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About the vaccine and booster doses
If you didn’t get the vaccine yet, you’ll want to get it, even if you:
Feel healthy
Are careful
Have already tested positive or had illness from COVID-19
Already been vaccinated? The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says that you should stay up to date on your booster doses. Boosters are additional vaccines against the same disease. They help you stay protected over time.
Talk to your provider about when to get a booster shot. Guidelines for boosters are based on your age group and when you had your last dose. If you have a weak immune system, you may have different guidelines.
Questions about the vaccine? You can visit the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) for more info.
Vaccine questions and answers
Are the COVID-19 vaccines and booster doses safe?
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved the COVID-19 vaccines and booster shots. They have been shown to be safe and effective.
How do I get my vaccine and booster shots?
You can visit the MDHHS website to find out where you can get the vaccine. Once you find a place, make an appointment.
COVID-19 questions and answers
Here are some common questions and answers about COVID-19.
We rely on info from the:
This info doesn’t replace your provider’s advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always talk with your provider or care management team about your questions.
A coronavirus causes COVID-19, an illness that can affect the lungs. You can visit the CDC to learn more.
The symptoms of COVID-19 may include:
Shortness of breath
Fever
Cough
Trouble breathing
More severe cases of the virus can cause:
Pneumonia
Acute respiratory distress syndrome
Kidney failure
You have a higher risk of getting the virus if you:
Have heart or lung disease
Have a weakened immune system
Are an infant or older adult
It can spread through the air by coughing or sneezing. It also spreads through close contact, from person to person.
In some cases, a person may get COVID-19 by touching a surface that has the virus on it. Then, they touch their own eyes, nose or mouth with their hands.
You can lower your risk of getting the virus. Here are some tips:
- Get the COVID-19 vaccine.
- Stay up to date on your booster shots once vaccinated.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
- Keep six feet away from people who don’t live in your home.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Stay home if you are sick or have cold-like symptoms.
- Clean your workstation and phone at work before and after using them, especially if you share with other employees.
Most people with symptoms that aren’t severe get better on their own. These tips can help ease the symptoms if you’re mildly sick:
- Take pain and fever medicine. Ask your pharmacist how this may affect other medicines you take.
- Use a room humidifier or take a hot shower.
- Drink plenty of liquids.
- Stay home and rest.
Caution: The CDC and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) advise not giving aspirin to children.
No, these shots don’t lower your risk of getting COVID-19. Only the COVID-19 vaccines and boosters have been shown to help lower your risk for that. You’ll want to get shots for other lung infections, like flu, pneumonia and whooping cough. You should do this if you have:
A weakened immune system
A more serious illness
A history of getting shots that help prevent illness
The CDC recommends testing anyone who:
Shows symptoms of COVID-19
Has had contact with someone who has or may have COVID-19
Yes, you’re covered for COVID-19 testing. There are no copays and you don’t need PA to get tested.
You can get COVID-19 testing at community testing sites. If you aren’t showing symptoms, just contact your provider first. People at high risk for the virus should get testing before anyone else. This includes:
Health care workers
First responders
People living in group settings
Older adults
Anyone who has been in close contact with a person who tested positive for COVID-19
Each testing site works on a schedule and has certain rules. Be sure to check with the site before visiting, as you may be turned away.
Extra support
We know you may have a lot of questions. Here are some other ways you can get support during COVID-19.
Take steps to avoid COVID-19 scams. Don’t respond if you get a call, text or email about “free” COVID-19 testing. And never give out your member ID number or personal info. To report any scams, you can:
- Visit the Office of Inspector General online or call them at 1-800-447-8477.
- Call Member Services at 1-866-316-3784 (TTY: 711). We’re here for you Monday through Friday, 8 AM to 5 PM.
Using telehealth services, you can get care from the comfort and safety of home. Meet with a provider via video chat or phone with no copay. If your provider doesn’t offer these services, we can help find you one that does. Just call us at 1-866-316-3784 (TTY: 711).
You can still get routine care during COVID-19. Here’s how:
Call before visiting a provider’s office.
You’ll want to call your PCP or other health care provider before you go there. They’ll share info about how they’re treating patients during COVID-19. You can also check with your provider to see if they offer telehealth services.
Get answers to your questions anytime.
Need a quick answer to a health question? Or can’t wait to see your provider? The 24-Hour Nurse Line is here for you. Just call 1-866-711-6664 (TTY: 711) anytime to reach the Nurse Line.
Get help with a dental emergency.
If your provider’s office is closed or you don’t have a provider, you can:
- Go to the emergency room for medical emergencies when your life is in danger
- See any dentist for emergency dental care. They don’t have to be in the network. You don’t need a referral or approval for emergencies.
- Call Member Services at 1-866-316-3784 (TTY: 711). We can help you find a provider.
Know when to go to the emergency room (ER) versus urgent care.
If you’re having an emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest hospital. If it’s not an emergency, but you need medical advice, call our 24-Hour Nurse Line at 1-866-711-6664 (TTY: 711). We’re here for you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
A nurse can help you decide if you need to go to the ER or urgent care. You can learn more about getting the right care at the right time.
You should be able to meet your health care needs, even during COVID-19. To help make it easier, you can now:
Get care from your home through telehealth services with video chat or phone
Connect with a care manager to help you get services and update your care plan as needed
Here are some links to help you learn more about COVID-19: