COVID Vaccine Information

Upcoming COVID Vaccine Clinic - 2nd Dose Only

February 27, 2021 from 7:30am-5:30pm 

 Ravenswood Family Health Center (1885 Bay Road, East Palo Alto, CA 94303)

Important: Our COVID Vaccine Clinic on Saturday, February 27^th will be open only to those who received their 1^st dose of the vaccine on Saturday, January 30^th. 

Please refer to your CDC vaccination card for when you should arrive. If you do not have your CDC vaccination card, please return at the same time you received your 1st dose on January 30^th.

Our Saturday medical clinic on February 27^th will be closed.

Please review or fill out the following forms prior to your vaccine appointment: 

• RFHN COVID-19 Vaccine Screening and Consent Form - English / Spanish / Tongan 
• Vaccine Eligibility Attestation Form - English
• Media Consent Form - English / Spanish

• V-Safe Information Sheet - English / Spanish
• Moderna Fact Sheet - English / Spanish

Does RFHN have the COVID-19 vaccine?

Yes. RFHN has the Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine and is working with the public health departments of San Mateo and Santa Clara Counties to vaccinate according to state guidelines https://covid19.ca.gov/vaccines/. 

Who can get the vaccine Ravenswood Family Health Network (as of February 23, 2021)?

Vaccines are available by appointment only for registered/established patients who meet the requirements. Both registered/established patients as well as community members who meet the requirements can attend our mass vaccination clinics at our clinic sites (please check our website regularly for updates on mass vaccination clinics). Due to limited vaccine supply, we are currently vaccinating the following groups: 

• People 65 years or older;
• ONE caregiver providing the equivalent of nursing home care who is accompanying the 65 year or older patient (caregiver must have proper documentation—a note from the patient’s provider stating this individual is the caregiver of the patient or documentation showing that they have been approved by an authorized agency as a designated caregiver);
• Health care workers (18 years or older) with proof of employment, including those working for County In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) (must show proof of IHSS credentials);
• Family members of a household member who has an intellectual or developmental disability with a letter from the California Regional Center or medical documentation verifying the qualifying condition; OR
• Eligible essential workers living in San Mateo County (please complete the Vaccine Eligibility Attestation Form below).

All eligible patients must:

• Meet the above requirements;
• Be a resident of San Mateo County or Santa Clara County; 
• Be available to receive the 2nd vaccine 4 weeks after the 1st vaccine; AND
• Receive the vaccine in the County they live in.

How can I schedule a vaccine appointment? 

Vaccines are available by appointment only for registered/established patients who meet the requirements above. Both registered/established patients as well as community members who meet the requirements above can attend our mass vaccination clinics at our clinic sites (please check our website regularly for updates on mass vaccination clinics).

If we have your mobile phone number or you are registered in MyChart, we will notify you when you are eligible for the vaccine. We can only notify you of your eligibility to receive a vaccine If we have your mobile phone number or are registered in the Ravenswood patient portal MyChart

If you have been a patient in the past two years, you can sign up to access your MyChart patient portal: https://mychart.ochin.org/mychartrfhc/Authentication/Login. After you register, you will regularly receive updates and be able to schedule your own appointments to receive your COVID-19 vaccine.

If you are currently eligible to receive the vaccine, you can also TEXT us at 650-330-7400 with the following information (please do not call us with this information):

• First, Middle, and Last Names
• Date of Birth
• Age
• Occupation
• Cell phone number that can receive text messages

Who can attend the COVID Vaccine Clinic on Saturday, February 27th, 2021? 

Our COVID Vaccine Clinic on Saturday, February 27^th will only be open to those who received their 1^st dose of the vaccine at our COVID Vaccine Clinic on Saturday, January 30^th. ONLY 2^nd doses will be given to those individuals who received their 1^st dose of the vaccine on January 30, 2021. Thank you for understanding.

Which vaccines does Ravenswood offer?
Ravenswood is currently offering the Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine. 

What are the benefits of the vaccine?
The COVID-19 vaccine will teach your immune system how to recognize and fight the virus that causes COVID-19 and/or have a milder infection of COVID-19. Even if you get the vaccine you will still need to continue to wear a mask, stay six feet from others, and wash your hands regularly.

How long does it take for the vaccine to work?
The Moderna vaccine requires two doses four weeks apart. It typically takes about 7-14 days to start developing about 50% immunity after the first dose. Full immunity will not occur until after the second dose. Regardless, if you are vaccinated you should still follow current infection precautions.

What are the side effects of the vaccine?
The most common side effects include:

• Local
• Pain at the injection site
• General:
  * Tiredness
  * Headache
  * Muscle pain
  * Chills
  * Joint pain
  * Fever

These typically last several days and were more commonly reported after the second dose. 

Severe allergic reactions are rare, but may occur. If it does occur, it will be shortly after the vaccine. We ask everyone to stay at least 15 minutes so that we can observe them for immediate side effects or 30 minutes if there is a history of a severe allergic reaction. Please make sure to let us know if you have had these types of reactions or if you are a highly allergic individual so that we can watch you more closely. Please note that you may have reactions after the observation period. Once you leave, if you have any further reactions of concern to you, please contact 911 if you feel it is an emergency or your primary care provider if you have any other questions.

If I already tested positive for COVID-19, do I still need to get the vaccine?
(i.e. will receiving the vaccine still be beneficial?)
Yes. We do not know how long the immunity from having COVID-19 lasts. It is believed to last about 90 days. Schedule your vaccine appointment during this time. Be sure your isolation period is completed and you do not have any remaining symptoms prior to your vaccination.

If I am pregnant or breastfeeding can I get the vaccine?
Please check with your health care provider.

How much will the vaccine cost?
There is no cost for the vaccine. There may be a charge for administering it to your health insurance or health coverage. Regardless of insurance or coverage, you will be able to receive the vaccine.

What can I do until I am eligible to receive a vaccination?
Keep following COVID precautions including properly wearing a mask, social distancing, and washing your hands. Even vaccinated individuals need to practice these measures until healthcare guidance changes.

What if I am not a patient?
If you reside in San Mateo County, please visit: https://www.smchealth.org/covid-19-vaccination.
If you reside in Santa Clara County, please visit: https://www.sccgov.org/sites/covid19/Pages/COVID19-vaccine-information-for-public.aspx.