COVID-19 Vaccine

COVID 19 Vaccine

Latest Update on COVID-19 Vaccine: March 3, 2021

Following expanded eligibility criteria, we are now offering scheduling for new first dose appointments in limited quantities at select locations on a first come, first serve basis. Visit MyOchsner to schedule.

Effective Monday, February 22, the Louisiana COVID-19 vaccine eligibility criteria now includes people ages 55-64 with one of the CDC-listed medical conditions, daycare and K-12 teachers and support staff, and all pregnant women. Those who are eligible will be required to attest that they meet criteria and provide proof if asked. In addition, during registration, signature will be required on the state form for criteria confirmation. A full list of the criteria can be found at covidvaccine.la.gov.

We continue to reschedule appointments that were previously cancelled via text, MyOchsner or email as additional vaccine becomes available, and second doses are guaranteed.

We are now offering scheduling for new first dose appointments in limited quantities at select locations on a first come, first serve basis. MyOchsner users can check availability and schedule their vaccinations via MyOchsner. If you don’t have a MyOchsner account, you can sign up at my.Ochsner.org or call 1-844-888-2772 for available locations and times. Once available vaccine slots are filled, you will no longer be able to see the option to book.

Appointments must remain on the schedule and cannot be moved to a different day, time or location. As eager as we are to vaccinate as many patients as possible, we are unable to accept walk-ins at this time and you must have a scheduled appointment to receive a vaccine.

We encourage community members to visit this webpage for updates on scheduling availability or sign up for our vaccine update emails at ochsner.org/covidvaccine.

We appreciate your willingness to be part of the solution as we work together to end this pandemic. Please continue to wear a mask, practice social distancing, maintain good hand hygiene and avoid gathering with individuals outside of your household.

Answers to your Frequently Asked Questions about the COVID-19 Vaccine

Vaccine Scheduling

  • How can I schedule? plus_icon minus_icon

    • We are now offering scheduling for new first dose appointments this week limited quantities at select locations on a first come, first served basis for those who meet the eligibility criteria.
    • MyOchsner users can schedule their vaccinations via MyOchsner or by calling 1-844-888-2772.
    • If you have never been to an Ochsner location before and do not have a MyOchsner account, we encourage you to enroll at Ochsner.org/myochsner. This is a secure portal that allows patients to view test results, message their providers and schedule appointments at the click of a button.
    • Once available vaccine slots are filled on MyOchsner, you will no longer be able to see the option to book.
    • Those who are eligible will be required to attest that they meet the criteria and may be asked to provide proof. In addition, during registration, signature will be required on the state form for criteria confirmation. A full list of the criteria can be found at covidvaccine.la.gov.
    • More times and dates will become available as we receive more vaccine. We encourage you to continue to check MyOchsner as more appointments become available and appreciate your patience during this process.
    • As eager as we are to vaccinate as many patients as possible, we are unable to accept walk-ins at this time.
    • We appreciate your willingness to be part of the solution to end this pandemic.

  • Who can get the vaccine? plus_icon minus_icon

    • Effective Monday, February 22, the Louisiana COVID-19 vaccine eligibility criteria now includes people ages 55-64 with one of the CDC-listed medical conditions, daycare and K-12 teachers and support staff and all pregnant women.
    • We encourage you to visit the Louisiana Department of Health website at covidvaccine.la.gov for available vaccine locations across the state and a full list of eligible criteria.
    • We are now offering scheduling for new first dose appointments this week in limited quantities, on a first come, first served basis at select locations.
    • Those who are eligible will be required to attest that they meet criteria and provide proof if asked. In addition, during registration, signature will be required on the state form for criteria confirmation.

  • What if I don’t have an appointment, can I still get the vaccine? plus_icon minus_icon

    • Due to the complex storage and limited time constraints with the COVID-19 vaccine, we want to ensure we are efficiently utilizing doses avoiding any waste.
    • Because of this constraint, those who meet the eligible criteria must have a scheduled appointment at the designated location to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. A full list of the criteria can be found at covidvaccine.la.gov.
    • As eager as we are to vaccinate as many patients as possible, we are unable to accept walk-ins at this time.

