Coronavirus resource center

Medicaid members receiving consumer-directed services and their attendants are now eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. This includes the following types of care:

• Personal care
• Respite services
• Companion services

We encourage our members and their personal care attendants to pre-register for the vaccine on the Virginia Department of Health’s website. You can also call the vaccine hotline at 1-877-829-4682 if you prefer to speak with someone by phone.  

Fairfax County is using its own registration site. If you live in Fairfax County, you can use the county’s website to pre-register for a vaccine.

We want to make sure that you have the information you need to answer your questions about the new COVID-19 vaccine. Here are some frequently asked questions:

• Will it work? There are three vaccines available now. They are all highly effective at preventing serious illness and hospital admissions from COVID-19.
• How do I get a vaccine? Once you pre-register, you will receive updates when you are able to schedule an appointment to receive a vaccine.
• What does it cost? There is no cost for anyone to receive a vaccine.
• What should I expect when I get a vaccine? Depending on the type of vaccine you receive, you will need 1 or 2 doses to ensure you are protected from COVID-19. You do not need to bring a government-issued ID and cannot be turned away for not having ID. However, you should bring some form of ID if possible, to make sure the right person receives the vaccine.

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’s 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. All vaccines made available have undergone clinical trials and approval for both safety and effectiveness.

Q:           Can children get the vaccine?

A:            There are no COVID-19 vaccines currently authorized for children under the age of 16. COVID-19 vaccination of young children is not currently recommended because of limited data on the vaccine safety and efficacy, although studies are ongoing. Children should still make sure they are up to date on their other important life-savings immunizations.

Q:           How will the vaccine be distributed?

A:            The CDC is working with state, tribal, territorial, and local leaders to develop plans to distribute the vaccine. The CDC is also working with federal agencies and private partners, like pharmacies, on plans for distribution.

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 of a COVID-19 vaccine will be needed?

A:            Talk with the provider who gives you the vaccine about how many doses you need. After you get your first shot, you will get a COVID-19 vaccination record card. This will tell you the vaccine manufacturer, lot number and date you receive your shot(s). Make sure to keep this card for your personal records.

For additional up-to-date information on vaccine dose recommendation, visit
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/faq.html.

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:            This vaccine is safe.

Safety and effectiveness are evaluated during the FDA’s review and approval process. You may have some side effects. These 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 sick with COVID-19 from the vaccine?

A:            No. There is no live COVID-19 virus in any vaccine currently available. There is no risk of being infected as a direct result of getting the vaccine.

You may have some side effects. These 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:           Do I need to wear a mask when I get a COVID-19 vaccine? Do I need to wear a mask after I get the vaccine?

A:            Yes. The CDC recommends people wear a mask that covers their nose and mouth. You should do this when in contact with others outside your household, when in healthcare facilities, and when getting any vaccine. Once you get all vaccine doses, it’s important for everyone to continue using all the tools available to us to help stop this pandemic. This includes:

• Covering your mouth and nose with a mask
• Washing hands often
• Staying at least 6 feet away from others
• Staying home if you’re sick, unless you need to get medical care

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://www.modernatx.com/sites/default/files/content_documents/mRNA-1273-Update-11-16-20-Final.pdf

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

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