Frequently Asked Questions

This page contains answers to frequently asked questions about COVID-19 vaccines at SIHB. 

If you are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 (cough, fever, or other respiratory problems), or if you think you have been exposed to COVID-19, please call us first at (206) 324-9360 to discuss your condition before visiting our clinic.  

Booster Shots 

What’s a booster shot?  

Booster shots are extra doses given to increase protection against COVID-19 after some time has passed since your initial dose(s). Getting a booster doesn’t make it impossible to catch or spread COVID-19, but boosters are our best tool for preventing severe cases as new variants continue to emerge.   

Regardless of which brand you received for your initial dose(s), the CDC recommends getting either Pfizer or Moderna for your booster shot(s). In other words, you can “mix and match.” 

What is a bivalent booster shot? 

The FDA and CDC have approved an updated COVID-19 booster shot—also known as a bivalent booster.  

The new shot will not only increase your protection against the original variant, but it will also help protect you from the Omicron variants. This is important as the Omicron variants are the most prominent variants circulating now and are expected to continue circulating throughout the fall and winter.  

You can learn more about the new COVID-19 boosters from the FDA Announcement or the CDC Announcement. 

Who should get a bivalent booster shot?   

You should get a bivalent booster as soon as possible if you are age six months or older and at least two months have passed since your final primary series dose or last booster. 

How can I get a bivalent booster at SIHB?   

Bivalent boosters are currently available at our community health centers for all people ages six months and older. Please call (206) 324–9360 to schedule your booster appointment. You can schedule your booster and flu shot at the same time.  

Initial Doses for Kids 

Does my child actually need to get vaccinated for COVID-19? 

Yes. Kids are susceptible to COVID-19 and they’re no less likely to catch the virus than adults. New variants, like Omicron, have dramatically increased hospitalizations and the overall number of cases among children. 

Vaccines are very effective at preventing hospitalizations, which Native youth are three times more likely to experience than their non-Hispanic white peers as a result of systemic inequities. Vaccinating kids also help slow the transmission of the virus to Elders, babies, and loved ones throughout the community. 

Are COVID-19 vaccines safe for kids?   

Created specifically for toddlers and young children, pediatric COVID-19 vaccines are safe for children aged six months and older. 

Kids may experience familiar short-term side effects like soreness, headaches, and fever, but symptoms typically go away within a few days. 

What vaccines have been approved for youth? 

Pediatric COVID-19 vaccines from both Pfizer and Moderna have been authorized by public health officials for children aged six months and older.  

A continually updated chart of authorized vaccines by age group is available on the CDC’s website. 

Which vaccine should my child get?   

All of the authorized vaccines are safe and effective. They differ from one another when it comes to the number of doses needed and how long it takes to gain full protection. 

How can my child get vaccinated?   

Children can get COVID-19 vaccines during regular primary care visits and at Family Saturdays, our biweekly pediatric clinic and family health fair.  

Does my child need a booster shot?   

All children five or older who are at least five months past their second dose should get a COVID-19 booster. For more detailed information, please visit the CDC’s website.   

Will I have to pay anything?   

You will not be charged for a COVID-19 vaccine at SIHB. 

Dosing for Immunocompromised Individuals 

Who is considered immunocompromised? 

A person is considered immunocompromised when their immune system is moderately or severely weakened. A wide variety of conditions and treatments can result in an individual being immunocompromised, including 

• receiving active cancer treatment. 
• being born with a primary immunodeficiency, like DiGeorge syndrome. 
• having an advanced or untreated HIV infection. 
• taking high-dose corticosteroids or other medication that may suppress the immune response. 

Unsure if you’re immunocompromised? Consult with your provider to learn more and determine what’s right for you. 

Why does being immunocompromised matter when it comes to COVID-19 vaccines? 

People with moderately to severely weakened immune systems need additional primary series doses to ensure that they receive the same level of protection from COVID-19 that their non-immunocompromised peers obtain from fewer doses. 

If you know you’re immunocompromised or believe you may be, be sure to consult with your provider to determine the dosing schedule that’s best for you. 

For more information about additional doses for immunocompromised individuals, please visit the CDC’s website. 

Initial Doses for Adults 

Which vaccines does Seattle Indian Health Board have? 

Individuals aged 18 and older can choose to receive either the Moderna or Pfizer vaccine at our clinic. When receiving a COVID-19 vaccine, you will have the opportunity to speak with our medical team about the two types of vaccines before choosing. Please note that vaccine options depend upon vaccine supply and are subject to change.  

Do I need an appointment to get the vaccine? 

Yes, you do need an appointment. Relatives can receive COVID-19 vaccines during primary care visits or during a scheduled vaccine appointment. You do not need to be an established patient to get a COVID-19 vaccine at SIHB.  

How do I make an appointment?  

You can make an appointment by calling (206) 324-9360 and speaking to our scheduling team. If you are unable to reach a member of our team, please try your call again later.    

Is the vaccine free? Do I need insurance? 

You will not be charged for a COVID-19 vaccine at SIHB. Depending on your coverage, your insurance may be billed an administration fee, but you will not be responsible for paying anything. 

Is it safe for me to get the vaccine? 

The COVID-19 vaccines are safe and effective. If you have a health condition and have questions about your safety, we encourage you to call us at (206) 324-9360 and consult with a provider.  

Read more about the safety of the vaccine for people with specific conditions:  

• If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, please check out this culturally attuned resource from our research division, Urban Indian Health Institute.  
• If immunocompromised, read the CDC recommendations for immunocompromised persons.  
• If you have a history of severe allergies, read ACIP Contraindications Guidelines for Immunization.  

What if I recently received a different, routine vaccine?  

It’s still safe to get a COVID-19 vaccine if you’ve recently received a different, routine vaccine like your annual flu shot. It’s even safe to get both a COVID-19 vaccine and a flu shot during the same appointment (though the CDC recommends getting them in different arms to minimize soreness).  

What if I need to reschedule my vaccine appointment?  

Call us to reschedule your appointment. If you miss the appointment for your first dose, both appointments will be cancelled until we can reschedule you in the future.  

What if I’ve contracted, been exposed to, or already had COVID-19? 

The CDC recommends that anyone who has previously had COVID-19 get the vaccine.  

If you were recently exposed to or currently have COVID-19, please wait to get vaccinated until you have completed your quarantine or isolation period as directed by local public health recommendations (via WA Department of Health).  

Flu Shots 

Do I need a flu shot?  

Yes. Getting your annual flu shot is the best way to avoid getting sick with the flu virus or spreading it to more vulnerable community members like our Elders and immunocompromised loved ones. 

Do I still need a flu shot if I got a COVID-19 vaccine?  

Yes! Vaccines are very good at preventing sickness because they’re specially designed to target specific diseases. A COVID-19 vaccine will give you protection against coronavirus, but that protection doesn’t extend to the flu virus. That’s why it’s important to get both vaccines.   

Is it safe to get a flu shot if I recently got a COVID-19 vaccine or booster?  

It’s still safe to get a flu shot if you’ve recently received a COVID-19 vaccine or booster. It’s even safe to get both a flu shot and a COVID-19 vaccine or booster during the same appointment—but the CDC recommends getting them in different arms to minimize soreness.   

How can I get a flu shot at SIHB?   

You can call (206) 324-9360 to schedule an appointment.