COVID-19 Vaccine Information
As you may be aware, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved a COVID-19 vaccine from Pfizer Inc./BioNTech for individuals 12 years of age and older and a vaccine from Moderna for individuals 18 years of age and older. Each company has reported that their vaccines are roughly 95% effective in preventing symptomatic COVID-19 infections. Both vaccines will require two doses, the initial dose and a repeat vaccination three or four weeks later. A single dose vaccine from Johnson & Johnson was also approved for individuals 18 years of age and older. This company has reported that its vaccine is roughly 85% effective in preventing symptoms of COVID-19 infections.
Additional Vaccine Information
COVID-19 vaccine doses will be free for members.
There is a remote chance that vaccines could cause a severe allergic reaction. This would likely occur within an hour of receiving the vaccine.
Mild symptoms including muscle pain at the injection site, low-grade fever, and/or headache have been reported over the first few days after vaccination. Long-term side effects from vaccines are rare. Most side effects are expected to occur within the first six weeks of a vaccine. The clinical trials will follow vaccine participants for two years, which will give us more information about long-term side effects in the future.
Immunity (up to 95% effectiveness) will be achieved 6-8 weeks after you receive the first dose, but you must also receive the second dose in order to achieve full immunity. You should still wear a mask after vaccination.
You may visit the Virginia Department of Health and The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) websites for more information.
Use the links below to learn more about COVID-19 symptoms and prevention, view vaccine updates, and find out how Optima Health will provide coverage for COVID-19-related services.
- Frequently Asked Questions for Members (English)
- Preguntas Frecuentes: Adiliados (En Español)
- COVID-19 Fact Sheet
Updates
COVID-19 Vaccine for Medicaid Consumer-Directed Services
Optima Health Medicaid members receiving consumer-directed services and their attendants are now eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine.
