FAQs: Getting your COVID vaccine at Henry Ford Health

Updated October 25, 2023

Henry Ford Health offers the 2023-2024 updated COVID-19 vaccine to patients in our primary care centers. Schedule your appointment using MyChart or by calling your provider’s office. Review our FAQs to learn more about getting vaccinated at Henry Ford Health.

Getting your COVID vaccine at Henry Ford Health

Getting the COVID-19 Vaccine

• How do I get the 2023-2024 updated COVID-19 vaccine at Henry Ford Health?
• Is the vaccine free?
• I’m not a Henry Ford Health patient. Can I get a COVID-19 vaccine at Henry Ford Health?
• If I am coming in for an appointment for another reason, do I need to schedule a separate appointment for a COVID-19 vaccine/flu shot/RSV vaccine?
• Can I get the COVID vaccine, flu shot and RSV vaccine at the same time?
• Are walk-in vaccinations available?
• What do I need to know before my vaccine appointment? Do I need to prepare?
• If I get vaccinated somewhere other than Henry Ford Health, will my vaccination be part of my Henry Ford Health medical record?
• How will my vaccination be documented?
• Why does Henry Ford Health offer only the Pfizer vaccine?
• How can I get a Henry Ford Health MyChart account?

How do I get the updated 2023-2024 COVID-19 vaccine at Henry Ford Health?

If you are a current Henry Ford Health patient, you can schedule an appointment to receive the updated Pfizer vaccine using MyChart or by calling your provider’s office. Vaccines are given at our primary care sites. If you do not have MyChart, register for MyChart today.

Is the vaccine free?

It is free for most people through their health insurance and Medicare. If you do not have health insurance or your insurance does not cover the vaccine, check out the Bridge Access Program for places where you can be vaccinated at no cost to you.

I’m not a Henry Ford Health patient. Can I get a COVID-19 vaccine at Henry Ford Health?

We offer COVID-19 vaccination only for established patients at our primary care sites. If you are not a Henry Ford Health patient, we support and encourage you to get vaccinated at one of the many other sources offering COVID-19 vaccines. Visit www.Michigan.gov/covidvaccine for more options near you.

If I am coming in for an appointment for another reason, do I need to schedule a separate appointment for a COVID-19 vaccine/flu shot/RSV vaccine?

No, if you have an appointment with your primary care physician for another reason, ask at your appointment if you can receive a flu shot, updated COVID-19 vaccine or RSV vaccine (The RSV vaccine is for adults age 60 and older and pregnant women.). You do not need to make a separate appointment. When you make the appointment, you can note in the comments section on MyChart that you would like one or more vaccines at your visit, but you can also just tell your health care team on the day of your visit.

Can I get the COVID vaccine, flu shot and RSV vaccine at the same time?

You can get all three vaccines at the same time. Simply note in the “Comments” box when making your appointment in MyChart that you would also like a flu shot and/or RSV vaccine, or tell the provider at your appointment. (The RSV vaccine is for adults ages 60 and older, and will protect you for at least two winter seasons.)

Are walk-in vaccinations available?

No, vaccinations are available only by appointment. Please schedule a visit using MyChart or by calling your doctor’s office. If you do not have MyChart, register for MyChart today.

What do I need to know before my vaccine appointment? Do I need to prepare?

• The vaccine is given with a needle in the upper arm, so wear clothing that allows your upper arm to be easily exposed, like a short-sleeve or sleeveless shirt.
• Eat your normal meal or a snack (depending on the time of day) and drink plenty of liquids before arriving at your appointment.
• Don't take any pain relievers before your appointment. It may lessen the effect of the vaccine. If you develop side effects after your vaccination, you can take Tylenol (acetaminophen).
• Allergic reactions are possible with any vaccine, though they are rare. For your safety, you will be asked to wait for about 15 minutes for monitoring after you receive the vaccine. If you've had a prior allergic reaction to an injectable medicine or vaccine, or any of the ingredients in the vaccine you're getting, you may be asked to wait 30 minutes.
• Masks are no longer required, but you are welcome to wear a mask at any time during your appointment.
• Learn more

If I get vaccinated somewhere other than Henry Ford Health, will my vaccination be part of my Henry Ford Health medical record?

Yes. If you are vaccinated at another location, the record of your vaccine will be included in the Michigan Care Improvement Record (MCIR). You will see it in your MyChart account and it will become part of your medical record at Henry Ford Health.

How will my vaccination be documented?

Your electronic medical record will be updated each time you receive a vaccine of any kind. COVID vaccination cards are no longer in use. You do not need to bring your vaccination card to your appointment, but you can if you wish.

Why does Henry Ford Health offer only the Pfizer vaccine?

While all the COVID-19 vaccines are safe and effective, they have different storage and dosing requirements. Using the same brand of COVID-19 vaccine at our many primary care and pediatric centers simplifies ordering, storing, transporting and delivering the vaccine safely to our patients.

How can I get a Henry Ford Health MyChart account?

If you are a Henry Ford Health patient, we encourage you to sign up for an account. You can schedule appointments, refill prescriptions, see test results, communicate with your provider and more using MyChart. Get MyChart today.