MyChart
COVID-19 Vaccine News and Information (updated 7/10/25)
St. Luke’s administers the Pfizer vaccine. We recommend everyone stay up to date with COVID-19 vaccines. You can schedule an appointment in MyChart.
COVID-19 FAQs
Click each question below for its answer:
Flu is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza virus. It can cause mild to severe illness, sometimes leading to death. Flu almost always causes symptoms in those who are infected.
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a disease caused by the virus SARS-CoV-2, which has triggered a global pandemic. It can cause mild to severe illness, sometimes leading to death.
A key difference is that many people with COVID-19 can have mild symptoms or no symptoms at all. This makes it difficult to distinguish between infected and non-infected individuals and made it difficult to contain the pandemic. People with no symptoms can still transmit the SARS-CoV-2 virus, which rarely happens with influenza.
For a comparison of influenza and COVID-19 check out Similarities and Differences between Flu and COVID-19.
COVID-19, like the virus that causes influenza, can spread from person-to-person between people who are in close contact with one another, within about 6 feet. Both are spread mainly by large and small particles containing virus that are expelled when people with the illness (COVID-19 or flu) cough, sneeze or talk. These particles can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby and possibly be inhaled into the lungs. In some circumstances, such as indoor settings with poor ventilation, small particles might be spread further than 6 feet and cause infections.
Although most spread is by inhalation, it may be possible that a person can get infected by touching (for example, shaking hands with someone who has the virus on their hands) or by touching a surface or object that has virus on it, and then touching their own mouth, nose, or eyes.
Both flu viruses and the virus that causes COVID-19 can be spread to others by people before they begin showing symptoms; by people with very mild symptoms; and by people who never experience symptoms (asymptomatic people).
Source: CDC - Similarities and Differences between Flu and COVID-19
Yes. The best way to protect yourself and your loved ones against COVID-19 is to get vaccinated with the most recent vaccine as the viruses change and vaccines are updated. The CDC recommends everyone six months and older get an annual COVID-19 vaccine. COVID-19 vaccination has been shown to reduce severity of illness and helps protect you from hospitalization and death. Vaccine protection decreases over time, so it's important to get the most recent COVID-19 vaccine.
It's also important to maintain vaccination schedules for all vaccines, especially for children. Many children have gotten behind on their important childhood vaccinations that protect them from diseases like polio, measles, and bacteria that cause childhood meningitis. Maintaining vaccination schedules helps prevent unnecessary illnesses and reduces the risk of illness and spread throughout the community.
Yes. Flu vaccines and COVID-19 vaccines can be given at the same time, according to the CDC.
Source: CDC - Getting a Flu Vaccine and other Recommended Vaccines at the Same Time
If you develop symptoms of flu or respiratory illness, get tested. Please follow these steps:
- If you think you may have symptoms of COVID-19, or may have been exposed, please use our self-triage tool in myChart first; it will help you determine what to do next. If you don’t have a myChart account, you can create one online here.
- If self-triage indicates that you should be tested, you will be able to schedule an appointment through myChart at one of our designated clinic locations or you can self-test at home with a simple over the counter test. Please note: you must have an appointment for testing, we are unable to accept walk-ins.
- If you are experiencing severe symptoms and need immediate assistance, go to the nearest emergency department.
Ensuring you stay up to date with COVID-19 vaccines is the first and most important step to protect against COVID-19. Everyone six months or older should stay up to date on COVID-19 vaccines.
To prevent the spread of flu or COVID-19, use the “three W” infection-prevention practices:
- Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or use alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
- Wear a mask in public, whether indoors or outdoors.
- Watch your distance—keep six feet from others and avoid close contact with those who are sick.
- If you’re sick, stay home. Private parties and large gatherings are well-documented sources of outbreaks, so avoid them.
Yes, masks have been shown to significantly reduce rates of transmission.
Follow CDC guidelines, and err on the side of caution. Wear a mask in public, particularly in indoor and enclosed spaces, if you're experiencing symptoms or prefer a more preventative approach when near others. Wear one in places where physical distancing is difficult to maintain, such as grocery stores and pharmacies, especially in areas of significant community-based transmission.
Yes. Making sure you are up to date with the most recent COVID-19 vaccine is the first and most important step in protecting against COVID-19. Everyone six months or older should stay up to date on COVID-19 vaccines. The COVID-19 vaccine has been shown to reduce the risk of getting sick from COVID-19 and has been shown to reduce hospitalization from COVID-19. Ensuring you are up to date on your COVID-19 vaccine helps reduce the illness burden in the community.
COVID-19 antivirals are available by prescription. Antiviral drugs are somewhat effective in treating COVID-19 illness, can make illness milder, and can shorten the time you’re sick. They can also prevent serious COVID-19 complications. Antiviral drugs should be used early on to treat people who are very sick with COVID-19 and people who get COVID-19 symptoms who are at high risk of serious COVID-19 complications, such as the elderly or those with medical conditions.
There are multiple strains of COVID-19 in any given season. Since a vaccine is only able to target a limited number of strains, you may be protected from one strain but not another.
