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: 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). Children six months and older are eligible to receive the Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna vaccines.

Learn more about who should get the J&J vaccine on the CDC's website.

Getting a booster: One booster shot of Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna vaccines is preferred for everyone five years and older, if eligible.

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 the Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna vaccine at one of our locations, our staff will schedule your second dose appointment at your first dose appointment. The J&J vaccine does not require a second dose.

If you’re getting vaccinated at one of our locations, please do not schedule a second dose appointment online (as it will be canceled). To cancel your second dose appointment, please email pd2@llu.edu.

Our locations are following the protocols for scheduling second dose appointments that have been approved by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The guidelines state you should receive your second dose after the 21st day and up to six weeks for the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine and after the 28th day and up to six weeks for the Moderna vaccine. All second dose appointments will be scheduled in that timeframe.

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 Johnson & Johnson vaccine fact sheet (PDF), the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine fact sheet (PDF) and the Moderna vaccine fact sheet  (PDF).
• Bring a photo ID and an insurance card (if you have one).
• Arrive 5-10 minutes before your scheduled time.

During

• Follow mask and social distancing 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.