What to expect before, during, and after my vaccination?
What do I need to do before my appointment?
- Registration: To schedule an appointment, please go to vaccinateRI.org or call the automated phone line at 844-930-1779.
- From the vaccinateRI.org home page, click on “Find a Clinic.”
- On the next page, you will be asked “Which services are you seeking?” Make sure you select “COVID-19 vaccination.” You can narrow your search by entering your ZIP code and/or preferred date for appointments. Click the blue “Search” button.
- A list of sites and dates will appear at the bottom of the page. Select the site and date that works for you.
- You will then be asked to provide your name, contact information, and demographic information. Please avoid using a @cox.net email address when making a vaccine appointment. The system that RIDOH uses to schedule and confirm appointments does not work well with the Cox email server. For your contact information, please include a text-enabled cellphone number. If you used an @cox.net email address, please assume that you are registered and do not register for a second appointment.
- If you have insurance, please provide the requested information. If you do not have insurance, you may skip this section.
- Bring your insurance card with you when you get vaccinated so staff can check that the information was entered correctly.
- If you have a scheduled an appointment, there is a dose of vaccine for you. Please cancel any other COVID-19 vaccine appointments you may be holding at other locations.
- Please wear a mask and loose-fitting clothing that allows easy access to your upper arm.
- Getting to your appointment:
- Anyone enrolled in Medicaid or older than 60 can use the Non-Emergency Medical Transport Service provided by MTM. Transportation can be booked online at https://www.mtm-inc.net/mtm-link/ or by calling MTM at 855-330-9131 (TTY: 711) at least two business days before the appointment. If you are not enrolled in Medicaid, there may be a small cost to schedule a ride. For more information on the Non-Emergency Medical Transport Service, please see this FAQ sheet.
What happens at my vaccination appointment?
- Staff at vaccination site may ask you for an ID, but this only applies to people who have one. Bring an ID, if you have one, to verify your name in the vaccination system. You can still get the COVID-19 vaccine without insurance or an ID.
- Please arrive at your assigned time. Appointments have been spaced out so everyone can maintain social distancing. If you have an appointment, there is a vaccine for you. You do not need to worry about the clinic running out.
- You will get a vaccination card that tells you which vaccine you got and the date and location of your vaccination. You will also be able to make an appointment for your second dose. We strongly encourage you to sign up for your second dose while you are at the clinic getting your first dose.
- You will be monitored for 15 to 30 minutes after your vaccination.
What happens after vaccination?
- When you receive your first dose, you should schedule your second dose before leaving the vaccination site.
- Please continue to wear a mask, watch your distance, and wash your hands after you are vaccinated.
Vaccines often cause our immune systems to respond, and that shows us the vaccine is working. This is healthy, normal, and expected. You may experience a sore arm, headache, fever, or body aches, but they should go away within a few days. If you have any symptoms of COVID-19 following vaccination, stay home, call your or healthcare provider, and get tested.
What to expect after you get your vaccine (English only): https://youtu.be/EILCpte7GSw (CDC video)
COVID-19 Vaccine Record Lookup
Rhode Islanders can now get a copy of their COVID-19 vaccine record through portal.ri.gov/VaccineRecord. From this website, you can search for and print proof of your COVID-19 vaccination. If you need a second dose of vaccine, this record will tell you when you are eligible to get your second dose. Please note that only people who have received their COVID-19 vaccination in Rhode Island will be able to look up their vaccination record online. If you are having trouble finding your vaccination record or are not able to go online, you can call 401-222-8022 for help.