COVID-19 Vaccine

What is the COVID-19 vaccine?

There is now a vaccination available that will give you the best chance of protecting yourself and your loved ones from getting COVID-19 in the future. Some COVID-19 vaccines will have two doses a few weeks in between each shot. You will get a COVID-19 Vaccination Reminder Card that will help you keep track of which vaccine you receive and when to get a second dose, if needed. If you receive a vaccine that requires two doses, it is important to get both doses.

Where can I get the COVID-19 vaccine?

The vaccine is being administered to different populations in a tiered approach. When you are able to get the vaccine, call your doctor with any questions and ask when you can make an appointment with them or at your local pharmacy. Or, find out where to get your vaccine at cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines or vaccinefinder.org.

Am I required to get my COVID-19 vaccine?

While it is not a requirement, getting your COVID-19 vaccine will give you the best chance of protecting yourself and your loved ones from getting COVID-19 in the future.

I already had COVID-19. Should I still get the vaccine?

Even if you have already had COVID-19, you should still get the vaccine.  It may be possible to be infected more than once so getting the vaccine is a safe choice.

Can my child get the vaccine?

Currently, the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine is recommended for people ages 16 and older. The Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccines are recommended for those ages 18 and older.

I'm pregnant. Should I get the vaccine?

According to the CDC, people who are pregnant and part of a group to receive the COVID-19 vaccine may choose to be vaccinated. If you have questions about getting the vaccine, it is recommended to discuss with your doctor to make an informed decision.

When I get the vaccine, can I stop wearing a mask or social distancing?

There is not definitive evidence that the vaccine can prevent asymptomatic infection, or prevent spreading COVID-19 if you are asymptomatic. Even with a vaccine, there is a possibility that you could become infected, but not have symptoms. This could get loved ones around you sick.

The CDC announced on March 8 that fully vaccinated Americans can discontinue masking and social distancing with other fully vaccinated people indoors in small groups. Or, visiting with unvaccinated people from a single household who are at low risk for severe COVID-19 disease indoors.

Fully vaccinated is considered two weeks past final dose, meaning the second dose of the Moderna or Pfizer mRNA vaccine, or, two weeks past the single dose Johnson & Johnson vaccine.

It is important to continue to social distance, wear a mask, and continue proper handwashing when visiting unvaccinated people from multiple households. Or, when visiting unvaccinated people at increased risk for severe COVID-19.

It is also important to wear a mask and practice social distancing when in public places, such as the gym or a restaurant, as the chance of transmission is higher with multiple non-vaccinated persons.

If you are fully vaccinated and have a known exposure to someone with COVID-19, the CDC says that you may refrain from quarantine and testing if you are asymptomatic. It is recommended to continue to monitor for symptoms for 14 days.

Is the vaccine safe?

The safety of the COVID-19 vaccine is a top priority! The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) carefully reviews all safety data from clinical trials and authorizes emergency vaccine use only when the expected benefits outweigh potential risks. COVID-19 vaccines were tested in large clinical trials to make sure they meet safety standards.

Will there be any side effects when I get the vaccine?

You may run a fever after you get the vaccine. This is normal as your body builds immunity and fights off future COVID-19 exposures. You may feel sick after getting vaccinated. You could develop a fever, headache or body aches. This is your body reacting to the vaccine, which is a normal response. It is important to know that it is impossible to get COVID-19 from the vaccine. The vaccines currently in use and others being developed do not contain a live virus.

Do I have to pay for my vaccine? Or get prior authorization?

No. The COVID-19 vaccine will be at no cost to you. You do not need to get a prior authorization for your vaccine.

I lost my COVID-19 Vaccination Record Card. What should I do now?

Please call the administering facility/provider you received your first dose from to ask about your vaccine information and verify your second appointment/location.

I am due for my second dose. I got my first dose from another provider who is not my PCP but I don’t have their contact information. What do I do now?

The provider should have scheduled a second appointment with you at the same facility when you received the first dose. However, you can receive your second dose from another provider/facility and you should present your COVID-19 Vaccination Record Card.

Can I get help with transportation?

Yes. Call Member Services. The phone number is 1-844-385-2192 (Relay 711). You can choose the transportation option. You may also be able to receive transportation by contacting United Way-211 to access local community resources for transportation, which may include the Lyft Vaccine Alliance Program.