At LifeScape, we aim to deliver the vaccine safely, in line with recommendations from federal and state governments and the CDC to ensure fair and equitable distribution. We now have Moderna COVID-29 Vaccines available at the LifeScape office for anyone 18+. To receive a call to schedule your vaccination please at LifeScape [submit the form here].
Arizona has now opened COVID-19 vaccines to anyone 16 and older at the sites in Maricopa, Pima and Yuma counties. Learn more here. Register for vaccination here and check vaccine availability here.
We will continue to provide LifeScape Health Alerts as vaccine information emerges but we also encourage you to monitor your pharmacy's website and the Maricopa county website here.
Below are answers to some of our most frequently asked questions.
When am I likely to get my vaccine?
Phase 1A; vaccination of healthcare providers/EMS/nursing home staff & residents is near completion. Thankfully your LifeScape team received their first vaccine dose in early January!
Phase 1B; vaccination of K-12 school staff and childcare workers, law enforcement/protective services, and adults age 75 and older will be underway starting January 11th, 2021.
Phase 1C; vaccination of those with health conditions that cause significant COVID-19 disease risk and adults age 65 and older will be underway starting January 19th, 2021.
March 24th, 2021 vaccination opened to everyone 16 years and older.
Unknown: Vaccination of children or pregnant women as studies are still in progress.
Continue to Support Your Community's Health
Regardless if you are vaccinated, previously infected, or still vulnerable, please keep doing your part to keep our community healthy through the use of masks, social distancing and rigorous hygiene to stop the devastating community surge that is projected to kill 1 out of every 1,000 Americans. Vaccines are projected to save 28,000 American lives and rigorous use of masks alone is projected to save close to 60,000!
Johnson & Johnson Vaccine Risk Explained
The Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine has been associated with RARE cases of cerebral vein thrombosis and low platelets. So far 6 cases in the US have been associated with the J&J vaccine (cause/effect is still not clear) out of 7 million doses given (< 1 case per million doses).
Rates of cerebral vein thrombosis in our population are far greater at >20 cases per million people (higher in African Americans) and the rate has been increasing for over 15 years. Read more here.
Factors increasing your risk include:
- Use of birth control pills or hormone replacement (risk of blood clots goes from 1/3,000 to 1/100 over 10 years of use)
- Pregnancy (blood clot risk 1 or 2 cases/1,000 pregnancies)
- Cancer
- Head trauma
- Obesity
- Smoking
It's also worth noting that natural COVID-19 infection is also associated with a significant increased risk of blood clots, pulmonary embolism and heart attacks/strokes which then increase the risk of death from COVID-19.
Check Your Facts!
FACT: You can't get COVID-19 or spread it from the vaccine.
"The mRNA vaccines don't contain virus. They instruct your body to make a protein found on the virus that triggers an immune reaction, creating immunity to the virus. Though it is critical to get the 2nd shot. At best, you only get about 52% protection from the first shot but 94% to 95% after the second. Come back 21 days later for Pfizer and 28 days later for Moderna second doses. If you get a first shot, use v-safe to set a reminder on a smartphone for when to get second shot, as well as to reports side effects."
>> Read more on consumerlab.com
FACT: The vaccine takes about 7 days to work after the 2nd shot.
"Don't assume you're protected from COVID-19 immediately after receiving the second shot, and certainly not during the 21 to 28 days between the first and second shot. Even after being fully vaccinated, there is a very small chance of getting COVID-19. Continue to follow guidelines for social distancing and protection, including wearing a mask."
>> Read more on consumerlab.com
FACT: The vaccine may cause mild side effects
"Injection site pain (typical for any vaccine) and flu-like symptoms (especially after the 2nd shot) are the most common side effects for both the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines. These side effects are typically short-lived and not severe."
>> Read more on consumerlab.com
FACT: COVID-19 vaccines are effective and reported no serious or life-threatening side effects
The myth being spread is that "Researchers rushed the development of the COVID-19 vaccine, so its effectiveness and safety cannot be trusted." In reality there are many reasons why the COVID-19 vaccines were developed so quickly.
>> Read more on hopkinsmedicine.org
FACT: People who have gotten sick with COVID-19 may still benefit from getting vaccinated.
"Due to the severe health risks associated with COVID-19 and the fact that re-infection with COVID-19 is possible, people may be advised to get a COVID-19 vaccine even if they have been sick with COVID-19 before."
>> Read more on hopkinsmedicine.org
FACT: The mRNA technology behind the new coronavirus vaccines has been in development for almost two decades.
"Vaccine makers created the technology to help them respond quickly to a new pandemic illness, such as COVID-19."
>> Read more on hopkinsmedicine.org
FACT: The COVID-19 vaccine was not developed with or contain controversial substances.
"The first two COVID-19 vaccines to be authorized by the FDA contain mRNA and other, normal vaccine ingredients, such as fats (which protect the mRNA), salts, as well as a small amount of sugar. These COVID-19 vaccines were not developed using fetal tissue, and they do not contain any material, such as implants, microchips or tracking devices."
>> Read more on hopkinsmedicine.org
FACT: COVID-19 vaccines do not alter your DNA
"The two COVID-19 vaccines available to us are designed to help your body’s immune system fight the coronavirus. The messenger RNA from two of the first types of COVID-19 vaccines does enter cells, but not the nucleus of the cells where DNA resides. The mRNA does its job to cause the cell to make protein to stimulate the immune system, and then it quickly breaks down — without affecting your DNA."
>> Read more on hopkinsmedicine.org
FACT: The COVID-19 vaccine will not affect fertility.
"Confusion arose when a false report surfaced on social media, saying that the spike protein on this coronavirus was the same as another spike protein called syncitin-1 that is involved in the growth and attachment of the placenta during pregnancy. The false report said that getting the COVID-19 vaccine would cause a woman’s body to fight this different spike protein and affect her fertility. The two spike proteins are completely different and distinct, and getting the COVID-19 vaccine will not affect the fertility of women."
>> Read more on hopkinsmedicine.org
We encourage everyone receiving the vaccine to register with the CDC Vsafe Vaccine Monitoring for your safety and to help us closely study vaccine side effects as these are rolled out.
For more information check out our COVID-19 Testing Guide & COVID-19 Symptom Guide
