Your guide to the COVID-19 vaccine

No. Kaiser Permanente won’t charge its members or employees for the vaccine. Vaccine doses purchased with taxpayer dollars are required by the federal government to be given at no cost. 

Yes. You’ll be able to get the vaccine from any facility that has been approved as a COVID-19 vaccine provider by its state department of health. Non–Kaiser Permanente members will also be able to get the vaccine through Kaiser Permanente at no cost. 

We are accessing state immunization registries to update our members’ records with their COVID-19 vaccinations received outside of Kaiser Permanente. However, if you’d like to send us your information directly, you can go online to kp.org to email a photo or copy of your vaccination record card to your doctor’s office. Click on the “Attach an image” link at the bottom of the message to add your photo or scanned copy.

On the day of your vaccination, dress comfortably in clothing that makes it easy to expose your upper arm. Some clinics may be located outdoors, so dress appropriately for the weather. You can expect to have some waiting time, including an observation period of up to 30 minutes after your vaccination.   

If you’re coming for your second dose, make sure to bring your COVID-19 vaccination card.   

A parent or guardian must accompany anyone under 18 to their vaccine appointment. You might be asked for your child’s photo ID (such as a school ID card or passport) and proof of age (such as a birth certificate).   

No. Due to limited supplies, individuals won’t get to choose between the available vaccines. We offer vaccines according to state criteria and as supplies allow.

Due to changes in vaccine supply, we’re not able to offer all approved COVID-19 vaccines at all sites where we deliver them. We’re currently working to update our system to allow people to choose between a single dose or two-dose vaccine when making appointments. We’re also working to ensure that we have the vaccines available to accommodate people who shouldn’t get a particular vaccine due to allergies or other reasons. 

The Pfizer vaccine is approved for people 12 to 17. Right now, Kaiser Permanente is only vaccinating people 16 and older. We plan to open appointments to children 12 to 15 later this week. We’re currently awaiting guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on administering the vaccine safely to this younger age group.

If you have concerns about the vaccine you’re offered when you arrive for your appointment, we have clinical staff available to answer your questions.

The immunity you get from the COVID-19 vaccine only lasts for a limited time. Researchers are still trying to figure out how long that immunity lasts. As they learn more, it’s possible they may recommend a booster shot. But booster shots are currently not recommended at this time.