  • I am 55, but do not have one of the underlying medical conditions listed on the state website. Can I get vaccinated? plus_icon minus_icon

    • We are committed to upholding the state’s tiered structure and are hopeful that the vaccine will be available to more members of the public soon.
    • We encourage community members and patients to sign up for our vaccine update emails at Ochsner.org/covidvaccine, visit Ochsner.org/vaccine or covidvaccine.la.gov for the latest information and resources.
    • We look forward, under the guidance of the CDC, state and LDH, to the day when we can offer the COVID-19 vaccine to all members of our community.

  • I don’t fall into expanded criteria. When will I get my vaccine? plus_icon minus_icon

    • We are committed to upholding the state’s tiered structure and are hopeful that the vaccine will be available to more members of the public soon.
    • We encourage community members and patients to sign up for our vaccine update emails at Ochsner.org/covidvaccine, visit Ochsner.org/vaccine or covidvaccine.la.gov for the latest information and resources.
    • Please visit the Louisiana Department of Health website at covidvaccine.la.gov for a full list of eligible criteria.
    • We look forward, under the guidance of the CDC, state and LDH, to the day when we can offer the COVID-19 vaccine to all members of our community.

  • I’m an Ochsner patient and live in a different state. Can I still receive the vaccine since I met the criteria? plus_icon minus_icon

    • Thank you for your inquiry regarding the COVID-19 vaccine
    • We are now offering scheduling for new first dose appointments this week in limited quantities at select locations on a first come, first served basis those who meet the Louisiana Department of Health eligibility criteria which can be found at covidvaccine.la.gov
    • We also encourage you to check your state’s department of health website for vaccine availability and locations.

  • I saw that the Louisiana has changed its eligibility to adults ages 55 and older. Why can’t I schedule an appointment with Ochsner? plus_icon minus_icon

    • Effective Monday, February 22, people ages 55-64 with one of the CDC-listed medical conditions are eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine.
    • The qualifying underlying medical conditions are:
      • Cancer
      • Chronic kidney disease
      • COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease)
      • Down syndrome
      • Heart conditions including but not limited to heart failure, coronary artery disease or cardiomyopathies
      • Immunocompromised state (weakened immune system) from solid organ transplant
      • Obesity (body mass index [BMI] of 30kg/m2 or higher but less than 40kg/m2)
      • Severe obesity (BMI greater than 40kg/m2)
      • Sickle cell disease
      • Smoking
      • Type 2 diabetes mellitus
      • We are now offering scheduling for new first dose appointments this week in limited quantities at select locations on a first come, first served basis for those who meet the eligibility criteria.
    • We are now offering scheduling for new first dose appointments this week in limited quantities at select locations on a first come, first served basis for those who meet the eligibility criteria.
    • MyOchsner users can schedule their vaccinations via MyOchsner or by calling 1-844-888-2772.
    • Once available vaccine slots are filled on MyOchsner, you will no longer be able to see the option to book.
    • Those who are eligible will be required to attest that they meet the criteria and may be asked to provide proof. In addition, during registration, signature will be required on the state form for criteria confirmation.
    • We encourage you to visit the Louisiana Department of Health website at covidvaccine.la.gov for eligibility criteria and available vaccine locations across the state.
    • More times and dates will become available as we receive more vaccine. We also encourage you to continue to check MyOchsner as more appointments become available and appreciate your patience during this process.

  • I am 55 and meet the new criteria, but not an Ochsner patient. Can I get vaccinated? plus_icon minus_icon

    • We are now offering scheduling for new first dose appointments this week in limited quantities at select locations on a first come, first served basis for those who meet the eligibility criteria.
    • MyOchsner users can schedule their vaccinations via MyOchsner or by calling 1-844-888-2772.
    • You can also create a MyOchsner account which is a great option to receive notification and schedule an appointment when we have appointments available.
    • Once available vaccine slots are filled on MyOchsner, you will no longer be able to see the option to book.
    • Those who are eligible will be required to attest that they meet the criteria and may be asked to provide proof.
    • We encourage you to visit the Louisiana Department of Health website at covidvaccine.la.gov for eligibility criteria and available vaccine locations across the state.
    • More times and dates will become available as we receive more vaccine doses. We also encourage you to continue to check MyOchsner as more appointments become available and appreciate your patience during this process.

