COVID-19 Resources
Skip to Content
 
 
 
 
Alert IconEveryone, age 12 and older, is now eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine. Please visit our vaccination resources for more information.

Protect Yourself and Others from COVID-19

Find a Vaccine Location

To find a clinic location conducting COVID-19 vaccinations in your area, visit the vaccine finder.

If you are in the Sioux Falls area, you can go to one of the following locations anytime Monday through Friday from 8 AM - 4:30 PM. No appointment necessary:

To save time, please print the COVID-19 Vaccine Screening Form and bring with to your appointment.

Get vaccinated.

COVID-19 vaccines are safe and effective. Get the full series of doses to ensure you are fully protected.

If you experience symptoms, call your Avera clinic, and:

  • Stay home when sick and isolate yourself.
  • Wait for results of any tests that are ordered.
  • Don’t share items.
  • Don’t share bathroom or bedroom areas.

If you are NOT fully vaccinated, you should:

  • Continue to mask, distance and practice frequent hand hygiene.
  • Avoid non-essential travel.
  • Avoid crowds.

Trusted Voices - Dr. Dayana Maita

Trusted Voices - Jen Stearns

COVID-19 Vaccine Q&A

This vaccine is new, how do we know it’s safe?

The vaccines authorized by the FDA are safe. They have met the FDA’s high safety standards, and have been reviewed by independent scientists in public meetings.

What are the long-term effects of the COVID-19 vaccine?

There is no evidence that any COVID-19 vaccine will any cause long-term effects.

I am a nursing mom. Is the COVID-19 vaccine safe for me and my baby?

There are no signs that the vaccine is unsafe for breastfeeding moms, and there are no signs that the vaccine is a risk to breastfeeding infants.

I’m pregnant. Is the vaccine safe for me and my baby?

There are no signs that the vaccine is unsafe in pregnancy.

Is there a waiting time between the COVID vaccine and other vaccines?

No. You can even get the COVID vaccine on the same day as other vaccines.

Do I need the vaccine if I live in a rural area?

COVID-19 rates have been higher in rural areas than in urban and suburban areas, partly because more people are over the age of 65. The vaccine will protect you and everyone around you.

I’ve already had COVID, why do I need the vaccine?

Your natural immunity may lessen over time, and may not protect you from variants of COVID, which have spread broadly across our area. Vaccine is your best defense against getting COVID again, and spreading it to those around you.

If children aren’t at high risk of getting severely ill from COVID, why should I vaccinate my child?

Children who have been vaccinated are less likely to:

  • Pass COVID along to more high-risk people,
  • Miss school due to COVID,
  • Be pulled from sports and other activities due to COVID,
  • Miss days at their after-school job and other obligations due to COVID.

According to the CDC, while children are less likely to develop severe illness from COVID-19, they are still at risk of complications like respiratory failure, heart inflammation, shock, kidney failure, and Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children (or MIS-C).

I've heard that COVID vaccine can cause heart problems. Should I be worried?

  • There have been a very small number of cases of inflammation of the heart (myocarditis/pericarditis) after vaccination - about 1,200 cases in 300 million vaccine recipients.
  • The cases have mostly occurred in male adolescents and young adults age 16 and older showing up as chest pain within the first several days after vaccination, and typically resolves with no long-term effects.
  • Due to the very small risk of this condition, especially when weighed against the very serious risk of COVID and serious COVID complications, the CDC and Avera continue to strongly recommend COVID vaccination for everyone ages 12 and older.

Insurance Card Needed for Vaccine

Please bring your health insurance or Medicare card to your vaccine appointment. If you do not have health insurance, bring your driver's license or Social Security number, if available. The vaccine is available to all recipients at no out-of-pocket expense.

Side effects like headache, fatigue, muscle aches, and mild fever are all common and show that the vaccine is working to build immunity. If you experience more serious symptoms after your vaccination, contact your clinic or primary care provider, either by phone or by sending a message through AveraChart. Your primary care provider has the best understanding of your health history.

In a true emergency, dial 911.

The public is encouraged to report adverse reactions to VAERS, the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System.

COVID-19 Vaccine Information in Different Languages

Live Better. Live Balanced. Avera.

Avera is a health ministry rooted in the Gospel. Our mission is to make a positive impact in the lives and health of persons and communities by providing quality services guided by Christian values.

© 2021 Avera Health, Sioux Falls, SD. All Rights Reserved.