COVID-19 (Coronavirus)
How to Get Vaccinated
Today, most Americans ages 6 months and older are eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. This includes people who are pregnant, have allergies, or are immunocompromised.
We now offer vaccines for people ages 6 months and older at many locations throughout our community - both as a primary series and as a booster.
Our patients can also get the vaccine at nearly all of our employed doctor's offices, including Rochester Regional Health Pediatrics, Primary Care, OBGYN and Allergy, Immunology and Rheumatology locations.
When any updated COVID vaccine recommendations are released, check to see if you are affected based on your age, when you received your last shot, or any relevant health conditions.
Common Questions About COVID-19
General Questions
Get the latest information on the vaccines available for COVID-19, including how the vaccines were created, who should get them, safety and side effects below.
You can get evaluated for a test at select Rochester Regional Health Urgent Care locations. Our Urgent Care locations accept walk-in evaluations and will test if deemed necessary by an on-site healthcare provider based on the testing criteria.
The new coronavirus and influenza (flu) are both contagious viruses that cause respiratory illnesses, and both diseases are spread worldwide. Both can cause a fever, cough, body aches, fatigue and sometimes vomiting and diarrhea, and both can result in pneumonia. But there are many differences, like transmission, medication, and treatment options.
Stay protected against COVID-19 by getting vaccinated as soon as it is available to you. If you are not yet vaccinated, continue to:
- washing your hands regularly with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer for 20 seconds
- maintain physical distancing of six feet between other people and avoid crowds
- wear a mask to cover your mouth and nose whenever in public, especially when unable to maintain six feet physical distance from others
According to the CDC, a new study suggests that pregnant women with COVID-19 are more likely to be hospitalized and are at increased risk for intensive care unit (ICU) admission and receipt of mechanical ventilation than nonpregnant women. Risk of death is similar for both groups.
Vaccine Questions
The FDA has approved and authorized updated COVID-19 vaccines (2024-2025 formula) to enhance protection against circulating variants.
Authorized for Emergency Use:
- Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine (2024-2025 Formula): For ages 6 months through 11 years.
- Novavax COVID-19 Vaccine, Adjuvanted (2024-2025 Formula): For ages 12 and older.
- Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine (2024-2025 Formula): For ages 6 months through 11 years.
FDA-Approved Vaccines:
- Comirnaty (2024-2025 Formula)
- Spikevax (2024-2025 Formula)
The COVID-19 virus evolves over time, leading to new variants that may partially evade immunity from previous infections or vaccinations. Updated COVID-19 vaccines are formulated to target these current variants, enhancing protection against infection and severe disease. Receiving the latest vaccine ensures your immune system is better equipped to recognize and combat the most prevalent strains, reducing the risk of illness and transmission.
Yes, the CDC recommends COVID-19 vaccination for everyone aged 6 months and older, including those who are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning to become pregnant. Vaccination during pregnancy is safe and effective, offering protection against severe illness for both the mother and baby. If you have concerns, consult your healthcare provider for personalized advice.
COVID-19 symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as long as 14 days after exposure to the virus. The virus may cause respiratory symptoms such as:
Coughing
High Fever
Breathing problems
Shortness of breath
Chills
Muscle Pain
Sore Throat
New loss of taste or smell
Flu, Cold & COVID-19: What’s The Difference?
All three of these illnesses caused by respiratory viruses share similar symptoms such as stuffy nose, sore throat, and fatigue. It’s not uncommon to mistake one for the others. But getting a COVID-19 test as a precaution is always a safe first step to take.
(100-102 F)can last 3-4 days
COVID-19 Related Articles
Visitor & Masking Guidelines
Rochester Regional Health has implemented new visitor guidelines and masking requirements, following state and local Department of Health recommendations.