The Idaho COVID-19 Vaccine Advisory Committee’s recommendation for subgroup prioritization and a new timeline were announced by Gov. Brad Little Jan. 12. We will follow their direction. View the state's timeline and advisory committee's list of groups.
At this time, St. Luke’s is unable to set a specific timeline for when other groups will open for scheduling, including the next group (Group 2.2) for adults age 65 years of age and older. More information will be provided as soon as it is available. Please wait for further communication and next steps. Thank you for your patience.
While we understand the interest in information about the vaccine, we request that you do not call our clinics for updates so staff can focus on patient care. We will update this page when additional appointments are available.
Click each question below for its answer:
Pfizer has reported that its vaccine is 95% effective in preventing COVID-19 infection, once seven days have passed since the second vaccine dose (booster shot). The Moderna vaccine is reporting a 94.5% effectiveness rate.
The COVID vaccine will help your body generate antibodies to help protect you from the virus without getting sick. Vaccines can produce longer-lasting protection than if you had the disease. Research shows antibodies in recovering adults last up to four months. The CDC says more data is needed to know how long immunity produced by the vaccination will last.
Please review the fact sheets for each vaccine, as developed by the manufacturers:
These are not new technologies. The vaccines are actually set up to give us immunity that is better than natural infection. We know the side effects of the natural infection. When we compare the risks to those at the frontlines that are being exposed to the virus and those in our community who are at high-risk for severe disease and death, those risks greatly overshadow the unknown risks of the vaccine.
No, it is made from a portion of the virus’ molecular material (RNA). For more information on the science behind the vaccine, please visit Centers for Disease Control and Prevention site, Understanding mRNA COVID-19 Vaccines. Also check out, Facts about COVID-19 Vaccines.
Yes, because the vaccine is 95% effective, not 100% effective. Those exposed to the virus later, after the booster vaccine, tended to have mild symptoms if they became ill at all.
Idaho Resources
National Resources
Click each question below for its answer:
You may also set up online myChart proxy access for family members or dependents. Those who cannot use myChart may call St. Luke’s Connect at 208-381-9500 to set up an appointment when their group opens for scheduling.
Scheduling through myChart is the easiest and most effective way to make an appointment and track information. All people should schedule through myChart unless:Most of the COVID vaccines being developed require two doses, about four weeks apart. You will need to have both shots of the same vaccine, without mixing vaccine types. The first shot (primer) and the second shot (booster) are the same.
It is important to note that reactions after the vaccine and the actual COVID-19 infection are significantly different. Vaccine reactions may involve some mild symptoms occurring in the first couple of days, coupled with the pain at the injection site, redness and swelling (from the vaccine), as noted above. By contrast, the COVID-19 infection reaction has a respiratory component, cough and nasal congestion, loss of taste or smell, shortness of breath, much more fever, and also a longer period of muscle pain, fatigue and headache.
Health systems will receive reimbursement from insurance plans and the federal government with no cost to patients.
Click each question below for its answer:
The CDC has published information on What to Expect after Getting a COVID-19 Vaccine and posts updates as more information becomes available.
When you receive a vaccination in one of our clinics, you will have the option to be monitored for about 15 minutes and medical staff will use safety precautions and respond immediately if you have an initial reaction. If you have a delayed reaction, please contact your primary care provider or call 911.
Getting the COVID-19 vaccine will affect when or if you are eligible to donate blood. View Red Cross guidelines