COVID-19 vaccinations are being distributed and administered across the U.S., and right here in the Capital Region. The vaccine is completely free to all patients.
Am I eligible for a vaccine?
If you would like to see if you’re eligible to receive a COVID-19 vaccine, head to the state’s Am I Eligible website. For more information, please contact your physician or pharmacist.
Additional information regarding the vaccines is as follows:
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The Johnson & Johnson vaccine requires only 1 dose; Moderna and Pfizer require 2 doses 4 weeks and 3 weeks apart, respectively.
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The Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine is authorized for age 5 and older; the other two vaccines, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson, are authorized for age 18 and older.
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CDPHP strongly encourages all eligible members to get the COVID-19 vaccine, and continues urging all members to get a flu shot.
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Medicare members: Please remember to bring your red, white, and blue Medicare card to your vaccine appointment.
COVID-19 Booster Shots
As of October 21, 2022, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) now has booster recommendations for all three available COVID-19 vaccines in the United States.
For individuals who received a Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna COVID-19 vaccine, the following groups are eligible for a booster shot at 6 months or more after their initial series:
For people who got the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine, booster shots are also recommended for those who are 18 and older and who were vaccinated two or more months ago.
Eligible individuals may choose which vaccine they receive as a booster dose.
A patient’s clinical team is best able to assess booster eligibility and timing, clinical status of underlying medical conditions, risk of complications, comorbidities, and transmission/exposure/infection risk.
COVID-19 Vaccine for Children Ages 5-11-
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the CDC have authorized the emergency use of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine for the prevention of COVID-19 to include children 5 through 11 years of age.
While COVID-19 tends to be milder in children compared with adults, it can make children very sick and cause children to be hospitalized. In some situations, the complications from infection can lead to death.
Check with your child’s healthcare provider about whether they offer COVID-19 vaccination.
An Important Note about Medicare Advantage
For Medicare Advantage members, the cost of the vaccine and the administration of it will be covered under Original Medicare. When you receive your vaccination, you may see on your Explanation of Benefits (EOB) “Bill to Medicare FFS – Member not Liable.” Please note that you are not responsible for this cost. Your provider will know to bill Medicare directly. CDPHP is educating providers on this process, but if your doctor or pharmacy has any questions, they may contact CDPHP provider services for help.
COVID-19 Antibody Treatment
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued an emergency use authorization for antibody treatment of mild to moderate COVID-19 in adults and pediatric patients (12 and older) who are at high-risk for progressing to severe COVID-19. This includes those who are 65 and older, or those with certain chronic medical conditions. If you have been diagnosed with COVID-19, talk to your health care provider about whether this is an appropriate course of treatment.