Cottage Health is offering COVID-19 vaccine at multiple locations based on available vaccine supply. Everyone age 16+ is now eligible to receive vaccine. Minors age 16 or 17 may receive only Pfizer vaccine and must be accompanied by a parent/guardian.
GETTING A VACCINE APPOINTMENT
When are the vaccine clinics?
Cottage Health vaccines clinics are weekly ongoing based on staffing and vaccine availability. Current vaccine supplies are limited.
Who can get the vaccine now?
- Go to My Turn to find appointments. Everyone who lives or works in Santa Barbara County and is age 16 and over is now eligible.
- On April 15, eligibility throughout California will open for everyone age 16 and over. (Note Pfizer is the only vaccine authorized for those age 16 and 17, and parental consent is required.)
How will I know when appointments open?
Register at My Turn and also check the county website and other providers.
Current vaccine supplies are limited. It will take time to vaccinate our community, and Cottage Health is one provider in this effort. New appointments are released every week, and vaccine supplies are expected to increase. Please keep trying if you do not get an appointment right away.
Cottage Health opens vaccine appointments in My Turn on Fridays between 3-5 p.m. A small number of additional appointments may open throughout the week, most between 3-5 p.m.
How do I sign up if I don’t have a computer?
Call the California COVID-19 Hotline at 1-833-422-4255 (M-F 8am-8pm, Sa-Su 8am-5pm).
For questions about an appointment you have scheduled with Cottage Health, call us at 805-678-7016 or 800-756-5510. Please do not call this number for an appointment if you are able to access My Turn to make your appointment online. It is not a service for bypassing My Turn scheduling for those who have computer access.
Do I need an appointment?
Appointments are required for each person receiving the vaccine.
CONFIRMING AN APPOINTMENT
Will I receive confirmation once I schedule an appointment?
Once you complete your appointment reservation, an email confirmation will be sent.
Please note: If you opted out/unsubscribed from receiving Cottage Health emails in the past, we will be unable to contact you at the email address you unsubscribed. You may provide a different email address when scheduling your appointment to ensure quickest receipt of vaccine messages.
CANCELING AN APPOINTMENT OR SCHEDULING FOR SOMEONE ELSE
What if I need to cancel an appointment?
After registering, if you need to cancel your appointment for any reason, call our COVID-19 Vaccine Call Center at 805-678-7016 or 800-756-5510 (8am-4:30pm). If calling after hours, please leave a voicemail with your full name and appointment time.
Please cancel promptly to ensure your appointment can be offered to someone else.
Please cancel if you feel sick on your scheduled date.
Can I make an appointment for my spouse or another household member at the same time?
Each person will need a unique appointment to receive vaccine.
The same time slot may not be available to all eligible members in a household.
We will only be able to vaccinate the individual/s who have an appointment in their name.
To make an appointment for someone else, please work with them to register at My Turn.
WHICH VACCINE WILL BE USED?
Which COVID-19 vaccine will I receive from Cottage?
Vaccine will be based on availability and will be noted in your appointment scheduling process. At the clinic site, you will receive a vaccination record card listing the type of vaccine you receive.
Can I mix vaccines?
For the Pfizer and Moderna two-dose vaccines, it is important that your first and second doses are from the same company. (i.e., You should receive both doses of Pfizer, or both doses Moderna). The Johnson & Johnson (Janssen) vaccine is a single dose.
HOW TO PREPARE FOR YOUR APPOINTMENT
Where is Cottage Health’s vaccine clinic?
Details on location and a pre-appointment checklist will be sent once you have an appointment.
Cottage Health is offering vaccinations at multiple locations, so be sure to check the location of your appointment before arriving.
What do I need to bring to my appointment?
Please wear short sleeves.
Wear a face mask over your mouth AND nose.
Bring a current photo ID to verify age, and your insurance card if you have health insurance.
You will be asked to complete patient information forms when you arrive.
Parent or legal guardian must be present for vaccination of individuals less than 18 years old.
Be prepared to remain at the clinic for your vaccination and for a 15-30 minute observation period after receiving your vaccine.
Is there a cost for vaccine?
There will be no charge to you.
If you have insurance, bring your card to your appointment.
Do I need to have Cottage MyChart account?
A Cottage Health MyChart account is not required when making a vaccine appointment, but it may be helpful to you.
Cottage Health MyChart gives you access to your medical records, lab results, and quicker registration and appointment check in.
