COVID-19 Vaccines Sign Up and Information

A:  The Covid-19 vaccine registration portal is an online scheduling tool to help individuals determine when they are eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine and help them schedule an appointment when it is their turn.

A:  You can access the portal using your computer, mobile phone or tablet at https://www.vaccinate.ne.gov

A:  Individuals may register if they live or work in Nebraska. Out of state residents who work in Nebraska can register in Nebraska and receive the vaccine through their Nebraska Health Care Provider or by using the provider locator in the Portal.

A:  The Vaccine Registration Portal  is currently available in English and Spanish.  The Nebraska DHHS will consider expanding the language options as needed in the future.

A:  Individuals without computer or mobile phone access should first ask a friend or family member to help them. You also have the option to contact your Local Public Health Department or to call the NE State Vaccine hotline at 833-998-2275 or 531-249-1873 to register.

A:  Yes, the vaccination registration solution is web based, so it can be accessed using any device with internet access (computer, mobile phone, or tablet). 

A:  If you do not have a phone, enter the following Nebraska Hotline number: 531-249-1873; if you do not have an email address, enter the following: dhhs.vacchotline@Nebraska.gov.  

A:  It uses logic from the state vaccination phase plan based on the CDC recommendations.

A:  Yes, it is a required field, however, you have the option to select “Prefer not to answer”.

A:  Anyone can register – even children.

A:  They can use the portal to just register for their second dose.

A:  Yes.  If you registered using the ECDHD sign up, you should re-register at vaccinate.ne.gov

A:  If you recently moved to Nebraska and you are now a Nebraska resident and you have not yet received the Covid-19 vaccine, you should use the portal to register.

A:  We recommend you receive the vaccine, even if you have already had COVID-19.

The protection someone gains from having an infection (called natural immunity) varies depending on the disease, and it varies from person to person. Since this virus is new, we do not know how long natural immunity might last.

The CDC reports that some early evidence suggests that natural immunity may not last very long. Getting the vaccine, even if you already had COVID-19, will help you protect yourself and others.

A:  You may still be able to spread COVID-19 to others even after you are vaccinated. Medical experts still need to understand more about the protection that COVID-19 vaccines provide.

For this reason, we recommend all individuals continue to wear a mask, watch your distance, and wash your hands often. Also, avoid crowded places, close contact with others, and confined spaces.  

A:  Yes, upon completing the registration questionnaire, the portal will determine which phase you are eligible for.  When there is enough vaccine to move into that phase, you will be notified with an email containing a unique link to the scheduler in the Portal.

A:  Yes, the Portal will send an email for you to schedule your first and later your second dose appointments. If you do not schedule the appointment you will receive 3 reminders over a two-week period to schedule an appointment for your vaccination.

A:  You will receive an email for the first three days after receiving your vaccine that contains a link to report any adverse side effects of the vaccination.

A:  Yes, for vaccines that require more than 1 dose, patients who receive the first dose will have a second dose scheduling prompt and will receive a reminder through email.

A:  If the patient is scheduled through the portal and the provider cancels the appointment in the system, then yes, the patient will receive a cancelation email and a link to reschedule.

A:  The portal does not allow changes after the form is submitted.

If you made a mistake on your registration or need to update information, individuals will need to work with a vaccine provider who is working in the Vaccine system as they can open your record to make changes.  You can do this at the time of your first vaccination or before.

A:  A unique identifier and limited information provided by you such as name and phone number will be held in the QR barcode. 

A:  Appointment times are planned to match the amount of vaccine available for that week.  If this weeks’ timeslots are filled, select a time slot in the following week.

A:  The number of appointments depends on the availability of the vaccine. The state and counties receive a weekly supply of the vaccine which is determined by the federal government.  This determines the number of appointments that can be booked.

A:  You will receive an email to schedule your appointment, one that confirms your appointment with your QR code and the details of when and where your appointment is, an email after you receive your first vaccination confirming that you received it and asking for adverse reactions.  Follow up emails asking for adverse reactions, a reminder to schedule your second appointment if necessary, and the same set of emails for your second appointment as mentioned above.

A:  You will be able to cancel or reschedule your appointment through the Portal. However, because these appointments are in high demand, we ask that you schedule carefully to avoid any potential conflicts.

A:  If you miss your appointment, you will have to reschedule and book another appointment at the next available time slot. As these time slots are high in demand, please remember to mark your calendars and set reminders to avoid missing appointments.

A:  The COVID-19 vaccines currently in use require a second dose. You need both doses for the vaccine. Once you get your first dose, the system will calculate when it is time for your second vaccination, and you will receive a follow-up email and an opportunity to schedule your second dose appointment at the appropriate time.

A:  Yes. You may register other members of your household by entering their individual information into the system. You may use the same email or phone number if all members of the household do not have their own. As appointments become available for each individual, they will be notified via email.

A:  When you’re eligible to receive the vaccine, you’ll receive an email with a direct link that is unique to you to sign up for available appointments. There should be appointment times available although you may need to schedule into the coming week. We recommend bookmarking or keeping this link handy in your inbox in case you need it.

If you’re having trouble finding available appointments, we encourage you to check back periodically throughout the week for new openings.

A:  The vaccines are safe and effective. The FDA has rigorous scientific and regulatory processes in place that ensure the safety, effectiveness, and quality of COVID-19 vaccines. Throughout the entire process, the vaccines were evaluated for their safety and efficacy. Individuals should feel confident in receiving the vaccines.

Both the Moderna vaccine and the Pfizer vaccine have been shown in late-stage vaccine trials to be safe and very effective - 94.5% and 95% effective, respectively. We encourage all individuals to receive the vaccine when it becomes available to them.

A:  No, the vaccine went through all the usual FDA-required assessments and regulatory processes.

With scientists and manufacturers around the world all focusing on combating COVID-19, parts of the vaccine production and manufacturing process were run concurrently. The FDA-approved COVID-19 vaccine is as safe and effective as any other FDA-approved vaccine.

A:  As with all vaccines or any medication, there are chances of side effects. For updated information on common side effects, please visit https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/expect/after.html.  

A: Even once you have the vaccine, it is vital that you continue to take precautions to slow the spread of COVID-19. Everyone should continue to wear a mask, wash their hands, and watch their distance. Stopping a pandemic requires all the tools available.

We know the vaccine is effective at protecting recipients from COVID-19 — but you may still be able to spread it to others.

The vaccine is designed to protect you but is not a replacement for taking action to protect others.

Right now, CDC has not determined if or when it will stop recommending that people wear masks and avoid close contact with others to help prevent the spread of the virus that causes COVID-19. Medical experts still need to understand more about the protection that COVID-19 vaccines provide before making that decision. These actions, in conjunction with the vaccine plan, can make a huge difference in keeping our families and communities safe and healthy in the long term.