Members

What you need to know about coronavirus

For the latest information on the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) please visit:

U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Virginia Department of Health’s Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) page
World Health Organization
CoverVA’s COVID-19 Information and FAQ
COVID-19 Testing Sites in Virginia
FDA Updates on hand sanitizers with methanol

  • We are actively monitoring COVID-19 vaccine developments. Below you will find helpful information and answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about COVID-19 vaccines.

    We have a COVID-19 Vaccine Taskforce. It is comprised of experts, including clinicians, health plan leadership, and pharmacy network team members. We meet regularly to discuss the latest developments and plan support. We are monitoring government guidance at the federal and state levels. We are taking steps to ensure you have the information you need as the information and guidelines are made available by federal and state agencies.

    Vaccine Development and Distribution

    There are many agencies involved in addressing the COVID-19 pandemic. A few of the key agencies are listed below for your reference:

    Q:           Is the COVID-19 vaccine safe?

    A:            Yes, the vaccine is safe. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has a process for ensuring that all vaccines are safe before they can be used in the United States. This process includes clinical trials and approval for both safety and effectiveness. 

    Q:           Can children get the vaccine?

    A:           The vaccine is now available for children ages 12 and older. Studies are ongoing for children under the age of 12.

    Q:           Where can I get a vaccine?

    A:            The following websites have helpful info and tools to help you find out where to get a vaccine:

    You can also learn more from healthcare providers, state and local health agencies, pharmacies, through public announcements, and traditional and social media sources.

    Q:          How many doses are needed to be effective?

    A:           When you get your vaccine, ask the person giving it to you which manufacturer you received and how many doses you need. Make sure you keep the COVID-19 vaccination record card for your personal records. This will have the details of your vaccine (i.e. vaccine manufacturer, lot number, date of first dose administration, and second dose due date).

    Q:           How much will the vaccine cost?

    A:            There will be no cost for the COVID-19 vaccine.

    Q:           What are the side effects of a COVID-19 vaccine? What should I do if I have side effects?

    A:           During the FDA’s review and approval process, safety and effectiveness are evaluated.

    After getting vaccinated, you may have some side effects, which are normal signs that your body is building protection. The most common side effects are pain and swelling in the arm where you received the shot. In addition, you may have fever, chills, tiredness, and headache. Most side effects are generally mild and last a few days.

    Q:          Can I get COVID-19 as a result of receiving the vaccine?

    A:           No. The live COVID-19 virus is not present in any vaccine currently available and there is no risk of becoming infected as a direct result of receiving the vaccine.

    After getting vaccinated, you may have some side effects, which are normal signs that your body is building protection. The most common side effects are pain and swelling in the arm where you received the shot. In addition, you may have fever, chills, tiredness, and headache. Most side effects are generally mild and last a few days.

    Q:          Will I still need to wear a mask, practice social distancing, wash my hands, and limit my exposure to others after I get a vaccine?

    A:           The CDC has issued guidance on what you can do once you become fully vaccinated. For more info, visit https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/vaccine-benefits.html.

    The CDC also generally recommends everyday preventive actions to help prevent the spread of respiratory diseases. They include:

    • Wash your hands often with plain soap and water. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60 percent alcohol.
    • Cover your mouth and nose with a cloth face covering or non-surgical mask when around others.
    • Avoid crowds and practice social distancing (stay at least 6 feet apart from others).

    Q:          I already had COVID-19 and recovered. Do I still need to get a vaccine?

    A:           Yes. Due to the severe health risks associated with COVID-19 and the possibility of reinfection, you should be vaccinated even if you have had COVID-19. This is because experts don’t yet know how long you are protected from getting sick again after recovering from COVID-19.

    If you have COVID-19 you should wait to get vaccinated until you are no longer sick and are not in isolation. Talk to your doctor if you have more questions about getting a COVID-19 vaccine.

    Resources:

    https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/faq.html

    https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/acip/meetings/slides-2020-12.html

    https://www.pfizer.com/science/coronavirus/vaccine

    https://eua.modernatx.com/covid19vaccine-eua/recipients/faq

    https://www.fda.gov/media/144413/download

    https://www.fda.gov/media/144637/download