Doctor On Demand & DoorDash Address Dashers’ COVID-19 Vaccine Questions

We’re proud to partner with DoorDash to provide all U.S.-based Dashers access to virtual medical care and behavioral health visits for just $4. With vaccines now available in the United States, we partnered to answer Dashers’ questions around the COVID-19 vaccine.

On February 17, YouTube Dasher Bentley Koup and Doctor On Demand’s Dr. Prentiss Taylor held a webinar to chat through Dashers’ most frequent questions.

At Doctor On Demand, we’re here to answer any questions you may have about your health. Visit our Coronavirus Resource Center for more information on COVID-19, or find frequently asked questions from Dashers below.

Frequently Asked Questions About the COVID-19 Vaccine

1. Is the vaccine free?

Yes, even if you’re uninsured.

2. How effective is the vaccine? Everyone is different — is it possible the vaccine might work for some but not for others?

The effectiveness of the Pfizer, Moderna, and Johnson & Johnson vaccines are similar in terms of preventing hospitalization and death. The Johnson & Johnson vaccine is somewhat less effective in preventing mild symptoms of COVID-19 infection, but the trade-off is it is only one shot and you’re all good.

3. How does an mRNA vaccine work? How does it create immunity to a virus?

The mRNA molecules introduced to muscle cells by the vaccine are like coded tickets that give instructions to the ribosomes (protein factories) floating inside our muscle cells to make the spike protein that looks like the one on the outside of the COVID virus. It is the spike protein they make that triggers the immune response by antibodies and our T-lymphocyte white blood cells to produce effective immunity.

4. Between the Pfizer vaccine and the Moderna vaccine, which is more effective? How about the other brands of vaccines that are coming out soon?

The effectiveness of the Pfizer, Moderna, and Johnson & Johnson vaccines are similar in terms of preventing hospitalization and death. The Johnson & Johnson vaccine is somewhat less effective in preventing mild symptoms of COVID infection, but the trade off is it is only one shot and you’re all good. We do not know yet how effective the other vaccines will be, so it’s best not to wait; experts advise taking whichever approved one you can get first.

6. What are the side effects of the vaccine?

The side effects known at this point are very similar to those of a regular flu shot. Many people will have mild shoulder muscle soreness for about one day. A smaller percent of people may feel tired for one day. An even smaller number of people will get flu-like symptoms of chills or headache or mild fever that last for one or two days.

7. I’m worried about how quickly the vaccines came out. Will there be long-term side effects?

First, you should know that these vaccines have been in development for 12 years using your tax money at the National Institutes of Health. We have not seen any evidence yet of long-term side effects. Remember that most doctors and nurses across the country volunteered to be first to get the vaccines, because they trust they are safe.

8. If I have an existing condition, like asthma, thyroid issues, arthritis, diabetes, or nerve damage, is it safe for me to get the vaccine?

Yes! As a matter of fact, the CDC recommends that people with medical conditions placing them at higher risk for severe illness from COVID-19 be among the first to receive the vaccine.

9. Is it possible to get sick with COVID-19 even after getting vaccinated?

It is possible to get mildly ill with COVID-19 after getting vaccinated because no vaccine is always 100% effective in preventing any illness whatsoever. The take home message here is: These approved vaccines are effective in preventing hospitalization and death.

10. If I get COVID-19, do I have to wait before getting vaccinated? How long do I have to wait between recovering from COVID-19 and getting the COVID-19 vaccination?

All experts say you should wait. The precise answer has not been well studied. Different experts say wait 2 weeks to 12 weeks after recovering from a proven COVID infection.

11. Can people who are vaccinated still carry and transmit COVID-19 to others?

The answers to these questions are not known yet and are being studied. So continuing to social distance and wear masks is currently advised.

12. If I recently got a flu shot or other kind of booster shot, do I have to wait before getting the COVID-19 vaccine? Should I get my COVID-19 shot before or after getting other shots?

All experts say you should wait. The precise answer has not been well studied. Some experts say wait 2 weeks to get your COVID vaccination.

13. How long am I protected after I get vaccinated? Will there be a need to get a booster shot to stay protected long-term?

The answers to these questions are not known yet and are being studied.

14. If I do get (or have already had) COVID-19, how long do the antibodies work to protect me against getting it again?

The answers to these questions are not known yet and are being studied.

15. Will the vaccine protect against mutated versions of the virus?

The answers to these questions are not known yet and are being studied.

More Frequently Asked Questions from Dashers

We’ve partnered with DoorDash to share additional information for Dashers in regards to the COVID-19 Vaccine.

1. When and where can Dashers get vaccinated?

Phasing and eligibility is different everywhere. It depends on where you live — your country, your state or province, and sometimes even your city or county will be rolling out phases of eligibility differently. Vaccine locations are also different everywhere — hospital, pharmacies, etc.

2. How will I know when I can get vaccinated in my county / state?

DoorDash is working hard to get and share updated phasing information at the county / state levels to Dashers. DoorDash will do its best to notify Dashers as soon as Dashers are eligible for vaccination, but the best way to know when you’re eligible is to check your state website regularly. You can find your state-specific vaccine website at the COVID-19 resource center for Dashers

3. Am I an Essential Worker? What does that mean?

As a Dasher, you are considered an Essential Worker because you perform essential work as a third party delivery worker in the restaurant industry. Your status as an Essential Worker means you are being prioritized by many (but not all) state and local governments’ vaccination distribution plans.

4. Will I have to prove I am an Essential Worker in order to get vaccinated when my county / state says Essential Workers are eligible for vaccination?

This may be dependent on your location, and we recommend that you are prepared in case you are asked for proof. DoorDash sent out a verification of essential work to all active Dashers, confirming your status as an active Dasher, and therefore essential worker, which may be used in cases where proof is required. To date, we are unaware of any jurisdictions requiring this proof.

5. Will DoorDash be requiring Dashers to get vaccinated?

No, DoorDash will not require Dashers to get vaccinated. DoorDash is sharing vaccine-related information with you to ensure that you have the information you need to make a decision about getting vaccinated that is right for you.

6. Some customers answer their doors with no mask. What preventive measures should I take while dashing until I am able to get vaccinated?

In this case, remain the recommended 6 ft. away from your customer. Wash your hands before and after every delivery. Use hand sanitizer before and after each delivery, but when you have access to a bathroom, use soap and water and wash your hands for 20–30 seconds. And, always wear a mask. You may mark that the customer wasn’t wearing a mask directly in your Dasher app in the survey that pops up when you complete your delivery.

Learn more about combining the power of navigation with integrated virtual care solutions for your employees by partnering with Doctor On Demand by Included Health.