COVID-19 Vaccinations

The coronavirus undergoes mutations and changes, and it is very important to receive the updated COVID-19 vaccine, which provides enhanced protection against the currently prevalent variants.

The coronavirus undergoes mutations and changes, and it is very important to receive the updated COVID-19 vaccine, which provides enhanced protection against the currently prevalent variants.

Leumit vaccinates clients from 6 months of age and older with Moderna’s updated COVID-19 vaccine, adapted to the Spikevax JN.1 variant.

The vaccine formula is the same for all ages, but the dosage differs according to the recipient’s age (under 12, over 12).

The vaccine is recommended for clients aged 6 months and older, and is especially recommended for at-risk populations.

Who can receive the COVID-19 vaccine?

All Leumit clients over the age of 6 months, provided at least 3 months have passed since their last COVID-19 vaccine or since recovery from the illness.

For children aged 6 months to 4 years (inclusive) who have not yet been vaccinated or who have not contracted COVID-19, a series of two doses should be administered, spaced 28 days apart. It is important to schedule an appointment for the second dose.

From age 5 and above, one vaccine dose is recommended, regardless of previous illness or vaccination history.

Who are the risk groups for COVID-19 complications?

There are many risk groups, including: people aged 60 and above, pregnant women, people with obesity (BMI over 30), residents of nursing homes, psychiatric institutions and assisted living facilities, people with diabetes, those with chronic illnesses, immunocompromised individuals, people with malignant diseases who received treatment in the past 5 years, heart patients, and more.

One way to protect these groups is by vaccinating the general population; therefore, it is recommended to get vaccinated even if you are not personally at risk.

Where are COVID-19 vaccines administered?

The list of vaccination sites and Leumit medical centers offering the COVID-19 vaccine is updated regularly. To find the nearest vaccination site and schedule an appointment, visit the Leumit website or app, or call the customer service center at *507.
When scheduling, select the COVID-19 vaccination option and choose the relevant vaccination site.

Vaccinations at Leumit sites are available only with a pre-booked appointment.

What should you bring to your vaccination appointment?

You must bring your ID card and Leumit Health Fund magnetic card.

Leumit clients under 18 must be accompanied by a parent and present their Leumit magnetic card, or provide a signed parental consent form. The form must include the child’s and parents’ personal details and explicit consent for vaccination.

Do COVID-19 vaccines have side effects?

As with any vaccine, side effects may occur after receiving the COVID-19 vaccine. These are common and mostly mild to moderate. They may appear after any of the vaccine doses.

  • Local side effects: pain at the injection site, redness, swelling.
  • Systemic side effects: may include fatigue, headache, muscle pain, joint pain, chills, fever, swollen lymph nodes, flu-like symptoms, diarrhea, abdominal pain, nausea/vomiting, dizziness, and more. These usually last about 24 hours, and no more than 7 days.

Receiving another dose after allergic reactions to the first dose

Consult your personal physician if, within 4 hours of receiving the first dose, you experienced one or more of the following:

  • Skin symptoms: rash, itching, hives (urticaria), facial redness
  • Respiratory symptoms: shortness of breath, persistent cough, wheezing
  • Cardiovascular symptoms: rapid heartbeat or drop in blood pressure
  • Gastrointestinal symptoms: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea

According to your physician’s decision, you may be referred to an allergy specialist.

If it is determined that you can receive the second dose, it will be administered under medical supervision at a vaccination site designated by the physician. In such cases, you will be instructed to take an antihistamine 60 minutes before vaccination and to remain under observation for 60 minutes after receiving the vaccine.

FAQs about the Covid Vaccine

This is not a problem. The new vaccine will be administered regardless of the type of previous vaccine and replaces the earlier Pfizer/Moderna formulations.

The COVID-19 vaccine does not protect against influenza, and it is important to get vaccinated against flu as well. Both vaccines can be administered at the same time (depending on availability) when scheduling a COVID-19 vaccination appointment at Leumit medical centers.

The formula itself is identical, but children under the age of 12 receive a lower dosage than adults.

In general, there is no contraindication to administering other vaccines at the same time as the COVID-19 vaccine, or at any interval before or after it. The exception is the monkeypox vaccine. If you have concerns, you should consult your physician.

Pregnant women are at increased risk of complications from COVID-19, and vaccination is therefore recommended, including during pregnancy. The vaccine can be received at any stage of pregnancy, as well as while breastfeeding.
It may also be administered at the same time as other vaccines given during pregnancy, or at any interval before or after them.

After receiving the vaccine, confirmation of the COVID-19 vaccination will appear in your medical record on the Leumit website and app, under “Medical Summary” in the “Vaccinations” section.

Testing for Covid19

If you suspect COVID-19 infection or have been in contact with someone who is ill, it is recommended to take a home COVID-19 test. If the result is positive, and depending on how you feel, you can consult your doctor through online correspondence, a phone call, or a video visit. In case of a positive result, it is important to be cautious — keep your distance, wear a mask, and protect those around you.

Here you can find comprehensive information about COVID-19 testing.

Testing for Covid19

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