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What you need to know about COVID-19
For an organization that exists for the very purpose of reducing social isolation through personal connections, just as COVID-19 has turned our worlds upside down, we have had to turn our programs upside down nearly overnight. We have had to suspend the critical human connection on which KC Shepherd's Center's programs are based and rely on technology and contactless programming to ensure that seniors in Kansas City are served. Thanks to the philanthropic generosity in Kansas City, we have been able to manage the additional expense of urgently transforming programming. Thanks to the ingenuity of our KC Shepherd's Center team and volunteers, we have been able to go the extra mile and keep serving clients during this unprecedented crisis. As the pandemic and the economic crisis it has caused continue to evolve, we remain nimble and creative in meeting the needs of an ever growing senior community in Kansas City.
Is the COVID-19 Vaccine safe?
Yes. Both vaccines available in the U.S. have undergone rigorous testing to meet the standards of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). It is important to note that you cannot contract
COVID-19 from the vaccine. The vaccines contain proteins from the virus, but do not contain the coronavirus itself.
Will the vaccine cost me anything?
The vaccine is free for persons with and without insurance. However, vaccine providers can bill insurance companies to cover the cost, so be sure to bring your insurance or Medicare card to your appointment. Beware of potential scams! Know that no one from Medicare will contact you about an appointment, so never give out your social security number, bank information or credit card over the phone.
When will I get vaccinated?
The vaccines are being distributed in phases, which vary by state. Contact your doctor, local health department or pharmacy for more information, or visit one of the links below to schedule an appointment:
For Missouri: www.covidvaccine.mo.gov
For Kansas: www.kansasvaccine.gov
Are side effects normal?
Yes. Those who have received the vaccine have reported side effects ranging from injection-site pain, muscle aches, joint pain, fever, chills and headache. These side effects are normal and temporary and are consistent with side effects from similar vaccinations like the flu shot.
Will I still need to wear a mask after I'm vaccinated?
Yes. While both vaccines are more than 94% effective at reducing the chances of contracting COVID-19, data is still being collected on the likelihood of becoming an asymptomatic carrier and transmitting the illness to other people.
Therefore, it is still crucial to follow CDC protocols like social distancing, mask-wearing and frequent hand washing even after receiving the vaccine.
Additional Resources
KC Shepherd's Center encourages you to complete your local COVID-19 Vaccine distribution list:
Jackson County Health Department
Johnson County Kansas Health Department
AAA COVID-19 Vaccine Registry Assistance
KCSC is working hard to find ways for our clients and volunteers to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. It is so difficult to understand why there is such a fragmented and patchwork approach to both testing and vaccines. It is a national problem and there appear to be no easy answers.
Navigating constantly changing and confusing information from multiple sources about the availability of the vaccines, the Phase and Tier for which you might qualify, locations for vaccine clinics, etc., is in itself a full time job. We are doing our best to find and pass on the most relevant information about vaccine availability to older adults in Kansas City.
If you would like to receive information about the availability of COVID-19 vaccines, please complete the information below. We will then be able to reach out quickly to all those who are interested, and will alert you just as soon as we learn of vaccines available in the Kansas City area.
***Already had the COVID-19 Vaccine? You can let us know by completing the form. This will ensure we will have a great record of the volunteers, clients and friends that have already received the vaccination once we are able to open up in person events.