Dear SMA Patients,

 You may be aware a new “bi-valent” (meaning it offers protection against prior strains of COVID-19, and newer variants) COVID-19 booster has been authorized for use and recommended by the CDC.

We are recommending that each of our patients obtain this booster for optimal benefit against COVID-19 this fall and winter. (Seattle Medical Associates is NOT providing covid vaccines at this time).

 

Frequently Asked Questions:

  1. If I just received the “old booster,” do I need to wait? No.

  2. Do I need to wait to get the flu shot? No.

  3. Do I need to wait to receive other vaccinations (Tetanus-Diptheria-Pertussis, pneumonia and shingles’ vaccines): Yes, so plan accordingly.

  4. If I received Pfizer or Moderna before, do I need to obtain that “brand?” The vaccines are interchangeable. Do not delay to find the same manufacturer.

  5. What are the side effects? Likely similar to the primary series for most people: mild, including fatigue, headache, low-grade fevers and body aches (lasting a few days, and readily treated with rest, fluids and Tylenol.

  6. Where do I get it? Many local pharmacies are now taking appointments and you may get scheduled on-line.

    1. Walgreens’: https://www.walgreens.com/findcare/schedule-vaccine?ban=RI22_covidvaccine_landing_hero_scheduler&vaccineType=covid

    2. Rite-Aid: https://www.riteaid.com/pharmacy/scheduler?gclid=Cj0KCQjw08aYBhDlARIsAA_gb0fuRvFjD-dFk1AmT9cwITPhsIA8b29I9E9jIUuiHTiFr0ahs6o8sgoaAnUEEALw_wcB&ef_id=Cj0KCQjw08aYBhDlARIsAA_gb0fuRvFjD-dFk1AmT9cwITPhsIA8b29I9E9jIUuiHTiFr0ahs6o8sgoaAnUEEALw_wcB:G:s&s_kwcid=AL!9320!3!590789501186!e!!g!!rite%20aid%20pharmacy%20covid%20vaccine

    3. CVS: https://www.cvs.com/immunizations/covid-19-vaccine

    4. Bartell Drugs: https://www.bartelldrugs.com/pharmacy/scheduler

    5. Katterman’s: https://kattermans.com/immunizations/

 

Additional resources:

https://vaccinelocator.doh.wa.gov/

https://kingcounty.gov/depts/health/covid-19/vaccine.aspx

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/stay-up-to-date.html?s_cid=11754:cdc%20additional%20booster:sem.ga:p:RG:GM:gen:PTN:FY22