COVID-19 Vaccines

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has authorized some COVID-19 vaccines and is working quickly to approve others.

The CDC is working closely with state, tribal, local, and territorial health departments to make sure vaccines are available. Anyone in North Carolina age 12 or older can receive a COVID-19 vaccine. Learn more from the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NC DHHS).

No. If you have NC Medicaid, you won’t have to pay for your COVID-19 vaccine.

The COVID-19 vaccination will help keep you from getting COVID-19. Many thousands of people across the United States took part in research trials over many months. These trials show the FDA whether a vaccine is safe and effective, which it must be certain of before it authorizes or approves a vaccine for public use.

You can find out how many people have been vaccinated in North Carolina from the NC DHHS.

Researchers studied vaccine reactions and potential side effects throughout the trials. Their studies will continue now that several vaccines have received approval. The FDA, CDC, and vaccine manufacturers will continue to monitor safety and quality.

You can find vaccine appointments near you at vaccines.gov. If you need help scheduling your vaccine appointment, call
800-232-0233 (TTY 711) or text your ZIP code to GETVAX (438829).

If you are a Healthy Blue member, you can activate your online account to get updates on COVID-19 vaccines.

Download the Healthy Blue mobile app

Yes. Even if you’ve already had COVID-19, you could still benefit from the vaccine. You can talk to your primary care provider to see what they recommend. The CDC has information about the vaccine.

An airway and lung infection, similar to a cold.

Similar to a cold or the flu. Mild to severe fever, cough and shortness of breath. Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after being around someone who has COVID-19.

The best way to prevent infection is to get a COVID-19 vaccine when it is available to you.

Good health habits can also help prevent and fight COVID-19. Here are some tips:

• Follow the CDC guidelines on wearing masks and social distancing.
• Washing your hands is the best way to avoid getting sick.
• Wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
• If you can’t use soap and water, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.
• Clean and disinfect items and surfaces you touch often with regular household cleaning spray or a wipe.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, and throw away the tissue.
• Stay home when you are sick.
• Avoid touching your face.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Check the CDC website at cdc.gov/coronavirus for up-to-date information, including travel guidelines.

Older adults, people with disabilities, and people with diabetes or who have severe chronic medical conditions like heart, lung, or kidney disease seem to be at higher risk for more serious COVID-19 illness. We will support you and help you get the care you need.

If you are caring for someone, be sure visitors take care to avoid causing any extra risk to you or them — keep hand sanitizer by the door, or ask visitors to wash their hands. Wash your hands thoroughly and use hand sanitizer before and after touching or feeding someone, or touching any mobility devices or equipment.

The CDC recommends people age 2 and older should wear face masks over their nose and mouth in public settings. If you are outside and away from others, you may not need to wear a mask. Check the rules in your local area for specific mandates. Here is some more information about wearing a face mask.

Call your doctor if you develop a fever, have a cough, or have difficulty breathing. Tell them if you’ve been in close contact with a person who has COVID-19, or if you live in or have been to an area where the virus has spread.

Your plan will pay for telehealth visits with your doctor. Can’t reach your doctor? Call our 24/7 NurseLine 24 hours a day, seven days a week, at 844-545-1427 (TTY 711).

If you are a Healthy Blue member, you do not have to pay anything for the COVID-19 test or the doctor visit to get the test. The visit and test are covered whether you get care in a doctor’s office, urgent care center, or emergency department.

To find a testing location near you, use testing locator tool.

No, prior authorization is not required for COVID-19 testing

You should try to see your PCP or a doctor in your plan. If your doctor offers telehealth visits, your plan will pay for those, too.

We will pay for care you get from doctors outside your plan (called “out of network”) as long as the services are medically needed.

No. If you are a Healthy Blue member, your plan covers sick visits and tests.

Do you have medicines you take regularly? Call the Pharmacy Member Services number on your ID card to find out about your options.

Your health is important. Try to keep taking your medicines as prescribed and get your refills on time.