Frequently asked questions

Allina Health is vaccinating all people ages six months and older. Use your Allina Health Account to schedule the appointments you need. If your child has their own account, they can sign in into it to schedule. If you access your child's account through your Allina Health account, then you can sign in to schedule on your child's behalf. You can also schedule by calling our COVID-19 vaccination appointment line at 612-262-5533612-262-5533.

Note that only the Moderna and Pfizer vaccine are approved for children, and for this age group parental consent (either verbal or written) is required. Please print, have a parent or guardian sign, and bring the COVID-19 Vaccine Minor Consent Form to your appointment.

Everyone ages five and older can get a booster shot. Learn more about booster shots.

If you are eligible to get a COVID-19 vaccine or booster and don't want to wait for an opening at Allina Health, you may make an appointment at a local retail pharmacy, state vaccination site or other locations offering vaccines. Search for an available location now:

• Minnesota residents: Minnesota COVID-19 Vaccine Finder
• Wisconsin residents: Vaccines.gov

Yes. We are administering the Pfizer vaccine for patients ages six-months-old to 17-years-old, and for this age group parental consent is required. Please print, have a parent or guardian sign, and bring the COVID-19 Vaccine Minor Consent Form to your child’s appointment.

When you schedule your vaccination, you will be able to select from several Allina Health locations to find one that is most convenient for you or to fit the type of vaccine you are looking for:

• Moderna vaccine, ages 6 months old through 5 years old
• Moderna vaccine, ages 18+
• Pfizer vaccine, ages 6 months old to 4 years old
• Pfizer vaccine, ages 5-11
• Pfizer vaccine, ages 12+

Allina Health is not currently taking appointments to give the Janssen (Johnson & Johnson) vaccine. Per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in most situations, Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna COVID-19 vaccines are preferred over the Janssen (Johnson & Johnson's) COVID-19 vaccine for primary and booster vaccination. Read CDC's media statement.

If you are eligible to get a COVID-19 vaccine or booster and don't want to wait for an opening at Allina Health, you may make an appointment at a local retail pharmacy, state vaccination site or other locations offering vaccines. Search for an available location now:

• Minnesota residents: Minnesota COVID-19 Vaccine Finder
• Wisconsin residents: Vaccines.gov

At this time, we are not able to deliver a vaccine to your home. We are only offering vaccinations at vaccine hub locations. If this changes, we will notify our patients.

Yes. The CDC says that COVID-19 and other vaccines—including the yearly influenza vaccine—may now be administered at the same time, across all authorized age groups. Visit cdc.gov to learn more.

It is safe to receive the vaccine if you have an underlying health condition. People with a history of severe allergic reactions not related to vaccines or injectable medications—such as food, pet or latex allergies—should also get vaccinated.

If you have had previous severe, immediate reactions to any of the ingredients in the vaccine, or to other vaccines, you should ask your doctor if you should get a COVID-19 vaccine. Visit the CDC vaccine website for more guidance.

Yes, you should reschedule. To receive the vaccine, you must be well and no longer within your COVID-19 quarantine period.

Get your first dose as soon as you can, even if you can't get the second dose within the recommended time. The second dose of Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna COVID-19 vaccines may be administered up to 6 weeks (42 days) after the first dose. Beyond that time frame, there is limited data on efficacy of the vaccine.

According to the CDC, there is no recommendation for routine pregnancy testing before receipt of a COVID-19 vaccine. Those who are trying to become pregnant do not need to avoid pregnancy after vaccination and there is no evidence that any of the COVID-19 vaccines affect future fertility. Learn more at cdc.gov.

Pregnant people are more likely to get severely ill with COVID-19. According to the CDC and FDA, if you are pregnant, you can receive a COVID-19 vaccine and getting a COVID-19 vaccine during pregnancy can protect you from severe illness from COVID-19. Based on how these vaccines work in the body, experts believe they are unlikely to pose a risk for people who are pregnant, though there is currently limited data available on the safety of COVID-19 vaccines in pregnant people. Learn more at cdc.gov.

Yes, you should be vaccinated regardless of whether you already had COVID-19. That's because experts do not yet know how long you are protected from getting sick again after recovering from COVID-19. Learn more at cdc.gov.

