Vaccine information & resources

Learn more about vaccinations, why they’re important, how to access your vaccine records and more!

General FAQs

You have questions? We have answers.

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Why should I get vaccinated?

Vaccines are an affordable, easy way to be proactive about your health and the health of those around you. Getting vaccinated prevents serious illnesses, which can lead to hospitalizations, disability and death. Vaccines also prevent the spread of disease in your community, reducing the risk of local outbreaks and disease epidemics.

Did you know? According to the CDC, childhood vaccinations prevent four million deaths each year.

Are vaccines safe?

Do adults need to keep up with regular vaccinations?

How do I know if I’m having an allergic reaction?

Having a sore arm or mild flu-like symptoms is a common reaction after getting vaccinated and a sign the vaccine is working. The symptoms will typically go away after a few days.

Allergic reactions, on the other hand, are rare. Symptoms include hives, itching and, in more severe cases, difficulty breathing or swallowing. Severe symptoms typically occur 10-15 minutes after vaccination. If you or someone you know experiences a severe allergic reaction, seek emergency care immediately.

Which is better: Immunity through infection or vaccination?

Test results & vaccine records

As a Sentara patient, you can use Sentara MyChart to schedule vaccination appointments, view test results and access medical records.

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How do I access MyChart?

How do I find my non-COVID 19 vaccine/immunization information in Sentara MyChart?

How do I find my COVID-19 vaccination information?

Why am I not seeing a vaccine in my Sentara MyChart account?

How do I find my COVID-19, flu or other test results in Sentara MyChart?

Why am I not seeing a test result in my Sentara MyChart account?

You can view most lab and radiology test results one business day after the final test results become available and 48 hours after discharge if a patient was admitted. You can see most clinical test results as soon as they are completed.

If you have a test done at a non-Sentara facility, that test may be included in your medical records, but you likely will not be able to view it. Scanned documents from non-Sentara facilities are not viewable in your Sentara MyChart at this time.

If you need a copy of a test result that does not appear for two to three business days after the test results are released, please message your provider's staff and request that they release your specific test result to your Sentara MyChart account.

Note: It often takes up to seven days to finalize a test result, especially if it is a report. Some lab tests take longer to process.

Resources

CDC vaccines & immunizations

CDC travelers’ health

Virginia Department of Health Immunization

North Carolina Department of Health & Human Services Immunization Branch

MyChart FAQs and help

Request medical records

Get rewarded for getting vaccinated.

Are you a Sentara Health Plans Medicaid member? The Healthy Incentives program rewards you for getting certain wellness exams and screenings, and vaccines and immunizations. Some incentives have restrictions and limits. Members can get up to $50 per year in gift cards.

Learn more

Updated: August 28, 2024