COVID-19 Vaccine Q&A
What is the COVID-19 vaccine?
The COVID-19 vaccine helps the body develop immunity to the coronavirus that causes COVID-19. The vaccine provides protection from COVID-19. It is important to note that you cannot catch COVID-19 from the vaccine itself. The vaccines are safe and effective. We encourage our members and providers to get vaccinated.
After you receive any vaccine, your body begins the process of building immunity, which can sometimes cause you to experience mild side effects. This is normal and a sign that the vaccine works for you. If you do experience side effects after receiving the COVID-19 vaccination, they will be similar to the symptoms that many other common vaccines often cause, such as temporary soreness in your arm, fever, chills, tiredness, and headache.
Do I have to pay for the COVID-19 vaccine? What about the booster?
No, members will not have to pay cost sharing for COVID-19 vaccines approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) pursuant to their emergency use authorization.
Which vaccines are currently available? Are any COVID-19 vaccines fully approved by the FDA?
For 2023-2024, there are three vaccines authorized for use by the FDA and recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC):
- Pfizer-BioNTech
- Moderna
- Novavax
These 2023-2024 vaccines are referred to as the “updated” vaccines. None of the updated vaccines is preferred over another, but recommendations for manufacturer and dosage depend on age and vaccination status.
Please talk to your health care provider if you have any questions about which vaccine and how many doses are right for you.
Where can I get vaccinated?
Visit mass.gov to find out where the COVID-19 vaccine is available in your area. You can also visit www.vaccines.gov, text your ZIP code to 438829, or call 1-800-232-0233 to find a vaccine appointment near you.
I’ve heard that one of the vaccines is better than the others. Is that true?
No. All three vaccines protect you against severe illness due to COVID-19, which may lead to hospitalization and death. Per the CDC, none of the updated vaccines is preferred over another.
How often will I need to get the vaccine?
The current recommendation from the CDC is that individuals ages 6 months and older get vaccinated and/or boosted for the 2023-2024 season. If you received a booster prior to Sep. 12, 2023, it is recommended that you get an updated booster.
Can I receive the flu vaccine and the COVID-19 vaccine at the same time?
Yes, you can have the COVID-19 vaccine and the flu vaccine at the same visit. Generally, the potential side effects after receiving both vaccines are the same as when they are given alone. Visit the CDC to learn about this season's flu vaccine.
How do we know that the vaccine is safe?
We understand that you may have concerns about receiving the COVID-19 vaccine. A safety review was part of the FDA emergency use authorization process, and the FDA continues to actively monitor for safety. We encourage you to visit the CDC website for information about COVID-19 vaccine safety and benefits, frequently asked questions and more.
Will I receive anything to serve as proof of my vaccination?
At your vaccine appointment, you will receive a COVID-19 vaccination record card. The card will show your name and date of birth, as well as which COVID-19 vaccine you received, where you received it, and the date of your vaccination. If you need to return for a second dose of the vaccine, the card will serve as a reminder; be sure to bring the card to your second appointment.
Please do not post pictures of your vaccination record card on social media or share proof of your immunization publicly. This is considered sensitive information that may put you at risk for vaccine scammers and identify theft.
We encourage you to hold on to your vaccine card and keep it with your personal records. The CDC offers tools to help you keep your vaccine records up to date.