Sept. 23, 2024

Find an Appointment

You have a few options for setting up a vaccination appointment, depending on your insurance status, whether you currently have a provider, and what is most convenient for you.

Contact Your Provider

Contact your provider to see if they are offering COVID-19 vaccines.

If You Do Not Have Insurance

If you do not have insurance or cannot afford the out-of-pocket costs to get a COVID-19 vaccine, you can find no-cost vaccines using the following resources:

1. Visit Washington State Department of Health Adult Vaccine Program Provider Map to find a vaccine provider. Please note, this map is updated twice annually and may not represent all AVP providers in the area. If you need assistance locating an AVP program provider, please send a message to the Immunization Assessment and Promotion program at Spokane Regional Health District or call 509.324.1611.
2. Look at Care-A-Van Mobile Vaccine Clinic Locations.
3. Call Help Me Grow WA at 1.800.322.2588 to get help with signing up for insurance.

Pharmacies

If you would rather visit a pharmacy instead of a clinic to receive your vaccine, visit vaccines.gov to find pharmacies offering COVID-19 vaccines. You will need to visit the pharmacy’s website to find out which vaccines are available and to schedule. Speak with your insurance company about coverage.

Cost

What you pay for your vaccine will depend on your insurance status.

If You Have Insurance

If you have insurance, contact your provider and your insurance company to see what is covered by your insurance plan before your appointment. Most insurers will cover the cost of the administration fee for COVID-19 vaccines, this is true for private insurance, Medicaid and Medicare.

If You Do Not Have Insurance

If you do not have insurance or cannot afford the out-of-pocket costs to get a COVID-19 vaccine, you can find a provider who offers no-cost vaccines by visiting the Washington State Department of Health Adult Vaccine Program (AVP) Provider Map. Please note, this map is updated twice annually and may not represent all AVP providers in the area. If you need assistance locating an AVP program provider, please send a message to the Immunization Assessment and Promotion program at Spokane Regional Health District or call 509.324.1611.

Timing With Other Vaccinations

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) has updated guidance on timing with other vaccines. COVID-19 vaccines can be given without regard to timing of administration of other vaccines. For example, you can get the influenza vaccine (your flu shot) at the same time as a COVID-19 vaccine. Sign Up to Access Records Online

Learn how to find your digital vaccination records or maintain proof of vaccination here.

After Your Vaccination

Side effects after COVID-19 vaccination depend on the person. Some people may experience side effects that interfere with their daily activities, others may experience none.

Common Side Effects

• Pain, swelling, and redness on the arm where the shot was given
• Tiredness, headache, muscle pain
• Chills
• Nausea
• Fever

How to Treat Common Side Effects

The CDC does not recommend taking pain relivers or medicines like ibuprofen, aspirin (only for those age 18 years or older), or acetaminophen before vaccination to prevent side effects. If you are experiencing discomfort after vaccination

• Ask your doctor about taking over-the-counter pain relievers
• Rest, if possible
• If needed, reduce pain or swelling near the injection, by applying a clean, cool wet washcloth over the area and keep your arm moving
• Drink plenty of fluids and dress in comfortable clothes if you have a fever

Talk to your child’s pediatrician about giving your child non-aspirin pain reliever after vaccination.

Learn more

• COVID-19 Vaccine FAQ
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Getting Your COVID-19 Vaccine
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Make Shots Less Stressful for Your Child

Vaccination for Your Child

There are a few things to keep in mind when preparing to take your child for their COVID-19 vaccine appointment.

Before Vaccination

Your child may experience side effects after the vaccine that are similar to what adults experience. Make sure to talk with them about it beforehand so they know what to expect. See these tips for supporting your child before, during and after shots:

• It is not recommended that you give your child pain relievers prior to vaccination as a way to prevent side effects.
• Tell the person administering the vaccine about any allergies your child has.
• Children should be seated or lying down during vaccination.
• Your child’s provider may recommend staying for 15-30 minutes after vaccination to prevent fainting or related injuries and to observe your child in case they have an allergic reaction
• Make sure you receive a copy of your child’s vaccination card before leaving the appointment.

Consent

Make sure to check with the clinic first regarding vaccination policies for children under 15 years of age, including what is required in terms of documentation of a parent or legal guardian’s consent. See “Can kids and teens get the vaccine?” in this FAQ.

The Vaccine is Safe for Children

The FDA has determined that the COVID-19 vaccines available to children in the United States meet the safety and efficacy standards for emergency use authorization (EUA) for these age groups, finding that the benefits of the vaccines outweigh the known and potential risks, and serious health events after COVID-19 vaccination have been rare. The FDA and CDC continue to monitor the vaccines’ safety.

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Safety of COVID-19 Vaccines
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention About the CDC’s Vaccine Safety Monitoring Program
• Washington State Department of Health Pediatric COVID-19 Vaccines: What Parents/Guardians Should Know

Does Your Child Have Questions About Getting Vaccinated?

Just like adults, children have questions about getting their COVID-19 vaccine too. Watch this kid-safe video series with your child for answers to some of those questions. In it, Health Officer Dr. Francisco Velázquez answers kids’ questions about the vaccine and getting their shot.

Sources

"Stay Up to Date with COVID-19 Vaccines,” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, last modified July 3, 2024, https://www.cdc.gov/covid/vaccines/stay-up-to-date.html