CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19)
Update Center
COVID-19 Vaccination Information
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the FDA has authorized the first COVID-19 vaccines. The vaccines are up to 95% effective in preventing COVID-19 and provide a high level of protection against contracting the virus. The CDC recommends getting the vaccination to help keep you, your family and those around you healthy and safe.
What You Need to Know:
- You cannot get COVID-19 from the vaccine. You can only contract COVID-19 from exposure to the virus.
- The speed of FDA authorization for the vaccine did not compromise its safety.
- Health experts recommend you still get a vaccine even if you’ve previously been infected with COVID-19.
- Some side effects of the vaccination are fever, muscle aches, headache or fatigue. These symptoms usually go away in a few days and are a sign that the vaccine is working to build your body’s immunity.
- The vaccine cannot alter your DNA. It simply teaches your body how to make a protein that causes the immune system to make COVID-19 antibodies.
Vaccine Safety
All COVID-19 vaccines have rigorous safety standards and go through clinical trials to test for safety before being authorized by the FDA. None of the authorized vaccines had any serious safety concerns reported in clinical trials. After authorization, the FDA continuously monitors the vaccines to track problems or side effects that weren’t detected during clinical trials. If you have had previous allergic reactions to injectables or other vaccines, please discuss COVID-19 vaccination with your doctor.
For more information about the safety of COVID-19 vaccines, visit the CDC website.
Testing Information
Because testing kits are in short supply and resources to handle a huge volume of coronavirus tests are not available, please read this information to help determine if you need to be tested.
COVID-19 Testing Recommendations
Looking for information on testing sites in your area? Click on the link below to access health departments links in all 50 states, 8 US territories and freely associated states and the District of Columbia.
Locate your state health department for testing sites.
When Should I Get Tested?
If you have questions or concerns about whether you should receive a test for COVID-19, your physician or healthcare provider will be able to make that recommendation based on your specific circumstances. (For example, your age, any chronic conditions that you have, your health history, where you live, etc.)
COVID-19 Scams to Be Aware Of
Unfortunately, there have been many reports of fraudulent acts related to the COVID-19 outbreak. We want to help you stay safe and aware by informing you of some of the scams you need to be on the lookout for:
- Door-to-door solicitation for COVID-19 testing and prescribing
- Phone calls asking for your insurance information for free testing and/or services
- Outreach from healthcare workers offering to send you an at-home test kit
- False advertisements for vaccinations or medications to treat COVID-19
- Unexplained or unauthorized lab tests or prescription appearing on your Claims statement (Explanation of Benefits/EOB)
- Advertisements offering health products that are unsuccessful against treating COVID-19 (i.e. herbal teas, supplements, oils or ointments)
- Fraudulent emails referencing “Coronavirus” or “COVID-19,” which contain malicious software that can damage your device
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Please read our flyer for more information.
90 Degree Benefits is working with providers to ensure access to affordable care during this crisis. 90 Degree Benefits encourages out-of-network providers to accept our payment in full and to work together to shield our Members from financial harm.
Tips to avoid getting COVID-19
Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing, or cough or sneeze into your elbow or shoulder, not your hand
Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands
Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or use alcohol-based hand sanitizer, especially after coughing or sneezing
Stay home if sick, and stay home for at least 24 hours after the last signs of fever
If you have been DIAGNOSED with COVID-19
- Stay home and away from others in your household
- Call before visiting your doctor
- Wear a face mask whenever possible
- Clean surfaces that are touched often as much as possible. Examples include counter tops, doorknobs, telephones, toys, bathroom fixtures and keyboards
- Cover your mouth with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. Throw tissues away in a lined trash can. Immediately wash your hands afterwards
- Clean your hands often
- Monitor your symptoms
COVID-19 Trusted Resources
The best resources for all COVID-19 information:
