COVID-19 Vaccines

Updated 9/27/2021

If you need to get tested for COVID-19, make an appointment with the CMH COVID-19 Testing Lab, 503-338-4656. Appointments are available M-F, 2:30 to 4 p.m., for people who are showing symptoms. There is no walk-in testing availability.

If you need work or school-related testing, please go through the Clatsop County Health Department. They are currently offering drive-thru testing M-F, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., at Camp Rilea (33168 Patriot Way, Warrenton). Appointments are required — call 503-325-8500.

Vaccination is reason for hope. It’s one tool to help us end the pandemic. But, we need to continue using our safety measures to keep the virus from spreading. You should wear a mask, distance from others, wash your hands, avoid gatherings and stay home when you’re sick.

Vaccines at CMH

All three COVID vaccines currently in use in the U.S., including the Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccines, are available at the CMH Outpatient Pharmacies in Astoria and Seaside. You do not need to be a CMH patient to schedule a COVID vaccine appointment.

Call to schedule an appointment at the Outpatient Pharmacies:

Astoria Primary Care: 503-338-4675
Warrenton Primary Care: 503-338-4500
Seaside Primary Care: 503-738-3002

Vaccines are also available during CMH Primary Care and CMH Pediatric Clinic appointments. If patients have not yet received a COVID vaccination, they will be offered the opportunity to get one at their scheduled appointment.

Clatsop County Vaccine and Testing Sites

COVID-19 Testing Facilities and Vaccination Sites in Clatsop County (06/10/2021)
COVID-19 Alternative Testing and Vaccination Sites in Clatsop County – Store Pharmacies (06/10/2021)

Read More:

Podcast: Preparing for the COVID-19 Vaccine with Dr. Regina Mysliwiec

Why should I vaccinate?

Vaccination is the safest way to develop immunity to COVID-19. Getting vaccinated keeps yourself, your family and your community healthy.

Vaccines help your immune system fight infections better and faster. When you get a vaccine, it sparks your immune response. This helps your body fight off and remember the germ so it can attack it if the germ ever invades again. Your immune system response can sometimes make you feel tired or ill for a few days after getting vaccinated. This is a sign that your body is learning how to fight the virus.

The most common side effects after vaccination are mild. They include:

Pain, swelling, or redness where the shot was given.
Mild fever.
Feeling tired.
Muscle and joint aches.
Fainting, although uncommon, can happen after any medical procedure, including vaccinations.

Read More: OHA COVID-19 Fact Sheet

Vaccine safety and effectiveness

The COVID-19 vaccines have been tested for safety and were approved by the FDA. Studies show that they are 95% effective at preventing illness. Even if you do get COVID-19, the vaccine may keep you from getting seriously ill.

It’s important that everyone gets vaccinated so we can achieve community immunity. Together we can stop this pandemic!

Can I go back to “normal life” after getting vaccinated?

Getting the COVID-19 vaccine is an important part of protecting yourself, but we can’t go back to “normal life” immediately. It will take time for most adults to get the number of shots needed for full protection against COVID-19. (The Pfizer and Moderna vaccines both require two doses.)

We’ll be able to get back to “normal life” when the number of infections drops significantly. In the meantime, it’s important to continue basic COVID-19 safety measures to stop the spread of disease. We don’t know yet if the COVID-19 vaccine prevents people from carrying the disease. You may still spread the virus to unvaccinated people, including your children or grandchildren.

For the time being, continue to wear a mask, social distance, wash your hands and stay home when you’re sick.