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1. How do I sign up to get the vaccine?

If you are interested in receiving the coronavirus vaccine in the future, please go to our website and sign up here: www.rileycountyks.gov/vaccinerequest.  

If you prefer to sign up by phone, please call Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to noon or from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. and provide your information over the phone: 785-565-6560. If you do not reach someone, please leave a message with your first and last name and phone number and someone will call you back as soon as possible. 

2. How will I be notified when it’s time to get the vaccine?

You can sign up to receive vaccine communication and put your name on the list by filling out the form at www.rileycountyks.gov/vaccinerequest or by calling 785-565-6560 Mon-Fri from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. If you fill out the form, you will be contacted directly by phone, email, and/or text with scheduling information when it is your turn. 

3. What are the priority groups for Riley County?

Beginning March 1st Riley County will be following the vaccine phases as mandated by Kansas Department of Health and Education Services. 

Explanation of phases CLICK HERE

4. I have underlying health conditions, can I be vaccinated early?

To help protect our most vulnerable citizens, we are currently working to vaccinate those 65 and older with severe medical risks.  Individuals who are 18-64 with severe medical risks fall under KDHE’s Phase 3. 

www.rileycountyks.gov/vaccinerequest

If you are interested in receiving the coronavirus vaccine in the future, please go to our website and sign up here: www.rileycountyks.gov/vaccinerequest Vaccines are not available to the general public right now.

If you prefer to sign up by phone, please call Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and provide your information over the phone: 785-565-6560. If you do not reach someone, please leave a message with your first and last name and phone number and someone will call you back as soon as possible. 

5. Can children be vaccinated for COVID-19?

At this time, the Pfizer vaccine is authorized for individuals 16 years and older. and the Moderna vaccine is authorized for those 18 and older. Trials did not initially include children and more study is needed to determine effectiveness for children under the age of 16.

To date, Riley County Health Department has only received the Moderna vaccine. 

6. How many doses are needed?

Generally, two doses are needed to provide the best protection against COVID-19. The first dose “primes” the immune system, helping the body recognized the virus, and the second dose strengthens the immune response.

According to a document Moderna submitted to the FDA, it’s vaccine can provide 80.2% protection after one dose, compared to 95.6% after the second (in people aged 18 to 65 – it’s 86.4% in those over 65).

7. How do I get scheduled for my second dose/ "booster"?

How do I know when I can get my booster shot?

•  You will qualify to receive a booster shot 28 days after your initial dose. It does not need to be on that exact day, but it cannot be any sooner than 24 days.

Do I need to re-register for the second dose? 

• No. 

How do I get an appointment for my second dose? 

• We will contact you in the same manner that we contacted you for the first dose. PLEASE DO NOT REGISTER AGAIN. 

Do you have enough doses for the second dose?

• Yes. KDHE sends us vaccines designated for second doses based on the number of first doses we distributed. 

Do I need to get my second dose from the same organization I got my first?

• No. However we strongly encourage you to get your second dose from the same location. (The reason being: the state sends RCHD boosters based on how many first doses we give. If 200 people get first doses at Walmart but come to us for second doses, we will not have received those 200 booster shots from the state.) 

What are the side effects of the second dose? 

• Side effects may feel like flu and even affect your ability to do daily activities, but they should go away in a few days.
• With most COVID-19 vaccines, you will need 2 shots in order to get the maximum benefit. Get the second shot even if you have side effects after the first shot, unless a vaccination provider or your doctor tells you not to get a second shot.
• It takes time for your body to build protection after any vaccination. COVID-19 vaccines that require 2 shots may not protect you until a week or two after your second shot.

Should I take Tylenol before I get my booster shot?

• No. There’s a possibility that preemptive pain medicines could dampen someone’s immune response to the vaccine, based on research.

8. What are the side effects of the vaccine?

The most common side effects are pain and swelling on the arm at the site of the injection. Throughout the rest of your body, you may experience fever, chills, tiredness, and a headache. It is important to note that these symptoms are immune responses and signs that your body is reacting appropriately.

Helpful tips:

According to the CDC if you have pain or discomfort you should talk to your doctor about over-the-counter medications, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen. 

To reduce pain at the site of the shot you can apply a clean, cool and wet washcloth to the area. 

