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COVID-19 Vaccines

For the best protection against the COVID-19 virus, everyone 6 months and older should stay up-to-date with COVID-19 vaccines, including boosters if eligible, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). That means completing a COVID-19 vaccine primary series and receiving the most recent booster dose recommended for you by CDC. 

For more information about COVID-19 vaccines, please check the CDC website for the latest guidance. UC San Diego Health patients may also contact their primary care provider or call 800-926-8273.

Where to Find COVID-19 Vaccines

UC San Diego Health is currently not offering COVID-19 vaccines. However, COVID-19 vaccines are free and widely available in pharmacies, grocery stores and other locations in your neighborhood. If you are looking for a vaccine, we suggest:

Digital Vaccine and Testing Records

If you’re a UC San Diego Health patient, you can see information about all your vaccine doses and access a digital copy of your COVID-19 vaccine records or COVID-19 test results through the MyUCSDChart patient portal. You'll be able to generate a QR code that can soon be read by participating organizations or download a PDF record of your vaccine doses.

The digital vaccine record is also known as a SMART Health Card. It is similar to the digital vaccine record available through the state of California, but you may find the MyUCSDChart version easier to access, especially if you have proxy accounts through MyChart for children or other family members.

To see your vaccine doses and access the QR code for your vaccine record or test results:

  • Log into MyUCSDChart or open the MyUCSDHealth app on a smartphone or tablet and select MyUCSDChart.
  • Go to the Menu at the top left. Under My Record, select "COVID-19." (You can also find vaccine records under "Immunizations & Screenings," but the QR codes and PDF downloads are not offered in that area of MyUCSDChart.)
  • Select "QR codes" to generate a QR code or select "Download/Export" to generate a PDF copy of your results

How to Update Your Digital Records 

If you received one or both of your COVID-19 vaccine doses outside of UC San Diego Health, we may have already received vaccine records from other vaccination locations in California and automatically updated your medical records.

If not, you can send a message to your primary care provider through your MyUCSDChart account once you have received both doses. Log into MyUCSDChart and select "Messaging," then "Send a Message." Please attach a photo of your vaccine card and include the dates and the type of vaccine you received.

Learn More About COVID-19 vaccines

Other COVID-19 Information from UC San Diego Health

COVID-19 Vaccine FAQs

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What are the different types of COVID-19 vaccines? Are there any side effects?

Read about the types of COVID-19 vaccines, including primary series and booster shots, authorized in the United States.

Any vaccine can have side effects. The CDC says the reactions to the COVID-19 vaccines are common but are mostly mild. See information on how to manage potential side effects of the COVID-19 vaccine.

How safe is the COVID-19 vaccine? Why should I get vaccinated?

Yes, the CDC says COVID-19 vaccines are safe and effective, and they meet strict scientific standards for safety, effectiveness and manufacturing quality. 

There are many benefits to getting vaccinated, including being protected from getting seriously ill, being hospitalized and even dying. Vaccine protection cab decline over time, especially as new coronavirus variants emerge. Booster shots can enhance or restore your protection.

After vaccination, you can also help to stop the spread by registering on the CDC's v-safe website to report daily health checks and any side effects. We encourage you to continue taking safety precautions.

Can my child or I get other vaccines, including the flu shot, at the same time?

Yes, your child may get a COVID-19 vaccine and other vaccines, including the flu vaccine, at the same time.

Can I get a COVID-19 vaccine if I’ve had another recent vaccination?

Yes, you can get a COVID-19 vaccination even if you had another recent vaccination (including a tetanus shot, flu shot, pneumonia shot or shingles vaccine).

Should children and adults still get a vaccine if they've already had COVID-19?

Yes, the CDC recommends that you get the COVID-19 vaccine even if you've had COVID-19. The immunity after a COVID-19 infection can decrease over time, and the vaccine strengthens the immune response that further protects you and your child from a repeat infection.

Like all other vaccines given in childhood, the COVID-19 vaccine helps prevent your child from getting sick and spreading the disease in the community. 

I received a COVID-19 vaccine somewhere other than UC San Diego Health. How do I update MyUCSDChart?

In many cases, we have already received vaccine records from other vaccination locations in California and automatically updated your medical records. To check, log into MyUCSDChart, go to the "Menu," then "My Record" and select "COVID-19" or "Immunizations and Screening."

If the record of your vaccine is not there, you can send a message to your primary care provider through MyUCSDChart after you have received both doses. Log into MyUCSDChart and select "Messages," then "Send a Message." Please include the dates you received the vaccine, the type of vaccine you received and a photo of your vaccine card.


COVID-19 Vaccine Information Videos in English and Spanish

Video: COVID-19 Booster and Vaccines: Doctor Answers Your Questions Video: Refuerzo y Vacunas COVID-19: Un Doctor Responde sus Preguntas

Watch more videos about coronavirus