  • I received my first dose and heard vaccine supply is extremely limited. Will I still be able to receive my second dose? plus_icon minus_icon

    • Patients who have received their first dose are GUARANTEED their second dose regardless of date and should keep their vaccine appointments.
    • This appointment must remain on the schedule as previously scheduled and cannot be moved to a different day, time or location.

Vaccine Emergency Use Authorization and Distribution Questions

  • How are vaccines approved? What is the process? plus_icon minus_icon

    • Vaccines are approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) after rigorous and extensive development in laboratories, as well as pre-clinical animal studies and testing on human volunteers, to ensure they are safe and effective.
    • Monitoring of the vaccine and how it’s produced, including regular facility inspections, must continue for as long as the manufacturer holds a license for the vaccine.
    • Additionally, the drug sponsor follows a multi-layered approval process, which includes an investigational new drug application, clinical trials and presentation of data to a special FDA advisory committee.

  • What is an Emergency Use Authorization (EUA)? plus_icon minus_icon

    • During a public health emergency, an EUA authorizes the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to make a product available to diagnose, treat or prevent serious or life-threatening diseases.
    • The FDA and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services have assured the public that no safety or efficacy evaluation steps would be skipped in approving the vaccine.

  • How long does emergency use last? plus_icon minus_icon

    • An emergency authorization functions like a temporary approval for the duration of the emergency or until the FDA grants approval. To win full FDA approval for a New Drug Application, the pharmaceutical sponsor will have to submit additional research to fully define the drug's safety and benefit for patients.

  • How many vaccines will Ochsner get? plus_icon minus_icon

    • The state of Louisiana is in charge of allocating the vaccines, so we do not know how many we will receive at this time. We are in close contact with the state, and we are operationally prepared to support as many doses as we receive.

  • Should I take a COVID test before or do I need to be COVID-free before receiving the vaccine? plus_icon minus_icon

    • You do not need to take a COVID-19 test prior to receiving the vaccine. If you are COVID-19 positive, then it is recommended that you follow the CDC guidelines and isolate for 10 days to limit exposure to others. Once you are out of isolation, you are able to receive the vaccine.

  • How much will the vaccine cost? plus_icon minus_icon

    • There will be no direct cost to employees or patients at this time.

Vaccine Safety, Effectiveness and Side Effects Questions

  • What is the difference between each vaccine? plus_icon minus_icon

    • The Pfizer, Moderna and AstraZeneca/University of Oxford vaccines are two shots – one shot followed by a booster either 21 or 28 days depending on the vaccine. Each uses mRNA, or messenger RNA, which gives cells instructions to create a protein like the SAR-CoV2 protein. Once the protein is created, it triggers the immune response leading to the production of antibodies.
    • The Janssen vaccine uses one shot. It utilizes the adenoviruses which are the same viruses that can cause the common cold. These inactivated/non-infective adenoviruses can be used to deliver DNA, which are instructions for proteins. For the COVID-19 vaccine, researchers swap in a gene from SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) so that the modified cold virus makes the SARS-CoV2 protein, stimulating production of antibodies and additional immune responses to fight off the virus. The process creates an immune memory, which ultimately teaches the body to both recognize and attack the virus.

  • Is the vaccine safe? plus_icon minus_icon

    • Current data from COVID-19 vaccine trials that have been released supports the safety and efficacy of the vaccines. There have been no significant safety concerns for either the Pfizer vaccine or Moderna vaccine which are the two vaccines we anticipate will get EUA by end of the year. Over 37,000 people have received the COVID-19 vaccine during the Pfizer and Moderna vaccine trials with no significant side effects. The benefits of vaccination greatly outweigh the risks of not being immunized.

  • What does vaccine efficacy mean? plus_icon minus_icon

    • Most commonly used in clinical trials, vaccine efficacy is a percentage measured by calculating the risk of disease among vaccinated and unvaccinated persons.
    • For example, vaccine efficacy of 90% means a 90% reduction from the number of cases you would expect if they have not been vaccinated.
    • Vaccine effectiveness is different and shows the ability of vaccine to prevent outcomes of interest in the “real world.”

