Take these steps when planning your vaccinations.

Knowing what to expect can help you get the information you need for your vaccination appointment and help the process go smoothly. 

Before your appointment

Find your vaccination records.

Bring your vaccination records to your appointment to verify what vaccines you’ve already had. Learn more about finding your vaccination records.

All states and some cities have centralized registries of vaccines given by local providers. A registry may not have all records, but can be a great place to check. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has a listing of registry contacts or just call the CDC Information Contact Center at 800-232-4636 (CDC-INFO).

• Vaccine Records in Illinois
• Vaccine Records in Indiana

Consider: 

• Asking doctors you’ve seen in the past
• Checking with former employers who may have required vaccines
• Checking to see if your high school or college still has your records

Find local vaccine locations.

You can get most vaccines at your doctor’s office. Many are also available at local pharmacies, health departments, or community health events. Find a location near you.

Paying for Vaccines

All insurance companies are required to cover the cost of vaccines that are recommended by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), including the updated COVID-19 vaccines.

• All children without insurance can get their COVID-19 vaccine under the Vaccines for Children Program.
• Adults without insurance can get their COVID-19 vaccine for free under the Bridge Access Program through the end of 2024. Visit vaccines.gov to find locations.

Use this fact sheet to learn more about both programs as well as the I CARE registry. Visit the CDC site or use this tool to learn more about paying for vaccines

During your appointment

Get the facts about vaccines.

During your vaccination appointment, your doctor is required to give you a Vaccine Information Statement that explains the benefits and risks of a vaccine. It’s important to ask your doctor any questions you may have about the vaccine or the vaccination process. Before you leave the doctor's office, check that your doctor added the vaccine to your vaccination records.

Ensure you're eligible for a vaccine.

Though rare, some people may not be able to receive vaccines. Learn more about who should not get vaccinated. Tell your doctor if you:

• Have any allergies
• Have had serious side effects from a vaccine in the past
• Are pregnant or planning to get pregnant
• Are ill

Keep calm.

• Take deep breaths
• Avoid looking at the syringe
• Relax your muscles

After your appointment

Most people don’t have any serious side effects from vaccines. Common side effects include:

• Pain, swelling, or redness at the injection site
• Mild fever
• Chills
• Fatigue
• Headache
• Muscle and joint aches

Try these tips to help you feel better:

• Drink fluids
• Place a cool, wet washcloth on the injection site
• Take a non-aspirin pain reliever, if approved by your doctor
• Try moving your arm around to help reduce the pain and swelling

It’s very unlikely that you will have serious side effects from a vaccine. If you have any symptoms that concern you after you get vaccinated, call your doctor.