COVID-19 Vaccine Resources

As you’ve likely seen from recent news reports, COVID-19 vaccines are in various stages of approval and development around the world. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued Emergency Use Authorizations (EUAs) for two COVID-19 vaccines, Pfizer and Moderna, which are being distributed throughout the country. Since initial supplies are limited, health systems like ours have carefully developed plans for allocation, storage and distribution in accordance with guidelines from the FDA, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the California Department of Public Health.

Vaccine distribution is taking place in phases according to expert recommendations. The timeline for distribution depends on vaccine supply and the guidance of public health officials but we expect to start vaccinating patients by mid-January.

Initially, we will offer COVID-19 vaccines for the following two groups:

• Sutter patients age 75 and older
• Sutter patients who work in the healthcare field, as defined by the CDC.

This is in accordance with the latest distribution guidelines from state and federal public health officials. We will continue to communicate with patients through My Health Online, email and provide updates on our website.

We don't keep a waiting list for vaccines. We'll distribute vaccines according to the guidance from the CDC, CDPH and public health authorities based on available supply.

Scientists anticipate that most recipients will experience side effects — but generally expect those side effects to be mild to moderate flu-like side effects — including fatigue, muscle aches and fever – and should usually resolve in 1-2 days. These side effects are thought to be due to your immune system responding to the vaccine.

Both vaccines currently available require two doses - an initial vaccination, and then a second shot either three or four weeks later, depending on type. Current data from vaccine candidates shows that while the first dose stimulates an immune response, the second dose stimulates an even greater one, offering the recipient far more protection from COVID-19.

Yes, masking and physical distancing will continue to be critical tools in preventing transmission until a large percentage of the population is vaccinated and we have more information about long-term protection.

Vaccines are designed to stimulate the human body’s own protective immune responses so that if a person is infected, their immune system can recognize the infection and react to it. While vaccines are developed in different ways using different methods, it’s important to remember that they cannot give you COVID-19.