You need 2 doses of the currently available COVID-19 vaccine. A second shot 3 weeks after your first short is needed to get the most protection the vaccine has to offer against this serious disease.

Right now, the current supply of COVID-19 vaccine in the United States is limited. The CDC recommends that the initial supply of the vaccine be offered to healthcare workers and residents of long-term care facilities.

The goal is for everyone to be able to easily get vaccinated against COVID-19 as soon as large enough quantities are available. Once vaccine is widely available, the plan is to have several thousand vaccination providers offering COVID-19 vaccines in doctor’s offices, retail pharmacies, hospitals and federally qualified health centers.

The side effects from COVID-19 vaccination may feel like the flu and might even affect your ability to do daily activities, but they should go away in a few days.

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid (CMS) requires all insurance plans including group health plans, individual policies and Medicare health plans cover the vaccine with no cost sharing. Uninsured patients will have the vaccine covered by the Health Resources and Services Administration’s Provider Relief Act.

COVID-19 vaccines may not be widely available until mid 2021.It is important for everyone to continue using all the tools available to help stop this pandemic.Cover your mouth and nose with a mask when around others, stay at least 6 feet away from others, avoid crowds, and wash & sanitize your hands often.