  • If I participated in a vaccine trial, can I still get the vaccine? plus_icon minus_icon

    • Each trial sponsor needs to review to see if any such potential process and amendment to the original protocol (where participants stay blinded for the 24-month duration of the study) would be subject to the input of the regulatory authorities.
    • If you are currently a participant in one of the Ochsner vaccine trials, please contact your study staff for more information.

  • Now that a vaccine is in emergency use, does that mean that vaccine trials have stopped? plus_icon minus_icon

    • No, the current vaccine trials will continue for the intended duration which for most trials is 24 months.
    • Additionally, we will see more trials for new vaccines and new targeted populations and these new potential trials will need research participants.
    • With more than 7 billion people in the world, more trials are needed to help vaccinate the entire world.

  • I heard some of the vaccine trials were canceled – does that mean they’re not safe? plus_icon minus_icon

    • No COVID-19 vaccine trial has been canceled. Two trials were paused which is normal for all clinical trials to take a closer look at symptoms participants develop to see if there are possible side effects. Sometimes the symptoms have nothing to do with the actual product. This process is in place to ensure that any product brought to the public is as safe as possible. Both trials that were paused were resumed once an independent safety monitoring board deemed the side effects not related to the vaccine.

  • Does Ochsner endorse the COVID-19 vaccine and suggest all employees and patients receive the vaccine? plus_icon minus_icon

    • Ochsner Health fully supports and highly encourages widespread vaccination under the Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) for all employees and our patients. Ochsner will only recommend and administer vaccines that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has certified as safe and effective for all patients and employees, including our most vulnerable populations. Ochsner’s contributions to the vaccine trials have helped illustrate their safety to the FDA. Large scale vaccination of our community is the best way to keep everyone safe and to end the COVID-19 pandemic.

  • How long will the vaccine last? plus_icon minus_icon

    • Since this is a novel virus, we are still unsure how long the vaccine antibodies will last. We are closely monitoring the research as more data becomes available.

  • What are the possible side effects of the vaccine? plus_icon minus_icon

    • Like the flu shot, the vaccine is administered into a large muscle in the upper arm or thigh. As is the case with any vaccine, allergic reactions may occur. Some may experience mild fever, soreness, muscle aches, headaches, chills, fatigue/tiredness, muscle or joint pain, redness and/or swelling at the site of administration. These are signs of an immune response to the vaccine and expected in some patients.
    • Based on data reported from the FDA emergency use authorization (EUA), possible side effects have been more prominent after the second dose.
    • If you have pain or discomfort, you can take your normal pain reliever or talk to your pharmacist about taking an over-the-counter medicine, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen.
    • To reduce pain and discomfort where you got the shot, you can apply a clean, cool compress over the area. To reduce discomfort from fever, drink plenty of fluids.

  • I meet the eligible criteria and take aspirin daily as part of my health regimen prescribed by my doctor. I read that you shouldn’t take Tylenol, aspirin or ibuprofen prior to receiving the vaccine. Does that mean I can’t receive the vaccine? plus_icon minus_icon

    • We recommend that people continue their routine medications as prescribed by their physician which may include aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) and naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn), also known as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). Patients who have one of the CDC-listed underlying medical conditions and are prescribed NSAID by their physicians, are not excluded and are encouraged to receive the vaccine.

  • What happens if I feel ill after receiving the vaccine? plus_icon minus_icon

    • While extreme serious reactions to the vaccine are rare, you should seek medical care if:
      • you experience a severe allergic reaction call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room
      • the redness or tenderness where you got the shot increases after 24 hours
      • your side effects are worrying you or do not seem to be going away after a few days
    • Ochsner On Call can answer questions at 800-231-5257 or 504-842-3155
    • If you are experiencing an emergency, call 911.
    • Report side effects to FDA/CDC Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS). Reporting instructions are included in Fact Sheet you received when you got your vaccine.

  • Can I still become infected after receiving the vaccine? plus_icon minus_icon

    • The vaccine cannot cause you to test positive via nasal swab or saliva test. This is not a live vaccine and will not cause you to shed virus.
    • Some patients may still become infected or develop symptoms following vaccination against COVID-19. However, the current vaccines under consideration all have greater than 90% efficacy of preventing you from getting infected. They also have demonstrated that your risk of a severe infection that requires you to be hospitalized is greatly reduced following immunization.

