us a big head start. Safety is the top priority!
The CDC has set up a specific program (V-Safe) to monitor concerns that may come after receiving the vaccine. You can register online. Someone from the CDC will call to check on you at intervals after getting the vaccine. Your personal information will not be stored or shared.
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/safety/vsafe.html
Can I get COVID from the vaccine?
No, you cannot. The vaccine gives our body practice recognizing the virus and safely developing an immune response against it. None of the vaccines are live virus vaccines.
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/different-vaccines/mRNA.html
Are there side effects from the vaccine?
About 20% of people do experience side effects, such as fever and nausea, for one to two days. This is completely normal and means that both your immune system and the vaccine are doing their job. All results from the trials show a quick recovery from symptoms and no serious side effects. If your symptoms worsen, contact your medical provider.
Is the vaccine effective?
Very much so. All of the vaccines that are currently available in the United States are very effective against preventing severe cases of COVID-19 and will go a long way towards stopping the pandemic.
How many doses do I need?
Right now, the Moderna and Pfizer vaccine require two doses separated by three to four weeks. The first and second dose must be from the same brand. It will take your body up to one month to develop the protection it needs.
The Johnson and Johnson vaccine is a single dose.
Can I choose which kind of vaccine I get at NorthLakes?
No. Right now, the government is supplying us with a weekly allotment of vaccines. The type is based on availability, not on patient preference.
How long does the immunity last?
At this point, we do not yet know how long immunity will last. This is something important that experts are currently trying to learn more about. The CDC will keep the public informed as new evidence becomes available.
Who should get vaccinated?
Visit the CDC’s website to get guidance on who should be receiving vaccination. You can get that information here.
Can I get the vaccine if I’m pregnant?
People who are pregnant should talk to their doctor or midwife about the vaccine.
Does the vaccine cause infertility?
No. For a while, there was misinformation being spread that the vaccine causes the body to make antibodies against the protein syncytin-1. Syncytin-1 is an important component of placenta in mammals. However, there is no proof that the vaccine will cause the body to attack and reject the protein. If you are trying to get pregnant, please talk to your primary care doctor about any concerns you have. Here is some additional information as well regarding infertility and the vaccine: https://www.webmd.com/vaccines/covid-19-vaccine/news/20210112/why-covid-vaccines-are-falsely-linked-to-infertility
Can I get the vaccine if I have an immune issue or disease?
People who have immune issues or diseases should talk to their doctors about getting the vaccine.
I’ve already had COVID, do I need to get the vaccine?
We recommend that all individuals who are eligible get the vaccine, even if you have already been diagnosed with COVID. There is no way to know whether or not you have enough immunity from your past exposure, and it is best to protect yourself with the vaccine.
Will the COVID-19 vaccine be free for our patients?
Yes. During the public health emergency, NLCC will be waiving any administration fees tied directly to administering the vaccine to our patients. The vaccine itself is provided to us for free as well during the public health emergency.
Will the second dose of the Moderna and Pfizer vaccine make me feel worse than the first?
The COVID-19 vaccine does not contain the virus itself, but you may experience some side effects that feel like COVID-19. This is a good sign. It means the vaccine is working and as a result, the second dose may create a stronger reaction as your body builds immunity to the virus. Clinical trials found that side effects, such as a sore arm, were common but mostly mild to moderate. However, other side effects such as fever, chills, tiredness, and headaches are more common after the second dose of the vaccine. These reactions aren’t unexpected but that doesn’t make them less scary or frustrating. If you have questions, please be sure to consult with your primary care doctor prior to getting the vaccine.
