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3 tips for finding and scheduling a COVID-19 vaccine appointment

Two health care providers wearing masks sit at the check-in desk of the ÃÛÌÇÖ±²¥ Boulder vaccination clinic site.

All individuals 16 and over are now eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine in ÃÛÌÇÖ±²¥. Here are some tips for finding and scheduling a vaccine appointment.


Check multiple locations

While ÃÛÌÇÖ±²¥ Boulder students, staff and faculty can sign up for the vaccine through ÃÛÌÇÖ±²¥ Boulder, we receive a limited supply of vaccine doses so it’s best to also check other options. We recommend taking advantage of your first opportunity.

Options for finding vaccine appointments:

  • Search in ÃÛÌÇÖ±²¥: The ÃÛÌÇÖ±²¥ Department of Public Health and Environment has a list of options throughout the state including . 
  • Search by state: 
    • allows you to search for appointments at clinics, pharmacies and other locations throughout the U.S.
    • allows you to search for appointments at pharmacies by state.

Plan for your second appointment

If you will be getting a two-dose vaccine, it’s helpful to consider the timing of when you will be due for your second dose appointment:

  • The Pfizer vaccine is two doses given approximately 21 days apart.
  • The Moderna vaccine is two doses given approximately 28 days apart.

If you will be leaving Boulder at the end of the semester, here are some things to consider: 

  • It’s important to at least get your first dose of the vaccine as soon as you are able to, preferably before traveling.
  • Depending on when you are due for your second dose, if you will be leaving the Boulder area you may need to plan to look for a vaccine appointment in your home city or state. Know that it could be harder to find a second dose at a location that is different from where you received your first dose.
  • If you aren’t able to get a second dose at the designated time (21 days for Pfizer or 28 days for Moderna after your first dose) it’s still important to schedule an appointment with another provider to receive your second dose as soon as you’re able to.

Be mindful of your schedule after your appointment

Many people do not experience side effects after vaccination. If you do experience side effects, they are usually mild and go away within a few days. Consider any plans you may have the day or two after your vaccine appointment in case you experience common side effects. Learn more about vaccine side effects.

After you’ve received a vaccine:

Congrats! Once you get vaccinated, be sure to remove yourself from all contact lists if you signed up for multiple vaccine sites.

Learn more about the COVID-19 vaccine