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COVID-19 Information for HPSM Members

What Happens After You Get the Vaccine

How many shots you need

If you get either the Pfizer or Moderna COVID-19 vaccines, you need two shots

The timing between your first and second shot depends on which vaccine you received:

  • Pfizer-BioNTech: get second shot three weeks (or 21 days) after your first shot
  • Moderna: get second shot one month (or 28 days) after your first shot

You need to get the same type of vaccine for both shots. For the best protection, be sure to get the second shot unless your provider says not to.

Learn why it is important to get both shots of the two-shot vaccines

The shots do not make you immune right away

It may take your body up to two weeks after the second shot to build immunity. During that time, be sure to continue social distancing. If you are near people not from your household, wear a mask and stay at least six feet away. 

You may have flu-like side effects after getting the shots

You may feel pain or swelling on the arm you got the shot in. You may also have fever, chills, tiredness or headache. If side effects last longer than a few days, call your primary care provider or HPSM's Nurse Advice Line at 1-833-846-8773.

Get reminders for your second shot

Sign up for the CDC’s v-safe app

v-safe by CDC


Get a Digital COVID-19 Vaccine Record

You can use the paper card that you get from your vaccine provider as proof that you are vaccinated. You can also get an official Digital COVID-19 Vaccine Record from the California Department of Public Health (CDPH). Signing up on your computer or smartphone is free, easy, safe and convenient!