  • Does the vaccine prevent me from getting it or spreading it? plus_icon minus_icon

    • That is the intent. Instead of traditional vaccines, which may use the virus itself, the SARS-CoV-2 vaccine will use a protein on the outside of the virus. This means the vaccine can’t cause COVID-19 in a person, because it’s not using the virus that causes the disease.
    • This stimulates your body’s immune system to mount a response as if it were a true infection, minimizing your risk of infection or disease burden should you encounter the same virus later. The current vaccine candidates have been demonstrated to be over 90% effective in preventing you from developing symptomatic infection from COVID-19.
    • However, in order to stop this pandemic, we need to use every tool available which includes the immunization, social distancing, handwashing and wearing masks.

  • Are there any restrictions, such as quarantining in place, after receiving the vaccine? plus_icon minus_icon

    • No, there are no restrictions after receiving a COVID-19 vaccine, but you should continue to wear your mask, social distance and practice good hand hygiene.

  • What is the deferral period for potential blood donors who receive the COVID-19 vaccine? plus_icon minus_icon

    • No deferral is necessary for whole blood or platelet donors who received non-replicating, inactivated or RNA-based vaccines or the mRNA Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna COVID-19 vaccines.

  • Can individuals who have received the COVID-19 vaccine donate COVID-19 convalescent plasma (CCP)? plus_icon minus_icon

    • No. The FDA does not feel that it would be acceptable for these individuals to donate CCP. This is because it is not known yet if the CCP would be efficacious from a vaccinated person.

  • Will I still have to mask and social distance after I get the shot? plus_icon minus_icon

    • Yes. Remember, it takes time for your body to build protection after any vaccination. COVID-19 vaccines that require 2 shots may not protect you until at least a week after your second shot.
    • It’s important for everyone to continue using all the tools available to help stop this pandemic as we learn more about how COVID-19 vaccines work in real-world conditions.
    • Until we reach herd immunity and the majority of the United States has been vaccinated, we will need to continue to practice social distancing, handwashing and wearing masks. These are the best ways to reduce your chance of being exposed to or spreading the virus until we end this pandemic.

  • If I’ve already had COVID-19 and recovered, should I still get vaccinated? plus_icon minus_icon

    • Yes. There is not enough information currently available to say how long after infection someone is protected from getting COVID-19 again. In order to stop this pandemic, we need to use every tool available which includes the immunization, social distancing, handwashing and wearing masks.

  • Can I get routine vaccinations (flu, tetanus, shingles, pneumonia, etc) with my COVID-19 vaccine? plus_icon minus_icon

    • It is generally recommended to avoid scheduling “routine” immunizations 14 days before or after your scheduled COVID-19 vaccination. If other vaccines are administered, there is no need to alter the COVID-19 immunization schedule or repeat any of the immunizations.

Vulnerable Population Questions

  • Are there any health restrictions that would prevent me from receiving the vaccine? plus_icon minus_icon

    • COVID-19 vaccination may not be for everyone. If you are unsure if you should receive the COVID-19 vaccine, please call your healthcare provider to discuss the possible benefits and risks.

  • Can I get the vaccine while pregnant or breastfeeding? plus_icon minus_icon

    • Following guidelines from the FDA, no one is excluded from receiving the vaccine, even patients who are pregnant or breastfeeding. The only medical contraindications to receiving this vaccine are severe allergic reaction after a previous dose of this vaccine or severe allergic reaction to components of this vaccine. Additionally, you may also review this advice from the Society for Maternal Fetal Medicine for those pregnant or breastfeeding.

  • Will the vaccine affect fertility? plus_icon minus_icon

    • The claim circulating on social media that the COVID-19 vaccine causes female infertility is FALSE and is not supported by any research. Following guidelines from the FDA, no one is excluded from receiving the vaccine, even patients who are pregnant or breastfeeding, as there are no medical contraindications to receiving this vaccine. Ochsner is encouraging all employees and patients to receive the vaccine as soon as it’s available to them. You may review this advice from the Society for Maternal Fetal Medicine for those pregnant or breastfeeding.