Wear clothing that allows access to your upper arm and is comfortable for you. Please be aware that you may receive the vaccine in a room that is not private.

You will be able to schedule your second dose after your first has been administered. Depending on the clinic location, you may be able to schedule on-site when receiving your first in addition to scheduling online or by phone.

We recommend you get the second shot at the same location. What matters most is that you receive two doses of the same type of vaccine—either Pfizer or Moderna—with the recommended interval between each shot. Waiting longer may not reduce the effectiveness of the second dose, but it does leave you with less-than-ideal protection from COVID-19.

If you received a COVID-19 vaccine and are now concerned about potential health impacts, you can find more information at FDA's website. If you have any concerns about symptoms or side effects, please contact your health care provider directly. 

If you received your vaccination through Allina Health, you can view your record using your Allina Health account. Sign in to your account and click on “My COVID-19 information” link in the Alerts section of the account dashboard. Or, from the Allina Health app, select “COVID-19 status” from your account dashboard.

Additionally, Minnesotans can access their immunization record through their smartphones or other mobile devices by using an app called Docket. Docket enables residents with a Minnesota Immunization Information Connection (MIIC) record to securely view and share their immunization records.

MIIC, Minnesota’s immunization information system, combines all immunizations a person has received into a single record, even if they were given by different health care providers in Minnesota. Anyone who has a MIIC record can use the Docket app to access their record, including their COVID-19 vaccination. The app provides a PDF document of the immunization record that can be saved to your mobile device, printed, emailed, or texted as needed.

Answer several quick questions on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's website to learn when you can get your booster.

Adults may choose which COVID-19 vaccine they receive as a booster shot. Some people may prefer the vaccine type that they originally received, and others may prefer to get a different booster. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommendations allow for this type of mix and match dosing for booster shots.

The latest guidelines from the CDC state that, in most situations, Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna COVID-19 vaccines are preferred over the Janssen (Johnson & Johnson) COVID-19 vaccine for primary and booster vaccination. Read the latest CDC media statement on this topic.

Also note that Allina Health does not currently offer the Janssen (Johnson & Johnson) vaccine.

Note: Scheduling for the newer bivalent booster won't be available until 7 a.m. on 9/13/22.

If you have an Allina Health account

If you have an Allina Health account schedule online now.

If you do NOT have an Allina Health account

First create an Allina Health account. Once your account is active, you are ready to schedule your booster. Sign in to your account.

Schedule by phone

You also have the option to call 612-262-5533612-262-5533 to schedule your booster shot (versus scheduling online).

Steps to schedule online

From your computer:

1. Select “Schedule appointment”
2. Then choose “A provider you have seen”
3. Then click “COVID-19 vaccine”
4. Follow the steps to schedule

Using the Allina Health app on your phone or other mobile device:

1. Select “Appointments & virtual visits”
2. Tap the “Schedule an appointment” button
3. Select “Choose a specialty”
4. Then tap “COVID-19 vaccine”
5. Follow the steps to schedule

If you do not see a location or time that works for you, Minnesota residents are encouraged to use the Minnesota COVID-19 Vaccine Finder and Wisconsin residents are encouraged to use Vaccines.gov to find other locations offering boosters.

The COVID-19 vaccine is free for Allina Health patients but there is an administration fee. Your insurance will be billed for administering the vaccine. If you do not have insurance, there is a process to ensure that you receive the vaccine at no cost to you. For any billing related questions, please call 1-800-859-50771-800-859-5077.

Vaccine sections of these websites:

• cdc.gov
• fda.gov
• health.state.mn.us
• dhs.wisconsin.gov
• this page of our site (Info will be continually updated as soon as it becomes available.)

You should consider a COVID-19 test if you have:

• symptoms of COVID-19
• had close contact (within 6 feet of an infected person for at least 15 minutes) with someone with confirmed COVID-19
• been asked or referred to get testing by your health care provider or your local or state health department.

