Frequently Asked COVID Vaccine Clinic Questions

Effective April 1^st anyone over the age of 16 is now eligible to receive the Covid-19 Vaccine in Connecticut.  The Brookfield Vaccine Clinics are only able to offer Moderna and J & J due to the cold storage capacity.  Thus, the Brookfield Vaccine Clinics can only take adults age 18 years older.  Teens age 16 and 17 born after 4/2003 are only eligible to receive the Pfizer Vaccine. 

If we receive our requested State allocations, we hope to have the J & J Vaccine available at our Monday scheduled clinics in April and May.

To learn more about the available vaccines, visit this link on the CDC website: COVID-19 Vaccination | CDC.

Please note: Eligibility has been significantly expanded. There is not currently sufficient allocation to support all those eligible to receive the vaccine immediately – patience will be required. Expect that the ability to schedule an appointment will be spread out over the month of April and May at clinics throughout Connecticut.

ONCE I AM VACCINATED

Question: After I am vaccinated, do I still need to wear a mask and practice social distancing?

Yes. When in public, continue to practice Covid-19 infection precautions by wearing a mask, practice social distancing and wash your hands.  Keep gatherings small and limit the number of people who have not been vaccinated from your gathering for their protection. Vaccine effectiveness on Covid-19 variants are still being researched.

It is important to understand that just one dose of Moderna or Pfizer Vaccine is not sufficient in protecting you from getting the Covid-19 virus. Full immunity from these MRNA vaccines (Moderna/Pfizer) does not occur until 2 weeks after the 2^nd dose has been given.

If you are receiving the J & J Vaccine, this is a one dose vaccine and full protection of the vaccine from Covid-19 is two weeks after your single dose.

Question: Do vaccinated people have to quarantine if exposed to the Covid-19 virus?

The CDC has updated their guidance and fully vaccinated individuals do not need to quarantine if exposed to Covid-19 unless they have symptoms of Covid-19.  Then they should proceed with testing and quarantine. When You’ve Been Fully Vaccinated | CDC

GETTING VACCINATED

Question: How do I register for a vaccine?

Brookfield Health Department vaccination clinics are currently taking appointments only through the VAMS system. For information and to register in VAMS, go to https://portal.ct.gov/vaccine-portal/COVID-19-Vaccinations-VAMS-Support

Appointments are also available throughout the state by phone by calling Connecticut’s Vaccine Appointment Assist Line at 877-918-2224 seven days a week from 8:00am to 8:00pm for scheduling at select sites.  Due to high volume, hold times may vary.

Other locations are being added weekly. You can search for additional sites at: https://covidvaccinefinder.ct.gov/?query=06804 .

Question: Where and when will the vaccine clinic be?

Beginning April 6, 2021, The Brookfield Health Department will be moving their Vaccine Clinics to St. Joseph’s School located at Brookfield Center.  Use the GPS address 5 Obtuse Hill Road. St. Joseph’s School is across from Center School. 

These schedules will rotate weekly. Opening these clinics is dependent upon our receiving additional doses of the vaccine. We hope to have allocations to offer at full capacity of 400 vaccines each day. We are anxiously waiting for the state to increase our base allocation of vaccine supply.

Question: How do I sign up for Standby for extra doses?

Any end of day extra doses available will be given to those in our Standby line. There will be a limit of 25 Brookfield residents who may line up for Standby at 5pm on weekday clinics (Mon-Thurs) or Noon on Friday or Saturday clinics. There are no guarantees that a vaccine will be available.

Question: What if I have already had the Covid-19 virus, should I still get the vaccine?

Because COVID-19 is still a novel virus, experts are still not sure how long an individual’s natural immunity to the virus will last. Therefore, people who have had COVID-19 are advised to receive the vaccine. Speak to your physician and medical professionals for their recommendations.

Those receiving hospital treatments such as monoclonal antibodies and convalescent plasma for the treatment of severe Covid-19 symptoms will be advised by their physician to wait 90 days before obtaining a vaccine so that the vaccine will be more effective once received.

What are the side effects of the vaccine?

Common side effects of the COVID-19 vaccine include pain and swelling where you got the shot, fever, chills, tiredness, and/or headache. They should go away within a few days. If redness or tenderness persists over 24 hours, or your side effects are worrying, call your doctor.

Reduce pain and discomfort by applying a clean, cool, wet washcloth over the area and use/exercise your arm.

Reduce discomfort from fever: drink plenty of fluids and dress lightly.

Moderna: There is no maximum interval between the first and second dose. The time between the 2 doses should not be less than 28 days. Both doses should be Moderna COVID-19 vaccine. The safety and efficacy of a mixed-product series have not been evaluated. Both doses of the series should be completed with the same product.

Question: What happens if we have bad weather, and the clinic is closed?

We all know New England has ever changing weather patterns. If the vaccine clinic needs to be closed due to poor weather like ice or snow, you will be notified by email of the Clinic reschedule date. We will make every effort to reschedule the clinic on the next available good weather day.  We will reschedule the day of the vaccine clinic. You must keep the same appointment time; we have no way to reschedule appointments for different times.