Frequently Asked Questions Quick Links
General VACCINATION Questions
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Many questions are answered below. To conduct a search for something specific, click "Expand All." Use your browser's search feature (Command / Control F, in most cases).
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ACCESSING THE VACCINE
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Will Pasadena Unified administer vaccines?
Pasadena Unified has partnered with a number of community clinics to administer vaccinations to eligible community members at school sites. The vaccination schedules and appointments can be found at myturn.ca.gov.
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How do I make an appointment to get vaccinated?
The vaccination schedules and appointments can be found at myturn.ca.gov.
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What vaccine will Pasadena USD provide?
Both the Pasadena Unified Clinic and the community clinics offer Pfizer for youth. Moderna and Johnson & Johnson are also offered at the community clinic sites.
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Are COVID-19 vaccines free?
Yes. COVID-19 vaccines are absolutely free to the recipient – not even an insurance copay will be charged. You can choose to provide your insurance information when you schedule your appointment.
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Who is eligible to receive a COVID-19 vaccine?
Everyone age 5 and over in LA County is now eligible for COVID-19 vaccination.
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What do I need to bring to my vaccine appointment?
When a student makes an appointment for a vaccine through myturn.ca.gov, they will receive a confirmation email with the appointment information. The parent needs to bring identification for the student and parent to the appointment. Additional forms will be given at the time of the appointment.
VACCINE SAFETY AND SCIENCE
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Why should I vaccinate my child if cases are low and children aren't severely impacted by COVID-19?
Vaccinating students aged five and over is an important part of creating the safest possible environment at schools and protecting the students' family members. The American Academy of Pediatrics reports that in May 2021, youth accounted for 22 percent of new COVID-19 cases in the U.S., when in Spring 2020, youth cases were only around three percent. It is important to get young people vaccinated to prevent new cases from increasing.
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Are the vaccines safe for youth?
After clinical trials showed the COVID-19 vaccine is safe and highly effective in protection against severe illness, hospitalization, and death in those aged 12 to 15, the FDA granted emergency use of the Pfizer vaccine for this next eligible age group. In Fall 2021, the same emergency use authorization was granted to 5-11 year olds. This is the same vaccine that has already been safely administered to millions of California adults.
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What side effects are seen in adolescents?
Side effects for young people are similar to those experienced by adults which could include a sore arm, fever, fatigue, chills, headache, and nausea. Some experience more symptoms than others while others have none.
As with any other vaccine, medical experts state that mild symptoms are normal and are a sign that the body is building immunity and it is important to remember that the vaccines have proven to be safe and effective for all of us.
It is important for those who receive the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines to return for their second dose in order to gain the full protection that vaccines have to offer.
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Why is the vaccine only for children 5 and over? When do you expect vaccines to be available for younger children?
Vaccine trials and approvals commonly begin with older, more vulnerable populations, then extend to younger ages. Adolescents were the next group to be prioritized because they are most similar to adults and are more likely than younger children to spread the virus and become seriously ill.
Both Pfizer and Moderna have ongoing clinical trials in people younger than 12. On October 7, Pfizer submitted a request for an Emergency Use Authorization from the FDA for youth ages 5 - 11 years. This was granted and those children are eligible for vaccination at this time.
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Can a COVID-19 vaccine make me sick with COVID-19?
No. According to the CDC, “None of the COVID-19 vaccines contain the live virus that causes COVID-19 so a COVID-19 vaccine cannot make you sick with COVID-19.” It is important to have trustworthy and accurate information about COVID-19 vaccines. Learn more at: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/facts.html.
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After getting a COVID-19 vaccine, will I test positive for COVID-19 on a viral test?
No. According to the CDC, “Neither the recently authorized and recommended vaccines nor the other COVID-19 vaccines currently in clinical trials in the United States can cause you to test positive on viral tests, which are used to see if you have a current infection.” Learn more at: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/facts.html
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Where can I get trusted information about COVID-19 vaccines in general?
Trustworthy and factual information is available at: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/facts.html
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Where can I get trusted information about COVID-19 vaccines for youth?
You can read more about vaccines for 5-18 year-olds from the California Department of Health. You can read their FAQ for parents in English or Spanish.
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Do I need a booster shot?
If you received the Pfizer vaccine, the CDC recommends that certain groups of individuals should receive a Pfizer booster shot at least 6 months after the second dose. More information can be found here: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/booster-shot.html
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Do I need two vaccinations?
If you receive the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine, you need two doses to reach their maximum level of protection. Students 5-18 are only eligible for the Pfizer vaccination. Once they make an appointment for their first dose, they will be automatically scheduled for their second dose. The Johnson and Johnson vaccine is one dose and approved for those 18 years and above.
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If the information you require is not provided, please send your question to superintendent@pusd.us.