COVID-19 Tests & Vaccines
Masking Policy
Masking is optional for patients, visitors and MetroHealth employees.
Due to the vulnerability of patients in the Blood and Marrow Transplant Unit, universal masking remains required upon entry, and masking will remain in effect for any acutely affected COVID patients.
Masks are also highly recommended for those who have respiratory symptoms or have been in close contact with someone with COVID-19.
More Information
Questions about symptoms or testing? Call 440-592-6843 (440-59-COVID).
Vaccinations and Boosters
Convenient Ways to Schedule Your Appointment
Adults and Children ages 7 and older:
- Use MyChart to schedule an appointment at one of our convenient pharmacies
- Call 440-59-COVID (440-592-6843).
Boosters for children 6 months to 6 years of age can be scheduled with their primary care provider.
If you have questions about the COVID-19 vaccine or any other immunizations, talk with your primary care provider. You can also reach out to our Pharmacy at 216-957-6337 (MEDS).
Please Note:
- You DO NOT have to be a MetroHealth patient to schedule an appointment.
- Bring a photo ID to your appointment.
- The cost of the vaccine will be billed to your insurance company, Medicare, or Medicaid. If you are a Medicare patient, please bring your Red, White, and Blue Medicare card, which Medicare requires.
Resources
- Myths and Facts about COVID-19 Vaccines
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
- Food and Drug Administration
- Ohio Department of Health
Frequently Asked Questions
The COVID-19 vaccine is recommended for most people aged six months or older.
The Emergency Use Authorization for the COVID-19 vaccine is based upon large clinical trials in which persons who received vaccine were much less likely to develop symptomatic COVID-19.
The vaccine performance exceeded expectations and protects against COVID-19 illness 95% of the time.
Yes! Most of the reaction to the vaccine is mild — like some soreness where the vaccine was injected, a low-grade fever or achiness.
This really means your body is doing what it should as a result of the vaccine. Individuals who have had previous severe reactions (anaphylaxis) and pregnant women should discuss their specific situation with their doctor prior to receiving the vaccine.
When a vaccine is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, regulators and drug companies continue to monitor its safety and effectiveness as more people take it.
The COVID-19 vaccine met high safety standards. During the trials, serious adverse events were very infrequent and were the same for those who received placebo or the vaccine.
No. It is NOT biologically possible. The vaccine isn’t living virus, dead virus or chopped-up virus. It is merely a very small piece of biologically inactive genetic material and is not contagious.
The vaccine formulation does not include preservatives, thimerosal or mercury. It is cell-free.
Pain at the site of injection is common. Typically, this is mild. No severe reactions at the site of injection were detected in clinical trial.
Fatigue, headache and fever occur less commonly. These are signs that your immune system is doing what it should in reaction to the vaccine.
Like the flu, there are new strains of COVID-19 virus that require new vaccines.
No testing for prior infection is necessary. The vaccine is offered regardless of history of COVID-19 disease, either suspected or confirmed.
No. Wait to get the vaccine until you have recovered and have completed isolation.
We encourage you to speak with your obstetric provider at your next visit to ask questions and discuss the COVID-19 vaccination if you are not sure about whether to be vaccinated.
- Pregnant individuals who get COVID-19 are at high risk. They are more likely to be hospitalized, admitted into ICU and connected to a ventilator. They are also more likely to die from the disease and have a higher chance of preterm birth.
- People of color, those who are older or obese, and those with medical conditions such as heart disease and diabetes have higher COVID risks while pregnant.
- If you are breastfeeding or pumping breast milk to feed your baby, vaccination is still recommended.
There are some people, pregnant or not, who should not take the COVID-19 vaccines. This includes people who have had severe allergic reactions in the past.
If you are breastfeeding or pumping breast milk to feed your baby, vaccination is still recommended.
There are some people, pregnant or not, who should not take the COVID-19 vaccines. This includes people who have had severe allergic reactions in the past.
No, routine premedication is not recommended due to lack of information on the impact on the individual’s immune response to the vaccine.
A history of severe allergic reaction such as anaphylaxis to any component or previous dose of the COVID-19 vaccine is a valid reason to avoid vaccination.
Due to reports of severe allergic reactions which occurred outside of the clinical trial, persons who have had a severe allergic reaction to any vaccine or injectable therapy should not receive the vaccine at this time.
You should discuss this with your doctor. Immunocompromised patients are at increased risk for severe COVID-19.
There are some people who should not take the COVID-19 vaccines. This includes people who have had severe allergic reactions in the past.
You should discuss this with your doctor or pharmacist.
Symptoms and Testing
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Seek immediate medical attention by contacting your doctor or visiting the nearest emergency department if you are experiencing serious COVID symptoms, including:
- Trouble breathing
- Persistent pain or pressure in the chest
- New confusion
- Inability to wake or stay awake
- Pale, gray, or blue-colored skin, lips, or nail beds, depending on skin tone
The incubation period is two to 14 days after exposure. The infection can be very mild to full blown pneumonia, but it appears that many cases are along the mild spectrum. Many people are asymptomatic, meaning they are infected and spreading the virus without having any symptoms. This is why it is critical that people practice social distancing, wear masks when in public or interacting with people outside of their home, and use hand sanitizer and wash hands often. Some people recover quickly, while others experience long-lasting effects that doctors and researchers are still learning about.
Tests are available at MetroHealth pharmacies as well as other retail pharmacies.
Step 1: Call the COVID-19 Hotline
- Call the hotline at 440-592-6843.
- We will conduct an immediate evaluation over the telephone.
- If a clinical assessment is deemed necessary, a telephone visit or video visit will be promptly scheduled for you with a dedicated provider.
- If you are having a medical emergency, call 911.
Step 2: Telephone or Video Visit
A provider will ask you questions and evaluate your symptoms. He or she will then give further medical advice and determine the best course of action, whether to receive further testing, come for an in-person visit, or to simply stay at home.
If you are unsure if you should seek medical attention for COVID-19 symptoms, please call the hotline at 440-592-6843.
For additional information about the situation, please go to:
- Centers for Disease Control– Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)
- Ohio Department of Health – Coronavirus updates page
Are you seeking care for other medical concerns?
- If you need immediate care for non-COVID-19 issues, call 216-778-5500, and choose option #3. Whether it’s for an urgent issue, a medication refill or other health concern, we're here to serve you.
- We offer both in-person and telehealth visits. Online self-scheduling is available using MyChart.