If you’ve been exposed to COVID-19 or suspect you may have it, we know you want answers fast. But we want to make sure you get the right test for the right condition—and we don’t want you to be tested unnecessarily. COVID-19 symptoms are similar to other illnesses including flu and strep, so a care provider will determine if a test is right for you.

To see if testing is the right option for you, schedule a virtual visit or an in-person appointment with a primary care provider.

Schedule now.

With your provider’s recommendation, you can get tested in one of two ways:

1. At an in-person appointment, you can receive a test immediately as part of your appointment.
2. Following a virtual evaluation, your care team can direct you to one of our convenient locations for your test.

If you believe you may have coronavirus, learn more about your care options.

The Minnesota Department of Health partners with communities to offer COVID-19 testing. Learn more about the MDH testing process and upcoming events, to see if it may be an option for you.

Allina Health uses the COVID-19 RT-PCR in its clinics, and for testing before a procedure. The sample is collected using a nasal swab. The swab is inserted into the back of your nasal cavity. The collection can be a bit uncomfortable. If you think you may have COVID-19, talk with a provider using a virtual or in-person care option to see if testing is right for you.

Allina Health also offers COVID-19 antibody (serology) testing for people who meet certain criteria. This test works by detecting the presence of antibodies in the blood and may tell you if you had a past infection. If you think you meet the criteria, your next step is to schedule a virtual visit with your health care provider, who will decide whether you are a good candidate for antibody testing and who can explain your test results after they come in.

Learn more about COVID-19 testing.

We make every effort to get results processed as soon as possible, but it may take up to a week to receive your test results. Test results are delivered seven days a week.

While you are waiting, you should self-quarantine/isolate at home until you get your test results and follow the advice of your health care provider.

The fastest way to get your test results is through your Allina Health account.

This free online account makes it easier than ever to review your results and communicate with your clinic, hospital and provider. Learn about all of the benefits of an Allina Health account and sign up for an account.

Positive Test Results
If your COVID-19 test result is positive you will be contacted via phone. If you are not able to be reached by phone, a detailed message with the result will be left.

Negative Test Results
Negative COVID-19 test results will be sent via your Allina Health Account (MyChart). If you do not have an Allina Health Account (or MyChart) your results will be sent via mail. Mailed results may take an additional 4-5 business days.

If you have a positive COVID-19 test:

• Stay home except to get medical care.
  • You should stay home until your symptoms go away.
  • If you need medical care, call your health are provider before you go in to be seen. You can also schedule a virtual visit.
• Separate yourself from other people.
  • As much as possible, stay away from other people and pets in your home.
  • If possible, stay in a specific room and use a separate bathroom.
  • Do not share food or personal household items.
  • Wear a mask when you are around other people and if you need medical care.
• Monitor your symptoms.
  • Get rest and stay hydrated. Take over-the-counter medicines to help you feel better.
  • Call your health care provider if your symptoms are getting worse. Tell them that you were tested for COVID-19 and the result was positive. Your health care provider will give you instructions on what to do if you need to be seen.

Learn more about what to do if you have COVID-19 at cdc.gov. If you have any questions or concerns, please call your health care provider.

If you had a positive COVID-19 test and you have symptoms, you can be around others when these three things have happened:

• at least 5 days have passed since symptoms first appeared and
• you have had no fever for 24 hours without the use of medicine that reduces fever and
• other symptoms of COVID-19 have improved.

Continue to wear a mask for an additional 5 days any time you are around others. 

Please note: Loss of taste and smell may last for weeks or months after recovery and do not need to delay the end of isolation. 

If you had a positive COVID-19 test but have no symptoms and do not develop any symptoms, you can be around others after 5 days have passed since you had a positive test. Wear a mask for an additional 5 days any time you are around others.

Important: The above recommendations do not apply to people with severe COVID-19 or with weakened immune systems (immunocompromised). 

Employers, schools and day cares may offer their own safe return guidance. 

If you develop symptoms after testing positive, follow the guidance under “What should I do if I have a positive test result?”

Learn more about when you can be around others at cdc.gov. If you have any questions or concerns, please call your health care provider.

If you have a negative COVID-19 test result, you probably were not infected at the time your sample was collected. The test result only means that you did not have COVID-19 at the time of testing. Continue to take steps to protect yourself.

