Published: January 8, 2021

HOMECARE AND PERSONAL SUPPORT WORKERS: based on your job classification, you may be eligible for COVID-19 vaccination. Currently, to receive a COVID vaccination from Kaiser Permanente, you must be a Kaiser Permanente member.

The vaccine is currently being administered to people who meet Phase 1a eligibility as defined by the Oregon Health Authority. Individuals in Phase 1a include health care workers, residents of skilled nursing facilities and first responders.

Kaiser Permanente NW has been approved as one of several COVID-19 vaccine providers in our area and is working to provide vaccinations under the state’s phased approach. For additional details, please see the Oregon’s Vaccine Prioritization Plan.

WHAT YOU SHOULD DO

To secure a spot for your 1st dose of COVID-19 vaccine, please schedule your COVID-19 vaccine appointment as soon as possible by signing in to kp.org/appointments and selecting COVID-19 Vaccine or calling 1-800-813-2000 (TTY 711), Monday through Friday, from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. Here’s a quick tutorial on how to make your appointment online.

Due to limited quantities of vaccines from public health authorities, there are a limited number of vaccine appointments available. If you are unable to secure an appointment at this time, you have two options:

  • You may try again on another day via kp.org/appointments or by calling 1-800-813-2000 (TTY 711). Additional capacity is being added regularly.
  • You may obtain the vaccine from another COVID-19 vaccination provider approved by the state.
  • If you make an appointment, but cannot attend, please cancel your appointment so that another prioritized individual can be vaccinated at that time.

PREPARING FOR YOUR VACCINE

An appointment is required to receive a vaccination. In preparation for your vaccine appointment, please review the following instructions and important information:

  • Bring your employment ID, as well as your Kaiser Permanente medical record number and state photo ID to your appointment.
  • Allow time to stay for a 15-minute post-vaccine observation period in the vaccination area. If you have a history of severe allergies to anything, you will need to be monitored for 30 minutes at the vaccination site. If you don’t have time to wait, you will need to reschedule your appointment.
  • You will be asked to complete a Pre-Vaccination Worksheet: COVID-19 Vaccine. If you can fill out the worksheet before you arrive for your appointment, that would be helpful.
  • You will not be able to choose the manufacturer of the vaccine. Depending on which vaccine you are given, the vaccine requires two doses, either 21 or 28 days apart. The appointment for the second dose will be scheduled at your first dose appointment. If you have already received the first dose, please call 1-800-813-2000 (TTY 711) for assistance.
  • If you have been told to stay at home due to COVID-19 infection or exposure, please wait until these time periods are complete to make your appointment.
  • If you have a fever over 100 degrees, without taking fever-reducing medicine, for 24 hours before your vaccine appointment, please reschedule on kp.org or call 1-800-813-2000.
  • Do not get any other vaccines for 14 days before and after getting the COVID-19 vaccine.

The vaccine has not been fully studied in people with a weakened immune system, but they are still able to get the vaccine. There is limited data on women who are pregnant or breastfeeding, but based on biology of the currently available vaccines, they are expected to be safe. Current information suggests the benefits of COVID-19 vaccination outweigh the risks in women who are pregnant, breastfeeding or trying to become pregnant. A pregnancy test is not required prior to the vaccine administration. Breastfeeding does not need to stop or pause after receiving the vaccine.

Even after vaccination, please continue to physically distance, avoid gatherings, wear a mask and wash your hands frequently until public health recommendations change.

For the most up-to-date information about COVID-19, including care guidance, scheduling a COVID-19 test, and vaccine updates, go to kp.org/coronavirus. You may also email your care team in a kp.org message for answers to specific questions.

 

photo credit: UC Regents