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    3. COVID-19 Vaccine Information
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    Protect Yourself. Protect Others.

    Hear what others are saying about their vaccine experiences.
    View Testimonials

    COVID-19 Vaccine Information

    The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has granted full FDA approval to the following vaccines for the prevention of COVID-19:

    • Pfizer-BioNTech (Comirnaty) for people 12 and older
    • Moderna (Spikevax) for people 18 years and older

    The following COVID-19 vaccines continue to be available under emergency use authorization (EUA) for certain ages and segments of the population:

    • Pfizer-BioNTech (Comirnaty)
    • Moderna (Spikevax)
    • Janssen
    • Novavax, Adjuvanted

    To learn what groups are authorized to receive each vaccine and when, visit fda.gov/emergency-preparedness-and-response/coronavirus-disease-2019-covid-19/covid-19-vaccines.

    All COVID-19 vaccine doses are free for members through May 11, 2023.  Learn more about how your cost sharing will change after May 11, 2023. 

    Additional Vaccine Information

    COVID-19 vaccines are safe and effective. According to the CDC, COVID-19 vaccines were developed using science that has been around for decades. COVID 19-vaccines are effective at preventing severe illness from COVID-19 and limiting the spread of the virus that causes it. To learn more about vaccine safety and monitoring, visit cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/safety.html.

    • Interim Clinical Considerations for Use of COVID-19 Vaccines Currently Approved or Authorized in the United States

      Last Updated: 05/06/2023

      Last Updated: 05/06/2023

    • COVID-19 Myths, Facts and FAQ

      PDF, 210 KBLast Updated: 03/28/2023

      PDF, 210 KBLast Updated: 03/28/2023

    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.

    If you receive a Pfizer-BioNTech (Comirnaty) or Moderna vaccine, you must take two doses. We are still learning how well the vaccines prevent the spread of COVID-19 and how long protection from the vaccine lasts. After you are vaccinated, it is important that you continue to wear a mask per CDC guidelines, watch your distance, and wash your hands often.

    You may visit the Virginia Department of Health and the CDC website for more information.

    Updates

    COVID-19 Vaccine and Booster Updates

    • CDC recommends everyone stay up to date with COVID-19 vaccines for their age group.
    • Getting a COVID-19 vaccine after you recover from COVID-19 infection provides added protection against COVID-19.
    • People who are moderately or severely immunocompromised have different recommendations for COVID-19 vaccines.
    • COVID-19 vaccine and booster recommendations may be updated as CDC continues to monitor the latest COVID-19 data.

    For more information,visit cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/stay-up-to-date.

    COVID-19 Vaccination for Children and Teens

    • COVID-19 vaccination for children and teens is safe and effective.
    • Use CDC’s COVID-19 booster tool to learn if and when your child or teen can get boosters to stay up to date with their COVID-19 vaccines.

    For more information, visit cdc.gov/ncbddd/humandevelopment/covid-19-vaccination-for-youth.html.

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    Sentara Health Plans and Optima Health are trade names of Sentara Health Plans, Sentara Health Insurance Company, Sentara Health Administration, Inc., and Sentara Behavioral Health Services, Inc. Optima Health Insurance Company is an additional trade name for Sentara Health Insurance Company. Virginia Premier Health Plan is an additional trade name for Sentara Health Plans. Optima Behavioral Health is an additional trade name for Sentara Behavioral Health Services, Inc. Optima Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) products, and Point-of-Service (POS) products, are issued and underwritten by Sentara Health Plans. Optima Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) products are issued and underwritten by Sentara Health Insurance Company. Sentara Health Administration, Inc. provides administrative services to group and individual health plans but does not underwrite benefits. All Optima Health plans have benefit exclusions and limitations and terms under which the policy may be continued in force or discontinued. Medicare products are administered under an agreement with Sentara Health Plans and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS.) Medicaid and FAMIS products are administered under an agreement with Sentara Health Plans and the Virginia Department of Medical Assistance Services (DMAS.)