top of page

Community Health Resources

Why you should get vaccinated

ACER HOTLINE INFORMATION

 

ACER knows that this pandemic is disproportionately impacting our community. We want to make sure you’re connected to the resources you need.

 

To have your questions answered, call the hotline number:

 

763-657-7711 OR email INFO@ACERINC.ORG

​

We can help connect you to:

  • Transportation and information on where and how to get tested for COVID 19

  • Resources to help pay your rent, mortgage, and utilities

  • Finding and accessing healthcare and mental health resources and support

  • Food resources for you and your family

  • Finding a job and accessing unemployment resources

 

Language support: English, Hmong, Spanish, and Pidgin English

VACCINATIONS AND TESTING FOR COVID-19

ACER’s office is offering antigen test kits.
Pick up location: 6800 78th ave N, Suite 101, Brooklyn Park, MN 55445

​

You can look up free testing sites near you and book appointments at mn.gov/covid19

There are free, rapid, at-home COVID-19 test kits available to residents of eligible communities. Apply for one at: sayyeshometest.org

COVID-19 FAQS:

Which vaccine should I get? Anyone ages 5 and above can get the Pfizer vaccine. Moderna and J&J vaccines are only available to ages 18 and above. It is recommended that you take the Pfizer or the Moderna (mRNA vaccines) if possible. If these vaccines are not available to you, any approved vaccine is a good option.

I took my first dose. Now what? If you get the Pfizer vaccine, you need to wait 21 days after the first dose to take the second dose. If you get the Moderna vaccine, you need to wait 28 days after the first dose to take the second dose. J&J one has one dose so far in the primary series. It is very important that the 2nd dose is the same type as the first dose. If you got Pfizer as the first dose ONLY get the Pfizer second dose. Similarly, if you got the Moderna first dose ONLY take the Moderna second dose. Do not mix brands during the primary series. For more information, visit: cdc.gov/coronavirus

Which booster shot do I take? Everyone ages 18 years and older should get a booster dose of either Pfizer or Moderna (COVID-19 vaccines) 5 months after the last dose in their primary series. Children between the ages 12-17 should get a booster dose of Pfizer (COVID-19 vaccines) 5 months after the last dose in their primary series. Once you have completed the primary series, you can change the brand of vaccine as long as it has an approved booster dose. Pfizer (ages 12 and above) and Moderna (ages 18 and above) are the only approved booster doses right now

Is it safe to get vaccinated if I'm pregnant? YES. It is safe to take the vaccine at any point during pregnancy. People who are pregnant or recently pregnant are at a higher risk of getting COVID-19. Pregnant women who get COVID-19 are at an increased risk of an unsafe pregnancy. The disease can hurt the baby and the mother. It is recommended that pregnant women get the vaccine to protect themselves from COVID-19 and its long-lasting negative effects. For more information, visit: cdc.gov/coronavirus

Can vaccination make it difficult to get pregnant? No. The vaccines do not cause any problems when trying for a baby. They do not affect the fertility of women or men in any way. COVID-19 can cause long-term effects which can reduce the quality of life significantly. The best way to protect yourself and your family from the negative effects of COVID-19 is by getting the vaccine. For more information, visit: cdc.gov/coronavirus

I already got COVID-19. Should I get vaccinated? Yes, you should get vaccinated even if you have already gotten COVID-19. The immunity provided after recovering from COVID-19 is lower than that achieved from vaccination. This immunity is also unpredictable and may not protect you from a different variant of COVID-19.

Is testing still important? Yes, testing frequently for all (vaccinated and unvaccinated people) is recommended. Viruses change into new versions of themselves called variants. While the vaccines work against most variants, they seem to not work as well against variants like Omicron. How well a vaccine works also goes lower with time. Testing helps us make sure that we stay safe, and that fewer people are exposed to the virus.

When should we get tested? You should get tested:

  • If you show COVID-19 symptoms (e.g., sore throat, cough, runny nose, headache, etc.)
  • If you know you met someone who is now COVID-19 positive
  • Before going to places where you may meet a lot of people (e.g., schools, work, etc.)
  • Before traveling (both domestic and international travel)
  • When asked by a healthcare or public health official

What COVID-19 test should I get? There are two widely available types of COVID-19 test: the antigen test and the PCR test. See comparison of COVID-19 tests

What COVID-19 test should I get before traveling? Testing is mandatory for international travel. PCR test is recommended. Any other test may not be accepted. For domestic travel, a PCR test is recommended but an antigen test is okay. Testing is not mandatory for domestic travel. DO NOT travel if you test positive. You can look up free testing sites near you and book appointments at: mn.gov/covid19

Should I still wear a mask? Yes, masking in public places is still recommended though it might not be mandatory. The protection provided by various masks differs: See comparison of mask types

bottom of page