COVID-19 Vaccines

No, you do not need to be a current patient to schedule an appointment. If you’re scheduling an appointment at one of our locations, you will be prompted to create an account for our patient portal, MyChart. Creating a MyChart account will allow easier check-in when receiving your vaccine. Please create a MyChart account when asked to do so during the scheduling process (use the activation code in your appointment confirmation email).

You can get a digital copy of your COVID-19 vaccination record using California's online portal.

If you're a current Loma Linda University Health patient, you can view your COVID-19 vaccination record using MyChart. After logging in, go to "Health" and then "Immunizations."

Getting vaccinated: The Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna, or Novavax COVID-19 vaccines are recommended for adults 18 and older. Children six months and older are eligible to receive the Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna vaccines.

For most people, the Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna COVID-19 mRNA vaccines are preferred over the J&J vaccine (due to its risk of serious adverse events). Learn more about who should get the J&J vaccine on the CDC's website.

Getting a booster: One booster shot of the Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna vaccines is preferred for most people five years and older, if eligible. Boosters are not recommended for kids who received two shots of Moderna for their primary vaccination series. The Novavax vaccine is not currently approved for use as a booster.

Two booster shots are recommended for adults 50 years and older and people 12 years and older who are moderately or severely immunocompromised.

Learn more about booster shot recommendations on the CDC's website.

If you receive a vaccine that requires multiple doses, our staff will schedule your next dose appointment. The J&J vaccine does not require more than one dose. Learn about timing between doses and boosters for specific vaccines and age groups on the CDC Stay Up to Date page.

If you’re getting vaccinated at one of our locations, please only schedule a first dose appointment online (as others will be canceled). To cancel a second or third dose appointment, please email pd2@llu.edu.

Booster shot appointments can be scheduled on My Turn.

Please contact the vaccine clinic where your appointment is scheduled to cancel or reschedule.

Before

• If you’re getting vaccinated at one of our locations, view and manage your appointment on MyChart. If you don’t have a MyChart account, learn how to create one and sign in (use the activation code in your appointment confirmation email).
• If you’re getting vaccinated at a different location, follow the instructions provided to you by My Turn or the vaccine provider.
• Review the appropriate vaccine fact sheet: Pfizer-BioNTech; Moderna; Novavax; Johnson & Johnson.
• Bring a photo ID and an insurance card (if you have one).
• Arrive 5-10 minutes before your scheduled time.

During

• Follow health and safety guidelines.
• Receive a vaccination card with important info about your vaccine.
• For appointments at our locations, your second dose appointment will be scheduled by our staff after you receive your first dose. 

After

• Stay for 15 minutes after receiving the vaccine in case you have a reaction (30 minutes if you've previously had a severe vaccine reaction or anaphylaxis).
• Be prepared for common mild side effects — talk to your doctor if your reaction is more serious. Report your side effects using the CDC’s V-safe app.
• Go to your second vaccine dose appointment. Use MyChart to view your appointment or reschedule.
• After you're fully vaccinated, consider getting a booster shot if you meet the CDC eligibility guidelines.

Clinical trials with thousands of children have shown the Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna COVID-19 vaccines are safe for kids six months and older. Kids 11 and younger receive a smaller dose using a smaller needle designed for children.

If eligible, your child is safe to receive a second dose, third dose (when applicable), or booster shot even if they have common side effects from the first dose. Serious side effects from any dose are extremely rare. Your child should not get a vaccine dose if they had an allergic reaction to a previous dose or have a diagnosed allergy to any ingredient of the vaccine. If you have any concerns, talk to your doctor to determine what's best for your child.

Learn more about COVID-19 vaccines and kids.