Call your doctor or healthcare provider if: 

1.  The redness or tenderness where you got the shot gets worse after 24 hours. 
2. Your side effects or worrying you or do not go away after a few days 

If you get a COVID-19 vaccine and you think you might be having a severe allergic reaction seek immediate medical care by calling 911.

9. Is the vaccine safe?

Yes. Vaccines are the safest medicines used in the United States. 

COVID-19 vaccines were tested in large clinical trials to make sure they meet safety standards. Many people were recruited to participate in these trials to see how the vaccines offers protection to people of different ages, races, and ethnicities, as well as those with different medical conditions. 

• The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) carefully reviews all safety data from clinical trials and an authorizes emergency vaccine use only when the expected benefits outweigh potential risks.
• The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) reviews all safety data before recommending any COVID-19 vaccine for use. Learn how ACIP makes vaccine recommendations.
• FDA and CDC will continue to monitor the safety of COVID-19 vaccines, to make sure even very rare side effects are identified.

10. What are the benefits of getting the vaccine?

According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), both COVID-19 vaccines have shown to be highly effective in preventing COVID-19. Those vaccines were carefully evaluated in clinical trials and were only approved because they make it substantially less likely you’ll get COVID-19. 

There is no way to know how COVID-19 will affect you. Getting a vaccine is a safer way to help your body protect you by creating an antibody response without getting sick. 

While wearing a mask and practicing social distancing help reduce your chances of being exposed or spreading it to others, these steps are not enough. Getting a vaccine and following the CDC’s recommendations will offer the best protection.

Experts believe that getting the vaccine may also help keep you from getting seriously ill if you happen to get COVID-19. 

11. When will vaccines be available for the general public?

We believe vaccines may be available to the general public (Phase 4) sometime in the spring - but we do not know for sure. We receive our vaccines from the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE). Riley County is currently vaccinating in Phase 2. 

Riley County Vaccine Phases

12. Do I need to make an appointment to get the COVID-19 vaccine?

Anyone who would like to be vaccinated,  please sign up using the online form at www.rileycountyks.gov/vaccinerequest or call 785-565-6560 Mon-Fri from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. If you sign up, you will be notified by phone, email, and/or text when it is your turn to be vaccinated. 

We also have FLU shots available. To schedule an appointment for a flu shot, please call 785-776-4779. Find more information at http://rileycountyks.gov/1785/Flu

13. Where will the shots be administered?

Shots are currently being administered at Pottorf Hall at CiCo Park in Manhattan. 

14. I don't have a car, how can I get to the vaccine clinic?

There is an aTa Bus stop at CiCo Park on Route 1, which is highlighted in red below. The bus begins running at 7:00 am and stops at 7:27 pm. Click HERE for more information. 

15. Do people who get the vaccine still have to wear masks?

Yes. The mask order is still in effect in Riley County as well as the City of Manhattan. 

CDC recommends that during the pandemic people wear a mask that covers their nose and mouth when in contact with others outside your household. Social distance and good hand hygiene should also continue. 

If you have received both doses of the vaccine, it is recommended you continue to wear a mask so you do not risk spreading COVID-19 to those who have not been vaccinated.

Anyone who has trouble breathing or is unable to remove a mask without assistance should not wear a mask. For more information, visit considerations for wearing masks.

16. Why did you say you received vaccines, but I can’t have one yet?

There are an estimated 75,000 people in Riley County. The small amount of vaccines we have received were given to those who are in Phase 1 (healthcare providers, EMS staff, first responders, some health department staff, and a few critical infrastructure staff) and we have now begun Phase 2. We are prioritizing those who are most at risk for catching or spreading the virus, or are essential for the safety of the community.

As additional shipments are received, Riley County will move through the phases of vaccine priority below and work as quickly as possible to get everyone vaccinated who wishes to be. 

If you are interested in receiving the coronavirus vaccine in the future, please go to our website and sign up here: www.rileycountyks.gov/vaccinerequest . Vaccines are not available to the general public right now.

If you prefer to sign up by phone, please call Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to noon or from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. and provide your information over the phone: 785-565-6560. If you do not reach someone, please leave a message with your first and last name and phone number and someone will call you back as soon as possible. 

17. What are the differences between the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines?

Currently, two vaccines have been approved for distribution in the fight against COVID-19. Pfizer and Moderna have both produced vaccines the FDA has deemed safe and effective. 

To see a breakdown of both of the vaccines please click below: 

COVID-19 VACCINE FACT SHEET