Second COVID-19 Vaccination in Buncombe County

Buncombe County -- Buncombe County Government News: Congratulations on receiving your first dose of the COVID-19

vaccine, and thank you for taking steps to protect yourself and your community. Remember, the level of protection increases dramatically after receiving the second shot of the vaccine. Second shots also provide longer-lasting immunity compared to a single dose.

Individuals who received their vaccine dose before Jan. 20:

Those who got their first vaccine dose before Jan. 20 will be contacted individually by a Ready Team member with details on how to receive their second vaccination, including date, time and location.

If the Ready Team is unable to speak directly to an individual who received their first vaccine prior to Jan. 20, the person will be notified via text, phone call and email. Alternatively, the person can reference their vaccination card for the date of their next immunization.

Individuals who received their first vaccine dose on or after Jan. 20:

Those who got their first vaccine on or after Jan. 20 will receive a card with the date of their second dose at the time of their first vaccination. Please bring your vaccination card and insurance card to the site to be fast tracked through the clinic.

If you received your first vaccine at a Buncombe County vaccination clinic, you can get your second vaccination at our vaccination clinic.

The state allocates second doses based on administration of first doses. To ensure equitable distribution of vaccines, we strongly encourage people to get both their first and second dose at the same location. This helps make sure that everyone who got their first vaccine in Buncombe County can also get their second dose here. It also helps our neighboring counties ensure they have the proper doses on hand, too.

Please bring your vaccination record card with you to your second immunization appointment to be fast tracked through the registration process. You will also need to fill out a consent form and provide your insurance card (if you have one, not mandatory) at the second vaccination site. The process is very similar to the experience of receiving the first vaccination; however, you will be in the car the entire time and will receive your shot while sitting in the car. Please wear clothes that allow access to your upper arm. Dresses, bulky clothes, and jackets can make it hard to access your arm. There will be an FM radio station that you can tune into once you arrive that will walk you through vaccination site details. Please wear a face covering while you are at the vaccination site, especially if you carpool with others who live outside of your household.

All vaccination sites are ADA accessible and there are Spanish medical interpreters on-site. If you need to schedule transportation to either vaccination site, please call 828-250-6750 and select Option 5 as soon as possible to allow for processing your request. A Mountain Mobility Eligibility Specialist will be able to assist you in registering for service and scheduling your trip.

How much does the vaccine cost?

There is no cost for the vaccine. When we call to schedule your appointment, our staff will never ask you for payment or personal information like social security numbers. Our staff will call from 828-419-0095 to schedule your appointment when your slot on the wait list comes up.

What are common side effects or immune responses after receiving COVID-19 vaccines?

Short-Term: The majority of short-term effects reported in clinical trials were mild to moderate and occurred within the first few days of receiving a COVID-19 vaccine. Examples of common mild to moderate immune responses include pain at the injection site, headache, fatigue, fever, or chills. This does not mean you are developing COVID-19 – there is no COVID-19 in the vaccine.

The second dose remains essential for maximum protection, and it is worth noting that clinical trials showed stronger immune responses after the second dose.

Long-Term: Historically, long-term side effects from vaccines have been rare and most side effects have been seen within the first 60 days of receiving vaccines.

Before vaccination, COVID-19 vaccine recipients will be counseled about expected local (e.g., pain, swelling, erythema at the injection site) and systemic (e.g., fever, fatigue, headache, chills, myalgia, arthralgia) post-vaccination symptoms.

If I develop COVID-19 symptoms after getting the vaccine, should I quarantine?

Yes. It typically takes a few weeks for the body to build immunity after the second dose of the vaccine. It is possible for a person to be infected with the virus that causes COVID-19 just before or after vaccination and get sick, as the vaccine has not had enough time to provide protection for disease.

Individuals who have COVID-19 virus symptoms after getting the vaccine or at any time should contact a health care provider and consider getting tested for COVID-19.

Do I need to quarantine if I am exposed between doses?

If exposure occurs between doses, follow quarantine guidance as advised by the local health department. Quarantine is used to keep someone who might have been exposed to COVID-19 away from others. Quarantine helps prevent spread of disease that can occur before a person knows they are sick or if they are infected with the virus without feeling symptoms.

How long will immunity last after I get vaccinated? Will I need to be vaccinated every year?

The length of immunity following COVID-19 vaccination is not yet known.

Do I still need to wear a mask and take other COVID-19 precautions after I get the vaccine?

Yes. Wearing a mask, washing hands, and staying at least 6 feet away from others will remain important after receiving the vaccine. Since there will be limited doses available initially, and people will be vaccinated in phases, it will take time to vaccinate enough of the population to stop the spread of COVID-19.

Additionally, as the length of immunity is unknown, infection after a receiving a vaccine may still be possible. It is likely that infection after receiving the COVID-19 vaccine would be less severe, with mild or asymptomatic conditions.

Other factors for continuing precautions include how many people get vaccinated and how the virus is spreading in North Carolina communities.

How many people need to get the vaccine for community immunity (herd immunity)?

Vaccination is the safest path to community, or herd, immunity. When enough people have protection from COVID-19, either from previous infection or vaccination, it becomes unlikely that an infection can spread in the population and cause disease. As a result, everyone within the community is protected, even if some people have not received the vaccination. The number, or percentage of population, that need to be immune in order to reach community immunity varies by disease. For COVID-19, the number is not yet known but is thought to begin at around 60-70%. Other measures, such as social distancing and mask use, should still be followed to limit the spread of COVID-19.

I have/had COVID. When can I get the vaccination?

If you qualify under the current phase(s), you can get vaccinated 30 days after you test positive for COVID. If it has not been 30 days or you are in quarantine, you will have to wait to get vaccinated.