COVID-19 FAQ
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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 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
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
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has updated information about COVID booster shots. Please visit the CDC website for more information.
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.
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 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.
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
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
Visit the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) website for the most up to date information on COVID tests.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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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