Our goal is to share as much information as possible about the COVID-19 vaccine so you are informed about the process and the vaccine. To help you find specific information, we've divided our frequently asked questions into broad topics. Please check back as we add additional topical questions and answers and add to the existing set.
Lost your vaccine card?
New Hampshire and Vermont have designated websites and steps to obtain proof of your vaccinations. You can expect that you will need to provide proof of your identity when completing the required forms.
If you are a parent or guardian requesting an immunization record for your children, you will need to include their birth certificate showing your name along with your identity proof to get the immunization record.
- New Hampshire residents: DHHS NHIIS Information for the Public website
- Vermont residents: Vermont Department of Health: Requesting Vaccination Records from the IMR (PDF)
Getting the vaccine
Learn what you need to know about how to register to get the vaccine, where to go, and what to expect.
Vaccine effectiveness
Understanding the effectiveness of the COVID-19 vaccine, and what to expect after you receive your vaccine is critical to helping you feel safe.
Vaccine safety
With any new vaccine there are, understandably, many questions around its safety. Review the safety of the current vaccines for all patients.
Third dose of mRNA COVID-19
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), people who have moderately to severely compromised immune systems should receive an additional dose of mRNA COVID-19 vaccine (Moderna or Pfizer-BioNTech) following the initial two doses.
Booster shots
Data have shown that, over time, vaccines provide less protection against mild and moderate COVID-19 disease in certain populations. People who are at higher risk or were vaccinated during the earlier phases of the vaccination rollout might need a booster dose to continue to have the highest level of protection that the vaccines provide.
Pregnancy, breastfeeding, and the COVID-19 vaccine
Pregnancy and breastfeeding can bring a unique set of questions and concerns about the COVID-19 vaccine. Review information to learn what we want our pregnant and breastfeeding patients to know.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding FAQ
Pediatric and adolescent patients
Learn about the COVID-19 vaccine for children and adolescents aged 12 to 17.
Cancer Center patients
Patients with cancer should reduce their risk of exposure to the virus, accept the vaccine when it is available for them, and encourage those they come into contact with to get vaccinated too. Review the information specific to patients undergoing treatment for cancer to learn more about the safety and efficacy of the COVID-19 vaccine.
Norris Cotton Cancer Center Patient FAQ
Dartmouth-Hitchcock employees
Dartmouth-Hitchcock employees should review the frequently asked questions available on the intranet (login required) for employee-specific guidance and information.