Update: October 26, 2023
Vaccine for COVID-19
Where can I get vaccinated?
Vaccines and boosters are available at most pharmacies and through your own provider's office.
From our home page, select your campus or sign in to your account, and select Pharmacy or Find a Doctor.
Additional resources:
CDC website: Find flu and COVID-19 vaccines on vaccines.gov or text your ZIP code to GETVAX (438829).
Vaccine locator: Vaccinate WA: Find
COVID-19 Vaccine Providers Near You This a great option for finding vaccines for kids.
Updated vaccine
The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention approved two mRNA vaccines, from Pfizer and Moderna, for those 6 months and older. The updated Novavax vaccine was recently approved for those ages 12 and older.
The recommendations include:
- At least one dose of an updated mRNA (Pfizer or Moderna) vaccine against COVID vaccine this year for those ages 5 and older.
- For those 6 months through 4 years, who may be getting their vaccines for the first time, two doses of a Moderna vaccine and three doses of a Pfizer COVID vaccine, with at least one of the doses being an updated 2023 shot are recommended.
- People who are moderately or severely immunocompromised should have had at least three doses of the COVID vaccine, with at least one of those doses being an updated shot. They also have the option to get an additional updated vaccine later in the
year.
- People ages 12 and older previously vaccinated with any COVID vaccine can consider the updated Novavax vaccine instead of the mRNA vaccines. If not previously vaccinated, two doses are recommended.
Under the terms of the Affordable Care Act, people with commercial health insurance plans through the government or their employer can receive vaccines at no cost.
For more information about vaccines, visit the CDC COVID-19
page.
COVID-19 fact vs. fiction
Vaccine cost
Cost = $0 for you
$0 for members with preventive care benefits in the United States.
How COVID tests and treatment are covered
How do I get tested?
The federal government began offering free COVID test kits September 25, 2023. Visit covidtests.gov to order your free kits.
The purchase of over-the-counter COVID home test kits are no longer covered under your health plan.
What treatments are available?
There are several antiviral and antibody treatments available that can reduce your chances of being hospitalized or dying from COVID, especially if you have underlying health conditions that may make you more vulnerable. Treatment must be started within
days after you first develop symptoms to be effective. COVID treatments are available through your provider and cost shares may apply.
Visit COVID-19 Treatments and Medications on the CDC site for more information about the treatments currently available.
How do I get treatment?
Your first step in getting treatment for COVID is to get tested. You can use an at-home test or your provider's office. Since some treatments might have side effects or interact with other medications you are taking, it's important to
talk with your provider or pharmacist to make sure the medication being used is right for you.
CDC COVID-19 Treatments and Medications
Frequently asked questions
Key dates: Anything I should know regarding COVID benefits and coverage?
Yes. Cost shares may apply when receiving COVID diagnostic testing or COVID treatment.
Over-the-counter COVID test kits are no longer covered under your health plan. The federal government began offering free test kits on September 25, 2023. Visit covidtests.gov to order your
free kits.
Should I get a flu shot?
The CDC, and many medical practitioners, are strongly recommending everyone get a flu shot this year. With the flu almost non-existent last year due to the stay-at-home orders, masking and handwashing, many are expecting this flu season to come back strongly.
According to the CDC, it is safe to get both your COVID vaccine and the flu vaccine at the same time.
What's the difference between the flu and COVID?
Both are contagious respiratory illnesses, but there are differences. Read CDC details on flu and COVID signs and symptoms differences.