  • Should children get vaccine? What ages is the vaccine for? plus_icon minus_icon

    • Currently, there are a few trials that are enrolling various age groups including children ages 12 or greater.
    • Just like the adult COVID-19 vaccine trials, data from children and adolescent COVID-19 vaccine trials will need to support the safety and efficacy of the vaccines before approval for the population.
    • Ochsner will only recommend and administer vaccines that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has certified as safe and effective for all patients and employees, including our most vulnerable populations. The benefits of vaccination outweigh the risks of forgoing immunization.

  • Is the vaccine safe for my age group? plus_icon minus_icon

    • Following guidelines from the FDA emergency use authorization (EUA), no one is excluded from receiving the vaccine as there are no medical contraindications except for a severe allergic reaction to this vaccine or any of its components.
    • Because the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines require two doses, MyOchsner or the COVID hotline will automatically schedule the second dose at the same location with the appropriate length of time (21 or 28 days depending on which vaccine you receive) between visits. You must be able to attend the second appointment in order to schedule the first.

Different Types of Vaccines Questions

  • Is it uncommon to have multiple drug manufacturers produce and distribute a vaccine? plus_icon minus_icon

    • It is not uncommon to have multiple pharmaceutical manufacturers produce and distribute a vaccine against the same preventable disease. In fact, numerous vaccines, such as those for influenza and DTaP (diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis) are well-known and common vaccines who use several different manufacturers for vaccine development and distribution.

  • Why are some of the COVID-19 vaccines two shots versus one shot? plus_icon minus_icon

    • The series and dosing for each vaccine is based on the initial results from the clinical trial data. Just because some vaccines may have one shot vs two, doesn’t mean that one is less effective than the other.

  • What happens if I don’t get the booster/2nd shot within the allotted timeframe? Will I still be considered vaccinated? plus_icon minus_icon

    • To best maximize the efficacy of the vaccine and to ensure an optimal effectiveness, it is highly recommended that you receive the second dose within the specified timeframe as directed by the manufacturer. If you don’t receive the second shot, you will greatly decrease the chance of the vaccine working.

Johnson & Johnson Vaccine Questions

  • What is the difference between the J&J vaccine and the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines? plus_icon minus_icon

    • The Pfizer and Moderna vaccines are two shots each – one shot followed by a booster either 21 or 28 days later depending on the vaccine. Each uses mRNA, or messenger RNA, which gives cells instructions to create a protein like the SAR-CoV2 protein. Once the protein is created, it triggers the immune response leading to the production of antibodies.
    • The J&J vaccine uses one shot. It utilizes the adenoviruses which are the same viruses that can cause the common cold. These inactivated/non-infective adenoviruses can be used to deliver DNA, which are instructions for proteins. For the COVID-19 vaccine, researchers swap in a gene from SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) so that the modified cold virus makes the SARS-CoV2 protein, stimulating production of antibodies and additional immune responses to fight off the virus. The process creates an immune memory, which ultimately teaches the body to both recognize and attack the virus.

  • There a lot of different efficacy percentages being reported by J&J which is confusing. Which efficacy percentage should I be following? plus_icon minus_icon

    • Based on the data presented to the FDA, J&J's vaccine was 72% effective in the U.S. and 66% effective overall at preventing moderate-to-severe COVID-19.
    • All three vaccines are highly efficacious, quite safe and proven to prevent death and serious disease.

  • The efficacy percentage is lower than the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines. Is it just as good? plus_icon minus_icon

    • Ochsner Health is excited that another COVID-19 vaccine was approved by the FDA for emergency use authorization (EUA) and we will be offering to this vaccine as we receive allocation from the state. The only way to end this pandemic is to reach herd immunity and vaccines play a critical role in making that happen.
    • We urge those who meet the vaccine eligibility criteria to receive any of these vaccines once supply is available to them.
    • All three vaccines are safe, effective and proven to prevent death and serious disease.

  • Would I be more likely to contract COVID-19 due to a lower efficacy from J&J versus if I received the Moderna or Pfizer vaccine? plus_icon minus_icon

    • All three vaccines are highly efficacious, quite safe and proven to prevent death and serious disease. The best vaccine you can get is the FIRST vaccine you are offered.
    • Ochsner will use every vaccine made available to us, including Johnson & Johnson.
    • We urge those who meet the vaccine eligibility criteria to receive any of these vaccines once supply is available to them.
    • The only way to end this pandemic is to reach herd immunity and vaccines play a critical role in making that happen.

