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COVID-19 FAQ

How effective are COVID vaccines?
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COVID vaccines are safe and effective. Vaccines and booster shots help preventing adults and children from getting really sick with COVID. Learn more about vaccine effectiveness on the CDC website and on the FDA website.

Does the vaccine protect against other COVID-19 strains and variations?
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People who are vaccinated can still get COVID. But, the vaccine helps prevent severe illness. Check the CDC website for updates on COVID-19 variants.  

What do you need to bring to a vaccine or booster appointment?

  • Photo ID – Bring a photo ID so they can verify your name for the vaccination system. 

  • Face Mask – You’ll need to wear a mask that covers your nose and mouth.

  • Insurance Card – Bring your health insurance card with you. 

  • Original Medicare Card – Some providers require that Medicare members bring their original (red, white, and blue) Medicare card.

Where do you get a COVID vaccine?
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You can get your COVID-19 vaccine free of charge at a convenient location — like a local pharmacy. Use Vaccines.gov to find a location near you, then call or visit the location’s website to make an appointment. Getting your vaccine is quick, easy and effective. Visit Vaccines.gov to schedule your appointment today.

How much do COVID-19 vaccines and booster shots cost?
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Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield members get the COVID-19 vaccine free of charge. But, some administrative fees may apply. Call the telephone number on the back of your Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield insurance card if you have any questions about your coverage.  

Do young or healthy people need the COVID-19 vaccine or boosters?
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Yes. Young and healthy people can still carry Coronavirus and risk infecting others. For example, you may have COVID without symptoms and pass it along to friends or family and the community.  

If someone has had COVID, do they still need the vaccine or COVID booster shots?
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Yes, you should still get the vaccine. Having had COVID one or more times does not guarantee that you will not get it again or prevent you from infecting others.  

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COVID-19 General Safety

If You Suspect You Have COVID-19
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If you think you have COVID-19, please visit the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) website for safety measures you can take to prevent spreading it to others.

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COVID and Pregnancy

If you're pregnant and suspect you have COVID-19
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If you are pregnant and think you have COVID-19, please visit the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) website for COVID and pregnancy. The website has up to date safety information and news.

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Hospital and Clinic Safety

How can you avoid getting sick while in a hospital or clinic?
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Wash your hands frequently and avoid close contact with those who are coughing, sneezing, or wheezing. Hospitals and clinics may require that patients wear masks. Check the hospital or clinic website or call to find out if you need to wear a mask.

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COVID-19 Vaccine Boosters

Where can you find information on COVID-19 boosters?
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The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has updated information about COVID booster shots. Please visit the CDC website for more information.

What is a booster shot?
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A booster shot is an extra dose of a vaccine that helps protect you from becoming ill. You get a booster when the initial protection of a vaccine series begins to weaken. Learn more about COVID-19 booster shots on the CDC website.  

Is it OK to ‘mix and match’ different COVID vaccine boosters?
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Getting COVID vaccine boosters can help protect you from getting ill. Learn about mixing and matching COVID-19 booster shots from the National Institutes of Health.

When should people schedule COVID booster shots?
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When to get boosters depends on things like your age, and when you got your last vaccine and more. Read about staying up to date with COVID-19 boosters on the CDC website.

Should children get COVID booster shots?
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Yes, the CDC recommends that everyone stays up to date with booster shots. Get the CDC’s COVID booster guidelines for children and adults.

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COVID-19 Vaccine Safety

Are the COVID-19 vaccine and booster shots safe?
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Like other medicines and vaccines, COVID-19 vaccines have gone through extensive testing to make sure they are safe. The vaccines authorized by the FDA have shown to be highly effective in preventing coronavirus infection. Read more about how the CDC is ensuring the safety of the COVID-19 vaccines.

 

If you are at-risk for COVID or if you live with someone who is high-risk, wear an N-95 face mask when you’re out in public. Project N-95 is a nonprofit organization that sells face masks and donates face masks to people who need them. 

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COVID Coverage and Costs

Where can people get COVID tests?
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Visit the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) website for the most up to date information on COVID tests.

Who can you contact with questions about benefits or insurance coverage?
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Call the telephone number on the back of your insurance card for Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield Member Service. This phone number is specific to your plan and benefits. You can also contact us through the Highmark member portal.

Does insurance cover COVID testing?
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Yes, insurance covers COVID testing when performed by an in-network medical professional. Costs vary depending on plan. If you have questions about coverage or costs for COVID testing, call Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield Member Service at the number on the back of your insurance card. You can also contact us through the Highmark member portal.  

How much does COVID treatment cost? Does insurance cover COVID treatment?
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Most insurance covers COVID treatment. Our number one priority is your health and making sure you receive the care you need. While insurance covers COVID treatment, costs vary depending on plan. If you have questions about insurance coverage or costs for COVID treatment, call Member Service using the number on the back of your Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield insurance card. You can also contact us through the Highmark member portal.

Does insurance cover getting sick while traveling?
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You can find travel coverage options on your member website and through your plan app. You can also call Member Service using the number on the back of your Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield insurance card. This number is specific to your plan and benefits. You can also contact us through the Highmark member portal.

Can you use your insurance coverage at an out-of-town hospital?
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Yes, most plans cover you while traveling. Copays, deductibles and coinsurance still apply. Review your coverage options on your member website and by using your plan app. You can also call Member Service using the number on the back of your Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield insurance card. This number is specific to your plan and benefits. You can also contact us through the Highmark member portal.

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