COVID-19

COVID-19 VACCINES

COVID19 Vaccines have been proven safe and effective. ACHS providers endorse getting the vaccine and over 90% of the ACHS’ team has now been vaccinated.

By getting the COVID19 vaccine and recommended booster shots you can help stop the spread of the virus and help keep you, your family, and the community healthy. ACHS has been approved to administer the COVID19 Vaccine as part of the US Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA) Health Equity Vaccine Program. As such, we have been distributing the COVID vaccine at our sites. We currently provide Moderna and Johnson & Johnson Jensen vaccines as well as booster shots for our patients (while supply and staffing permits). There is NO COST for the COVID19 vaccine or booster and you can request one during your regularly scheduled office appointments at check-in or by calling ahead. COVID19 vaccines and boosters are also available at most local pharmacies.

WHAT IS COVID19? Understanding what the SYMPTOMS are?

How to get your COVID19 Vaccine at ACHS: Current ACHS patients can call any ACHS location and request a vaccine at an upcoming appointment. Don’t have an upcoming appointment? You can also get a shot at your local pharmacy. Have questions? Call your home ACHS location. To learn more about the COVID19 vaccine, please click here.

Children’s Vaccines: Pfizer Covid19 Vaccines are now approved and recommended for all children over 5 years of age. Due to storage requirements, ACHS does not currently carry the Pfizer vaccine. Littleton Regional Healthcare offers the pediatric vaccine. To find additional locations for children over 5, please click here.

Third Shots & Boosters: The FDA has approved, and the CDC has recommended, Pfizer, J&J, and Moderna boosters for some populations. Pfizer and Moderna Boosters are recommended for those over 65 and people under 65 with chronic medical conditions, as well as for people without those risk factors, but with a high risk of exposure such as those who work in a healthcare or other setting.

J&J boosters can be received 2 months after 1^st dose. Moderna and Pfizer recipients are eligible six months from their second shot. Patients may receive any vaccine for this booster and can also select a Moderna or Pfizer booster. Mixing the vaccines is safe and effective. These booster shots are widely available at local pharmacies.

Keeping track of your vaccines: If you are an ACHS patient and have already had your vaccine and/or a booster add a copy of your vaccine card to your medical records by emailing a photo, uploading it to your ACHS patient portal account, faxing it to 603-444-8133, or stopping by any ACHS location. Read more here.

Lost your vaccine card? No worries. You can access your vaccine record and download a copy here.

ACHS participates in the New Hampshire Immunization Information System (NHIIS) a secure, statewide, web-based system that connects and shares immunization information among public clinics, private provider offices, local health departments, schools, hospitals, and other health care facilities that administer immunizations and provide medical care to New Hampshire residents.

Is it safe to get a COVID19 Booster and a Flu shot? Yes, it is safe and both will be effective.

COVID-19 VACCINE DETAILS:

WHO – Vaccines are available to all NH residents 5+ as well as to those who reside outside of NH.
WHAT / WHEN –
- Pfizer
  - First shot, then second shot 21 days later. Third shot (if immunocompromised) one month later. A six-month booster is recommended for all at high risk.
  - Recipients who are 5 – 18 years of age may only receive the Pfizer vaccine.
    - To locate a designated Pfizer location (approved for those 5-18) click here
- Moderna
  - First shot, then second shot 28 days later. Third shot (if immunocompromised) one month later. A six-month booster is recommended for those at high risk.
- Johnson & Johnson
  - First shot, booster recommended for all two months later. The booster can be of any of the three vaccine types.
WHERE – Designated ACHS sites, state sites, some pharmacies, and many area hospitals
WHY – To protect yourself, your loved ones, and the community from the COVID19 virus
HOW – Many locations including local pharmacies. For full listings visit the CDC.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS about the COVID19 vaccine and COMMON VACCINE SIDE EFFECTS

COVID-19 TESTING:

WHO – Patients who have symptoms of COVID-19, and patients who need to have results to end quarantine, return to work or school.
WHAT – COVID-19 rapid (15-minute Antigen test) best for those exhibiting symptoms, and PCR (Polymerase chain reaction) which detects the presence of a virus at the time of the test, even without symptoms. After collection, the swab is sent to an external laboratory. Results may take a few days, but it is considered the most accurate COVID testing.
WHERE – Here at ACHS, or state-designated testing sites, including many area hospitals
WHEN – If you are an ACHS patient, simply make an appointment. If not, you can or go to Littleton Regional Healthcare on designated days
WHY – To reduce the spread of disease and to determine if you need to quarantine. To end quarantine, get back to work or school
HOW – Nasal test swab

HELP FOR MENTAL HEALTH CONCERNS? Get assistance for Mental Health, Stress, Anxiety related to COVID19. Access ACHS Behavioral Health resources here.