Sanford Bemidji is now offering a new online COVID-19 vaccination appointment scheduler.
Anyone, Sanford patient or not, can make an appointment through the Sanford Health website.
Vaccine eligibility was expanded to anyone over the age of 16 this week.
“With vaccinations opening up to anyone 16 years-old and older, many of whom work full time, have families and busy schedules, we wanted to make vaccination scheduling as accessible as possible for community members,” shared Dr. Colleen Swank, clinic vice president and physician for Sanford Bemidji.
“Now, anyone can schedule their vaccine from any mobile device at any time, day or night.”
Community members can also schedule their vaccine appointment by calling 877-701-0779 Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
What to expect
Upon scheduling online or calling the vaccine clinic phone number, patients will be instructed where/when to go to receive their vaccine. The appointment and COVID-19 vaccine are at no cost to the recipient.
Vaccinations will only be administered with an appointment.
People will be observed on-site for 15 minutes after receiving the COVID-19 vaccine. The most common side effects are injection site pain, soreness and swelling.
Preferences for which brand of vaccine a person receives will not be accepted.
Due to current manufacturer age restrictions, those who are 16 or 17 years-old may receive the Pfizer vaccine, but not the Moderna or Johnson and Johnson vaccines. Children under 16 years-old are not eligible to get the vaccine at this time.
If the vaccine requires a second dose, the patient will schedule a second dose appointment for the same type of vaccine upon arrival for their first vaccination.
The second dose of the Pfizer vaccine should be received 21 days after the first dose. The second dose of the Moderna vaccine should be received 28 days after the first dose. The Johnson and Johnson vaccine does not require a second booster dose.
If you are unsure about getting the COVID-19 vaccine or would like to learn more, please call the Sanford Health Nurse Line—(800) 821-5167—or view the many helpful resources at sanfordhealth.org.
