Covid-19 Vaccination Questions & Answers

Covid-19 Vaccination Questions & Answers

We appreciate your inquiry concerning the vaccination.

The COVID-19 vaccination distribution plan is a very fluid situation. Our intent is to share timely and accurate information with you.
The FAQs below are subject to change as the state and local agencies update their plans throughout this process.

 

+What does it mean to be in Phase 1B of vaccination priority?

During Phase 1B Priority, education and child care providers are recommended for vaccination, because they are critical infrastructure workers at high risk for acquiring COVID-19 while working on the frontlines. As state and local providers move through the vaccination phases, education and child care providers will continue to be eligible to receive COVID-19 vaccine. To register for an appointment at a location near you, review the Vaccine Finder webpage for pre-screening and registration information by county. Educators and school support staff are eligible to register in most counties beginning Monday, January 11, 2021. For more information, contact the County Health Department in the jurisdiction where you live or work.

+Are substitutes included in Phase 1B?

Yes! Substitutes are included.

+How do I register for the vaccination?

To register for the vaccine, visit podvaccine.azdhs.gov.

The video below will show you how to set up an account:

Visit the AzDHS site for more information: azhealth.gov/findvaccine

+Do I really have to create an account to register?

Some of the county sites (primarily Maricopa County) will require you to create an AzDHS account and may include a multi-step verification process for your security. Be sure to include an email address and phone number where you can be reached for verification. 

+The system says that I already have an account under my email but this is my first time registering. How can that be?

If you had previously created an account with the Department of Economic Security (DES), you will need to use the same login information on the AzDHS site. You can select "Forgot Password" if needed.

+Is there an alternative to the online registration process?

Those without computer access or needing extra help registering can call 1-844-542-8201. Family members are also able to create an account and help register relatives or dependents that are eligible to receive vaccination, which is recommended for those who may need some assistance.

+ What is a POD and what are the differences between them? NEW

POD = Point Of Dispensing locations where vaccine can be given.

+Is ESI administering the vaccine or scheduling a vaccine clinic for ESI employees?

ESI is not a registered vaccine provider/site and will not be administering the vaccine.

+Will I be included in my district's vaccination plan?

Many of our district partners and county education agencies are inviting ESI employees to receive the vaccine through their dedicated sites. If you are invited by your district/county agency, we encourage you to participate in their distribution program. If you have not received information directly from the district/county agency, we encourage you to register beginning 1/11/21 at: http://www.azhealth.gov/findvaccine

+Is an appointment required for a vaccination?

Yes, you must register and schedule an appointment. Please note that as Phase 1B begins, appointments may be limited as a result of limited vaccine supply and the continued prioritization of Phase 1A individuals. If you do not see any available time slots on your desired date, you are advised to select a different date to check for available appointments. The registration sites are experiencing heavy traffic so if you are not able to immediately get through the process, give the page time to refresh, and then try again a little later.

+What should I enter for "employer" when registering?

Each county registration form may differ and some sites may or may not ask for employer. If you cannot locate Educational Services, LLC. (ESI) on the list, you may select "Other" and enter Educational Services, LLC. (ESI).

+What do I need to bring to my vaccination appointment?

While each county vaccination site may differ, be prepared to bring photo ID and proof that you are eligible for prioritized 1B vaccination, such as an ESI paystub or a district ID badge if you have one.

Moving forward, Maricopa County PODs will require proof of county residency.

+How do I get a copy of my paystub?

Page 5 of our Employee Portal guide (PDF) provides instructions on how to access your paystub on ESI's Employee Portal. Your paystub will show that you are an employee of Educational Services, Inc. working at ___ School District.

If you have not received pay in recent months, you may request a Verification of Employment (VOE) from ESI's payroll department at payroll@esiaz.us, but please allow at least 48 hours for such a request via email.

+What is the cost of the vaccination?

There is no cost for the vaccination. Insurance is not required to receive the vaccine, however, if you have insurance, you may be asked to provide carrier information so the insurance company can be billed for the administrative fee. Again, the vaccine is offered at no cost to you.

+Is ESI requiring the vaccine?

Not at this time. However, we encourage everyone who is able to get vaccinated to do so, as this is one of the most powerful tools to stop the virus.

+Do I need to provide proof of having the vaccine to ESI?

Not at this time. It is a good idea to keep your immunization records up to date though if it is ever requested.

+Am I still required to wear a face covering after being vaccinated?

Yes, it is still a local mandate to wear face coverings and per school district policies.

+When will students be vaccinated?

The vaccine trial process has not been completed on children, so there is not a definitive date available yet for when students might be eligible for vaccination.

The Pfizer vaccine is authorized for individuals 16 years+ and the Moderna vaccine is authorized for individuals 18 years+. The timeline for when these age groups would be eligible for vaccine is based on the state and county's phased approach.

+ I received my first dose of the vaccine at the State Farm site. How do I register for my second appointment? NEW

Per AzDHS, anyone that received the first dose has an appointment allocated for them for their second dose. AzDHS will email you an invitation link to register for it.

Or, call (480) 573-0332 to speak to a public health representative that will be able to schedule your appointment for you over the phone. The phone line is open 8AM-5PM. There may be long wait times, but once you make it through to a representative they will be able to assist you in securing your appointment. They will provide a confirmation number over the phone which you will need when you arrive at your appointment, and will email a confirmation to you if you have an email on record.

+ Do I need to receive the same "type" of vaccine for my second dose? NEW

Yes, if you received the Pfizer vaccine for your first dose, you must receive the Pfizer vaccine for your second dose. Likewise, if you received the Moderna vaccine for your first dose, you must receive the Moderna vaccine for your second dose. They are not interchangeable.

+ What if I don't get an appointment by the recommended date for my second dose? NEW

CDC continues to recommend that people get their second dose of COVID-19 vaccine as close to the recommended interval as possible (3 weeks for Pfizer-BioNTech, and one month for Moderna).

CDC’s updated guidance was revised to allow for second dose administration up to 6 weeks (42 days) after the first if it is not feasible to adhere to the recommended interval. CDC is not advocating for people to delay getting their second dose, but the data from clinical trials support this range.

Please let us know if you still have additional questions or contact the county health department where you live.

From the bottom of our hearts, we appreciate your dedication to the students you serve.
Be well.