What you should know about the COVID-19 vaccine
01/29/2021
A COVID-19 vaccine is now available, and getting one is vital to help fight the spreading pandemic. The sooner a large portion of the public becomes immune to the virus, the sooner we can return to normal activities with family and friends.
Why Should I Get the COVID-19 Vaccine?
Like the flu and other communicable diseases, you risk spreading the COVID-19 virus to other people if you don’t get a vaccine. Getting the vaccine and following the Centers for Disease Control’s prevention recommendations offer the best protection from COVID-19, especially since some people who have the virus don’t show symptoms or have different symptoms than the most common ones.
Things to Know
Safety is a top priority. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) uses a set of standards to measure the safety and effectiveness of vaccines. The new COVID-19 vaccines have been approved by the FDA, but as with any vaccine, you should talk to your doctor about its safety for you.
What’s covered?
All HealthSelect of Texas® medical plans, including Consumer Directed HealthSelectSM, will cover the COVID-19 vaccine at no cost to you.
A plan is in place to distribute the vaccine. While the vaccine is being made, there is a limited supply. Federal and state health officials are working with the public health and health care community to get the vaccine distributed as quickly as possible. They are using a phased rollout plan, meaning certain groups of people will have access to the first batches of the vaccines. Check the Texas Department of State Health Services COVID-19 page for information about when you might be eligible for the vaccine. Your doctor or pharmacist can also answer questions about the COVID-19 vaccine and when you should get it.
You may need more than one shot for effectiveness. Some of the COVID-19 vaccines call for two doses. The safest plan is to take both vaccines at the same provider or pharmacy. Once you receive your first dose, make sure to ask about receiving your second dose of the same vaccine before leaving.
Be aware of scams. Scammers are using COVID-19 as a chance to commit health care fraud. Be wary if you get a call about getting on a vaccine “wait list” or to schedule an appointment to get vaccinated. Don’t enter personal information on a website or email “application” for the vaccine. Learn what you can do to protect yourself from scammers.
For other resources and information about COVID-19 and you, visit the COVID-19 page on the HealthSelect website. The Texas Department of State Health Services also has more information about the COVID-19 vaccine.
If you have questions about HealthSelect benefits, including the COVID-19 vaccine, call a BCBSTX Personal Health Assistant toll-free at (800) 252-8039 Monday–Friday, 7 a.m. - 7 p.m. and Saturday, 7 a.m. - 3 p.m. CT.