Coronavirus resource center

We are actively monitoring COVID-19 vaccine developments. Below you will find helpful information and answers.

We have a COVID-19 Vaccine Taskforce. It’s comprised of experts, including clinicians, health plan leadership, and pharmacy network team members. We meet every week to discuss the latest developments and plan support. We are monitoring government guidance at the federal and state levels. We want to make sure you have the information you need as its available from the federal and state agencies.

Vaccine Development and Distribution 

There are many government agencies involved in helping with the COVID-19 pandemic. A few of the key agencies are:

• 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.

Q: Is the COVID-19 vaccine safe?

A: Yes, the vaccine is safe. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has a process to make sure all vaccines are safe before they can be used in the United States. This process includes clinical trials and approval. They approve based on 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. It is not currently recommended for children under 16 to get the COVID-19 vaccine. This is because of limited data on the vaccine in children. Studies are ongoing. Children should still make sure they are up to date on their other important life-savings immunizations.

Q: Where I can get a vaccine?

A: The following websites have helpful info and tools to help you find out where to get a vaccine:
• www.vaccinefinder.org
• www.vaccines.gov/get-vaccinated/where
• https://floridahealthcovid19.gov/vaccines/vaccine-locator/

You can also learn more from your doctor’s office, 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. They can tell you how many doses you need. When 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.

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
• Fever
• Chills
• Tiredness
• 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
• Fever
• Chills
• Tiredness
• Headache

Most side effects are generally mild and last a few days.

Q: Do I need to wear a mask after I get the vaccine?

A: Yes. The CDC recommends people wear a mask. You should do this:
• When in contact with others outside your household
• When in healthcare facilities
• When getting any vaccine.

Once you get the vaccine, everyone should 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. You should be vaccinated even if you have had COVID-19. This is because of the severe health risks of COVID-19. There is also a possibility of reinfection. 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://floridahealthcovid19.gov/vaccines/vaccine-locator/
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

Updated 3/12/2021