If you have any questions or concerns, or develop symptoms of COVID-19, please call your health care provider.

Allina Health now offers COVID-19 antibody (serology) testing for people in the hospital who meet certain guidelines. In addition, antibody testing in at an Allina Health clinic may also be considered for people who:

• have symptoms of COVID-19 that began more than 14 days ago and:
  • had a past negative COVID-19 test result
  • have never had a COVID-19 test 

If you think you meet the criteria above, your next step is to schedule a virtual visit with your health care provider, who will decide whether you are a good candidate for antibody testing and who can explain your test results after they come in.

Yes, currently children ages six months and older can get the Pfizer vaccine and ages six months through five years can get the Moderna vaccine. Find an Allina Health location that offers the COVID-19 vaccine.

Follow the Minnesota Department of Health’s COVID-19 Decision Tree for People in Schools, Youth, and Child Care Programs (PDF).

Because COVID-19 has symptoms similar to flu, strep and other illnesses, a provider can assess your child’s condition and ensure that you get the right care and the right test. Use one of our virtual or in-person care offerings today to see if testing is right for you.

Your child should meet with a provider to discuss getting a COVID-19 test if he or she has one or more “more common” symptoms OR two or more “less common” symptoms.

• “More common” symptoms include fever (temperature of 100.4 F or higher), new onset or worsening cough, difficulty breathing, or new loss of taste or smell.
• “Less common” symptoms include sore throat, nausea or vomiting, diarrhea, chills, muscle pain, fatigue, headache, or nasal congestion or runny nose.

If your child had close contact (less than 6 feet for more than 15 minutes) with someone who has COVID-19, you should consider having your child get a COVID-19 test five to seven days after exposure.

If your child only has one “less common symptom,” your child does not need a COVID-19 test. “Less common” symptoms include sore throat, nausea or vomiting, diarrhea, chills, muscle pain, fatigue, headache, or nasal congestion or runny nose.

It is OK for your child to stay in school or a childcare program if the symptom is mild, gets better quickly, and no other symptoms develop.

It is OK for your child to return to school 24 hours after the symptom gets better. Siblings and household members do not need to stay home or quarantine.

Important: Your child’s school or childcare program may have additional guidelines for when your child may stay or is able to return to school or childcare. Please refer to these guidelines or call your child’s school or childcare program for more information.

Minnesota residents refer to the Minnesota Department of Health’s COVID-19 Attendance Guide for Parents and Families and Wisconsin residents to Wisconsin Department of Health to learn more about when your child can attend school, youth programs and child care during COVID-19.

Important: Your child’s school or childcare program may have additional guidelines for when your child may stay or is able to return to school or childcare. Please refer to these guidelines or call your child’s school or childcare program for more information.

For safety and physical distancing, there are fewer in-person appointments available. Your appointment may need to be scheduled further out than normal so we are able to provide you with the safest care possible.

To make an appointment, you can:

• schedule online for most care options
• call 1-888-4ALLINA (1-888-425-54621-888-425-5462). Phones are answered 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for your scheduling needs.

Virtual care visits are still available and offer a safe and convenient way to get care, right from your home.

Learn more about in-person care.

At Allina Health, we have taken many steps to safeguard your health and help reduce the spread of COVID-19.

• Patient and visitor screening: All patients and visitors are screened before entering our facilities. Anyone who may have symptoms of COVID-19 is taken to a separate area.
• Everyone wears a mask: Patients and visitors are encouraged to bring a mask, or they receive cloth masks. Staff who have direct contact with patients wear a mask and a face shield.
• Physical distancing: We practice physical distancing in all of our lobbies, and we have added Plexiglas shields between check in staff and patients.
• Highest standards of clean: Our already high standards of clean have been enhanced throughout our facilities, with deep cleaning and disinfection of high-touch surfaces and public spaces.

If you’re not sure, call your clinic or 1-888-4-ALLINA (1-888-425-54621-888-425-5462). We will ask about your symptoms and guide you to the right care.