  • Will Ochsner be distributing the J&J vaccine? plus_icon minus_icon

    • The state of Louisiana is in charge of allocating the COVID-19 vaccines and we receive all our vaccine allotments on a weekly basis.
    • We are distributing the J&J vaccine at our various locations across the state as we currently do for the other COVID-19 vaccines.

  • Why are some of the COVID-19 vaccines two shots versus one shot? plus_icon minus_icon

    • The series and dosing for each vaccine are based on the initial results from the clinical trial data. Just because some vaccines have one shot vs two, doesn’t mean that one is less effective than the other.

  • Does the J&J vaccine have any side effects? plus_icon minus_icon

    • Common side effects included injection site pain, headache and fatigue, similar to those of the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines. They are reported be generally mild to moderate, resolving within 1-2 days, with 1% to 2% reported as severe.
    • On average, seniors reported fewer and milder side effects than those under 60 years of age.
    • FDA said the vaccine has a "favorable safety profile" with "no specific safety concerns identified that would preclude issuance of an EUA."

  • When will the J&J vaccine be available? plus_icon minus_icon

    • The J&J vaccine is currently available in Louisiana. The state is in charge of all vaccine allocation and distribution to the regions; therefore, supply may vary week to week based on those allocations.

  • How long will it take for me to be protected fully after this shot? plus_icon minus_icon

    • Protection against moderate/severe disease starts about two weeks after you get vaccinated. By four weeks after the shot, data from the clinical trial showed there were no hospitalizations or deaths.

  • Did the J&J vaccine trials include pregnant women or children? plus_icon minus_icon

    • The J&J vaccine trial was not tested in children under the age of 18 or pregnant women. J&J plans to start a trial for pregnant women in the near future.

  • I participated in the J&J trial. Will I find out if I received the vaccine and if I didn’t, will I be able to receive it? plus_icon minus_icon

    • J&J will allow all trial participants who received a placebo to receive the vaccine. They encourage participants who crossover from placebo to remain in the study for up to two years after vaccination so J&J can collect data on "efficacy/effectiveness, safety and immunogenicity."

  • Can I choose which vaccine to get? plus_icon minus_icon

    • Vaccine inventory is still scarce across the U.S. All three vaccines are highly efficacious and safe and proven to prevent death and serious disease.
    • The only way to end this pandemic is to reach herd immunity and vaccines play a critical role in making that happen.
    • The type of vaccine available at each site is dependent upon supply. When scheduling, you will be asked to choose a vaccine type. If you do not find an appointment date and time with that vaccine type, please try again by selecting a different vaccine type.
    • We urge those who meet the vaccine eligibility criteria to receive any of these vaccines once supply is available to them.

COVID-19 PSA en español con El Dr. Leonardo Seoane

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El Dr. Leonardo Seoane, pulmonólogo, intensivista y director académico de Ochsner Health, anima a la comunidad hispana a recibir la vacuna contra el COVID-19 cuando esté disponible.

“Como médico, confió plenamente en la seguridad y eficacia de la vacuna y entiendo lo importante que es para todos poder tener la oportunidad de recibir la vacuna. Por eso mismo me ofrecí como voluntario para ser uno de los primeros en ser vacunado” dijo, el Dr. Seoane.

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Facebook Live Q&A: COVID-19 Update

Watch the Q&A session on COVID-19 vaccines with Dr. Robert Hart on the Ochsner Health Facebook page. 

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Ochsner, Louisiana's largest hospital system, to receive coronavirus vaccines in coming days; here's the plan right_arrow_circle_icon

Coronavirus Vaccine Information

COVID-19 Vaccine: Fact Vs. Myth
How Are Vaccines Approved?
How Does the COVID Vaccine Work?
COVID-19 Vaccine: Who Gets it First?
What Are the Side Effects of the COVID-19 Vaccine?
Why do Some Vaccines Require Two Doses?
When Can Children Get the COVID-19 Vaccine?
Can Pregnant Women Get the COVID-19 Vaccine?
What’s in the COVID-19 Vaccine?
How Does a Pandemic End?
I Had COVID-19. Do I Still Need A Vaccine?
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