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
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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:
- Food and Drug Administration (FDA) – The FDA reviews and approves or authorizes safe and effective vaccines.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) – The CDC is responsible for controlling the introduction and spread of infectious diseases.
- Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) – ACIP is a committee within the CDC that provides advice and guidance on effective control of vaccine-preventable diseases in the U.S. civilian population.
- World Health Organization (WHO) – WHO is a specialized agency of the United Nations responsible for international public health.
- Virginia Department of Health (VDH) – VDH protects the health and promotes the well-being of all people in Virginia.
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:
- vaccinefinder.org
- vaccines.gov/get-vaccinated/where
- https://vaccinate.virginia.gov/
- https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/health/novel-coronavirus/vaccine/registration (Fairfax County only)
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
Please review our COVID-19 Provider FAQ for answers to what Molina is doing to respond to the COVID-19 State of Emergency.
Our COVID-19 Vaccine Provider FAQ has information about the COVID-19 vaccines. Updated 3/23/2021.
Our Telehealth Provider Q&A will answer all your questions about telehealth during the COVID-19 State of Emergency.
Our Telehealth HEDIS Codes Reference Guide lists all the accepted telehealth codes for behavioral health and some physical health measures.