Now is a good time to sign up or ensure your login information is current. Visit www.cottagehealth.org/mychart to log in. If you have forgotten your username or password please click on the “Forgot Username” or “Forgot Password” buttons.
Should I take the vaccine if I’ve had COVID?
It depends on when you recovered. If you had COVID in the past three months, you may not need the vaccine until after three months from recovery. Please check with your medical provider.
Should I take the vaccine if I have allergies?
Please consult a physician for medical advice specific to your medical history.
As a precaution, individuals at the vaccine clinic will be monitored by the Cottage Health clinical team for 15-30 minutes after vaccination.
Should I take the vaccine if I am pregnant or breastfeeding?
Please consult a physician for medical advice if you have questions on whether the vaccine is right for you.
An FAQ sheet on safety of vaccine during pregnancy is available at the California Department of Public Health website.
SECOND DOSE APPOINTMENTS
How will I sign up for a second dose?
If you receive Pfizer or Moderna vaccine, information on second dose scheduling will be provided at your first dose appointment.
For Cottage Health vaccine clinics, an email will be sent to you directly from Cottage Health to schedule your second dose. The second dose of Pfizer vaccine should be scheduled approximately 3-6 weeks after the first dose (no earlier than 17 days).
You will receive a link to schedule at least five days before your second dose is due. Call the Cottage Health COVID-19 Vaccine Call Center at 805-678-7016 or 800-756-5510 if you have not received an email 17 days after your first dose appointment.
As of April 7, Cottage will the schedule second dose at the first dose appointment, and the date/time will be written on the vaccination record card as a reminder.
MORE OPTIONS AND UPDATES
Cottage Health is providing ongoing care for our community and has isolation precautions in place for COVID-19 and other respiratory illnesses.
Wellness
Wellness Resources
A listing of articles & resources from Cottage Health and community partners relating to overall health and well-being.
- Overall Health and Well-Being - A listing of articles & resources from Cottage Health and community partners.
- Mental Health Resources for Children and Families - The emotional impacts of COVID-19 are impacting many children, teens, and families. This can increase stress and lead to anxiety or depression.
- Managing Coronavirus Anxiety - While COVID-19 should be taken seriously, there are ways to manage the anxieties and fears surrounding it.
- Mental Health Resources - The emotional impacts of COVID-19 may be impacting you. We are living in new norms of social distancing, isolation and societal changes. This can increase stress and lead to anxiety or depression.
- Healthy Coping During Isolation - Paul Erickson, MD, Medical Director of Psychiatry & Addiction Services at Cottage Health, provides tips on stress management.
- Resources for Caretakers - Materials to Help Children of All Ages Cope with COVID-19
- Staying Emotionally Fit - Having tools to manage isolation and stay healthy both emotionally and physically are essential through this time of being quarantined.
- The American Academy of Pediatrics Advises Parents Experiencing Stress over COVID-19 - Academy recommends parents seek help for themselves, and use positive discipline techniques like time outs, redirection and reinforcement of good behaviors.
- Parents Guide to Injury Prevention - Tips for keeping your kids safe at home
- Birth Center - Frequently Asked Questions During COVID-19 Precautions - Cottage Health is committed to providing a safe and comfortable birth experience to protect you and your baby.
- Breastfeeding Your Baby Amidst COVID-19 Precautions - Not only is it safe to breastfeed your baby, it is recommended.
- Virtual Birth Center Tour - Take a brief tour of the Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital Birth Center and receive important information on what to expect during your stay with us.
- Free Online Resources for Families During Quarantine - Free online experiences for you and your family to share during quarantine.
- Children and Coronavirus - Tips to keep children healthy while school’s out.
Masks
Mask Guides
Correct and consistent mask use is a critical step everyone can take to prevent getting and spreading COVID-19. Masks work best when everyone wears them, but not all masks provide the same protection. The CDC offers a guide on effective mask practices. Updated 2/10/21
CDC Guide
Cottage Health is offering guides for making your own masks at home and how to properly wear, remove, and wash cloth face coverings.
Making And Cleaning a Mask
CDPH Crisis Care
CDPH Crisis Care Guidelines
Cottage Health is responding to the ongoing and surging COVID-19 pandemic. Our care continuum plan for surge operations and crisis care during public emergency is guided California Department of Public Health’s framework on best practices, ethical principles and commitment to equity in care.
Crisis Care Guidelines