We have expanded our virtual care options. Virtual care offers a safe and convenient way to get care, right from your home. It can help you with common illnesses and injuries, preventive care, mental health conditions and a range of other medical needs. More often than not, there is a virtual care option for the care you need.

• Virtual visits allow you to make an appointment to talk with your provider face-to-face using your mobile device and the Allina Health account app. These visits can also take place via telephone if you prefer. A virtual visit usually costs the same an office visit (depending on your insurance coverage), and if your provider decides you should be seen in person, you won’t be charged for the virtual visit. Schedule by signing in to your account or by calling your clinic.
• Everyday Online uses a brief online questionnaire to gather information about your symptoms. A provider reviews your answers and responds with a care plan within an hour. Available 24/7, Everyday Online is an easy and inexpensive way to be treated for many common health conditions. Cost is $49 or less depending on your insurance. Start a visit.

If you have a medical emergency or life-threatening condition, call 911 or go to the nearest Emergency Department. Our Emergency Departments are open to all patients and are taking precautions to reduce the spread of coronavirus.

If you have an urgent medical need, you can visit an urgent care location. Our urgent care locations are now designated as respiratory care, non-respiratory care and split care sites. We recommend calling the urgent care location to make sure it is the best option for you. You can also call 1-888-4-ALLINA (1-888-425-54621-888-425-5462) and we’ll guide you to the right location.

Allina Health Everyday Online is also available if you need care right away. Our team of board-certified providers treat a variety of common everyday conditions virtually - for children to adults. Just complete a short online health interview and a provider will send you a diagnosis and treatment plan within one hour.

To help reduce the spread of COVID-19 and keep our patients, visitors and staff safe; Allina Health has implemented a limited visitor policy. Learn more about the current visitor guidelines and any exceptions to the policy.

To help protect yourself from the coronavirus, you should:

• Clean your hands often
• Avoid close contact
• Cover your mouth and nose with a cloth face cover when around others
• Cover coughs and sneezes
• Clean and disinfect

The coronavirus is causing stress and anxiety for many. To help care for yourself during this time, you should eat healthful foods, be physically active and get plenty of rest. Try to take a break from the news and try some relaxation exercises. Read more about how to manage your stress and anxiety.

Additional resources

• “Managing your mental health during COVID-19,” by Mary Beth Lardizabal, DO
• Relaxation and mindfulness resources
• Allina Health offers mental health virtual visits that can help with anxiety. Learn more about a virtual visit.

Healthy lifestyle habits are the best way to support a healthy immune system. These include washing your hands, making sleep a priority, making time to relax, eating healthful foods, checking your mindset, and staying connected.

Read more about how to create healthy lifestyle habits.

It is important to disinfect the parts of your wheelchair that are touched most often.

Clean them after you come in contact with someone new or when you return home from being in public places.

You can best support front-line caregivers by donating to the Caring for Caregivers fund to provide immediate financial support for our employees who experience financial challenges during this crisis.

There continues to be a blood shortage across the nation and state and our blood donation partners are asking people to donate. See the American Red Cross blood drives and Memorial Blood Center for locations where you can safely donate blood.

The American Red Cross has established a Rapid Pass to allow you to pre-register.

You can donate directly to our Caring for Caregivers fund which provides immediate support for employees who are experiencing financial challenges during an unexpected crisis. With your support, the Caring for Caregivers fund helps cover mortgage or rent expenses, car payments, child care and utility expenses, and other financial needs.

Allina Health is not collecting copays and deductibles for diagnostic COVID-19 tests. Many employers and health insurers are required to pay for diagnostic COVID-19 testing. You are encouraged to contact your insurance company for specific out-of-pocket cost questions and additional charges that could be incurred at the time of service. You will not be charged a fee for a COVID-19 test if you are uninsured and unable to pay.

If you were diagnosed with COVID-19, many insurance companies are covering the cost of treatment. However if you were not diagnosed with having the virus, your insurance plan may not apply that level of benefit. If your insurance company has not issued the payment you expected, you may wish to contact the them directly.

If you were diagnosed with COVID-19, many insurance companies are covering the cost of treatment.  However not all insurance plans are required to do so. You may wish to contact your insurance company to ask how the services that you received will be paid.