Recipient Questions

Anyone 6 months and older can get a COVID-19 vaccine. For the most up-to-date recommendations, visit: Stay Up to Date with COVID-19 Vaccines | CDC, or speak with your healthcare provider.

Yes.

Having had COVID-19 builds some immunity, but a COVID-19 vaccine provides greater protection from reinfection. If you recently had COVID-19, you may consider waiting 3 months before receiving your next COVID-19 vaccine, if you're not already up to date on COVID-19 vaccines recommended for your age group. Reinfection is less likely to occur soon after you’ve had COVID-19, but your immunity will fade over time. The vaccine restores your protection from severe illness.

Visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) Vaccine Finder at www.vaccines.gov and click on “Find COVID-19 Vaccines”. Check the vaccine(s) you are interested in and enter your zip code. Find a location near you, then call or visit their website to make an appointment.

For pediatric vaccine: 

Parents or guardians of children ages 6 months and older should check with their child’s pediatrician for COVID-19 vaccine availability. 

Yes. If you wish to choose a specific vaccine, visit www.vaccines.gov. When you click, “Find COVID-19 Vaccines”, you can choose a specific brand of vaccine. Talk to your healthcare provider about the COVID-19 vaccines that are available, or visit https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/different-vaccines/overview-COVID-19-vaccines.html. 

All COVID-19 vaccines are safe and have been subject to the same rigorous scientific studies as other vaccines. The vaccines have undergone scientific review by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and CDC science and medical expert advisory committees to ensure that these vaccines are both safe and effective. The vaccine trials have been held to the same scientific standards as other vaccines that have been licensed for use and the FDA has not lowered their standards for these vaccines. While experts continue to gather data on the long-term protection and outcomes after vaccination, the vaccines have been appropriately studied to ensure they are effective and safe  and the safety of the vaccines will continue to be monitored. 

The majority of side-effects reported from the vaccine includes pain around the injection site, redness or swelling. Some people report other side effects that are normal signs your body is building protection against COVID-19. These include tiredness, headache, muscle pain, chills, fever and nausea and should not last more than a couple days.

Millions of people have received COVID-19 vaccines, and no long-term side effects have been detected. There have been very rare instances where individuals had inflammation (irritation) of the heart or the heart’s outer lining (myocarditis or pericarditis) after vaccination. However, the risk of getting myocarditis or pericarditis is greater for those who are not vaccinated because COVID-19 itself can cause myocarditis and pericarditis. Scientists and researchers will continue to actively monitor the vaccines for any long-term safety concerns.

For more information about COVID-19 vaccines for children, visit: www.cdc.gov/vaccines/covid-19/planning/children/6-things-to-know.html

Many health insurance plans cover the cost of COVID-19 vaccines. Check with your insurer about your specific plan. If you are uninsured or underinsured, COVID-19 vaccines are free through the CDC's Bridge Access Program. Visit vaccines.gov to find pharmacies and providers near you participating in the program. 

The CDC no longer issues or replaces CDC vaccination cards. You can download your vaccine record from the NH Immunization Information System. Go to www.vaccines.nh.gov/vaccination-record-instructions and follow the instructions to download a copy of your COVID-19 vaccine record.

Your COVID-19 vaccines may be available in the NH Immunization Information System (NHIIS). Go to www.vaccines.nh.gov/vaccination-record-instructions and follow the instructions to download a copy of your COVID-19 vaccine record. The NHIIS portal represents only data reported and entered into the NHIIS by the medical provider who administered your COVID-19 vaccine. If you cannot access your record through the NHIIS portal, please call (603) 271-0301 for further assistance.

Please note: If you previously opted out of NHIIS, you will not be able to use the patient portal because your information was not recorded in NHIIS. If you would like to change your opt-out status to access your immunization information through the portal, please contact your primary provider to request to change your opt-out status. If you don’t have a primary care provider, call (603) 271-0301 for assistance.

To request a correction to your record including a name change or correction to vaccination dates, please complete the Correction to Immunization/Vaccination Record form and use the open box provided on the form to list specific corrections needed.

The form and copies of supporting documents should be mailed to 29 Hazen Drive, Concord, NH 03301 or send via secured fax to (603) 696-3266. If you need further assistance on COVID-19 vaccine documentation, please call (603) 271-0301.

Supporting Documents

1. Proof of Identity (for all requests): copy of your photo ID card including passport, state ID card or Driver License
2. Other supporting documents depending on correction needed:
   1. If you are requesting to correct your vaccination (Send copies only):  CDC Vaccination card, Official record from provider/pharmacy containing vaccine lot #, Administration date, clinic location or address, recipient full name and DOB.
   2. If you are requesting to change your legal name (Send copies only): Legal Court documentation or divorce decree or marriage certificate
   3. If you are requesting for your child’s record correction (Send copies only): Birth Certificate or Guardianship document

Visit the NHIIS Homepage 

NH does not currently use the SMART Health Card or other QR codes for proof of vaccination. You should use either your CDC vaccination card or download your vaccine record from vaccines.nh.gov.

Your healthcare provider is your best source of information. If you do not have a provider and have questions about COVID-19 vaccines, you may call the NH Immunization Program at 603-271-4496, Monday - Friday, during normal business hours.