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COVID Vaccine - FAQs

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1. What phase is Norfolk in?

Norfolk is in Phase 1B.  Eligible residents in this phase include: police, fire and hazmat response personnel, those living and working in correctional facilities, homeless shelters and migrant labor camps, childcare/K-12 teachers and staff, food and agriculture workers, manufacturers, grocery store workers, public transit workers, mail carriers (USPS and private), anyone age 65 and older, and those individuals 16-64 years with high risk medical conditions.

2. I’m in Phase 1a. Did I miss my chance to register for a vaccine?

No.  Residents in 1a should register for an opportunity to receive the vaccine.  

3. What if I do not know what Phase I’m in?

The Virginia Department of Health and the Norfolk Health Department have online tools to help you determine your vaccine eligibility.  Please note that this is just a tool and does not serve as any type of registration.

4. Is preregistration the same thing as scheduling a vaccine appointment?

Preregistration does not schedule you for an appointment. Preregistration process puts you on a vaccine appointment waitlist.   Vaccine supply is limited.  A health care professional will contact you to schedule an appointment. This process can take four to eight weeks.

5. I just preregistered, why hasn't anyone contacted me?

Priority is given to individuals in phases 1a and 1b.  Due to limited vaccine supply, it may take 4 to 8 weeks for a health care professional to contact you to schedule an appointment. 

6. I do not have an email, should I still complete the online form?

Yes.  Please make sure you have a good working phone number so a health care professional can call you at a later date to schedule a vaccine appointment. 

7. I only have one email for my household, what should I do?

Use the household email ONCE for one family member. For remaining family members, leave email section on the questionnaire blank and provide a phone number. Call 757-644-SHOT (7468) if you do not have access to a computer.  

8. Can I preregister multiple people at one time?

No. Only one questionnaire per person is permitted.

9. I called 664-SHOT, no one has called me back. What should I do?

A call center team member will return your call in the order it was received.  Do not leave multiple voicemail messages.  Calling multiple times will not result in a faster call-back. Preregistration cannot be completed through a voicemail.  A call center team member will call you back.

10. I preregistered online. Do I need to call the Vaccine Call Center?

No.  Once you preregistered online you do not need to call the call center.  Individuals will not receive preferential treatment filling out an online questionnaire and contacting the call center.  Doing so will delay service to those individuals who need extra assistance from the call center with the preregistration process.

11. When I preregister, does that confirm my vaccine dose?

No.  Preregistration is not an appointment.   You will be contacted at a later date with information on how to schedule your vaccination appointment.

12. Will there be a choice of which COVID vaccine I get?

No. While there is currently more than one vaccine brand available to Americans, local health departments, healthcare providers, pharmacies, and clinics will likely have only one brand. Vaccine supplies are limited, and you should take whichever COVID-19 vaccine is available to you. In general, side effects and effectiveness for the currently available vaccines are very similar.

13. Does the vaccine give me full protection from COVID-19?

The COVID-19 vaccines from Pfizer-BioNTec and from Moderna that are now being used are expected to protect more than 90% of people who get both doses.

We do not yet know how long the protection lasts after a two-dose series. With other vaccines, most people do not get the disease at all and those who do, have only mild cases. It is possible that you might need to get a booster dose of this vaccine at some time in the future. More information on the COVID-19 vaccine will be made available as scientists learn more about the long-term protective effects.

And finally, a single dose of one of the current two-dose COVID-19 vaccines will not provide the vaccine’s full protection.

14. How long will it take for me to receive a vaccine?

Vaccine is in short supply throughout the state.  We do not currently have a timeline but we encourage you to register so you will be in the vaccine appointment database for notification when it is available.

15. Can unemployed, retired/essential workers receive a vaccine?

Unemployed individuals are not eligible at this time. Phase 1b includes front line essential workers in sectors essential to the functioning of society and are at substantially higher risk of exposure to COVID-19 through their current employment. However, retired or unemployed essential workers 65 years or above can obtain vaccination.

16. Will I still need to wear a mask and socially distance after I receive vaccine?

It is important to remain vigilant in COVID-19 prevention. Continue to protect yourself and others: wear a mask, wash your hands, stay at least six feet away from others, and avoid gatherings with anyone who is not a member of your household.

17. Do I need to get the vaccine if I have already recovered from COVID 19?

It is recommended to receive the COVID-19 vaccine if you had COVID-19 and recovered. Studies have shown that COVID-19 reinfection is uncommon in the 90 days after initial infection, but likely immunity decreases after 90 days. However, If you have not completely recovered or are still experiencing COVID-19 symptoms, you should talk to your healthcare provider about vaccination.

18. Should I be getting the COVID-19 vaccine if I have other medical conditions?

If you have an underlying medical condition such as diabetes, asthma or obesity, you may be at higher risk for severe COVID-19 disease. When COVID-19 vaccine is available, you are encouraged to get vaccinated to protect yourself from serious COVID-19 illness.

19. What if I have had allergic reactions to vaccine in the past, should I get the COVID 19 vaccine?

If you have had a severe allergic reaction in the past to other vaccines or injectable therapies, you should ask your doctor if you should get a COVID-19 vaccine. Your doctor will help you decide if it is safe for you to get vaccinated.

20. I’m interested in volunteering with vaccination efforts, what do I do?

The best option for volunteer opportunities is through the Medical Reserve Corps. To learn more, please visit https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/mrc/about/ or call 757-683-2760.