Blue Shield of California on Monday updated its member page for COVID-19 with new information regarding vaccines, coverage and information on who will get it when. Read the full frequently asked questions page here.
When will I be able to get a COVID-19 vaccine?
On December 11, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) gave Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) to Pfizer for their vaccine. On December 18, they also gave EUA to Moderna for their vaccine. Other vaccines are also being reviewed.
The goal is for everyone to be able to easily get a COVID-19 vaccination as soon as large quantities are available. But vaccine supply will be very limited at first.
Who is on the priority list for the first limited supply?
According to the California Department of Public Health, vaccines will be initially provided to:
- Skilled nursing facilities
- Assisted living facilities
- Similar settings for older or medically vulnerable individuals
First priority healthcare workers
- Hospitals
- Long-term care facilities as noted above
- Emergency medical providers, such as paramedics, EMTs, etc.
- Dialysis centers
Second priority healthcare workers
- Intermediate care facilities. Such as those for developmentally disabled, elderly residents, etc.
- Home health care and in-home services
- Community health workers
- Public health field staff
- Primary and urgent care clinics
Third priority healthcare workers
Other settings and healthcare workers. These include:
- Specialty clinics
- Lab workers
- Dental clinics
- Pharmacy staff
Vaccines will then be given to Californians who are:
- “Critical to our daily existence”
- At highest risk of becoming infected, severely ill, or spreading COVID-19
The state says it will provide a COVID-19 vaccine to everyone in California who wants it.
What does Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) mean?
The FDA ensures medical products are safe and effective for us to use. Typically, approval from the FDA for a medical product can be a long process. EUA helps the FDA provide faster access to medical products during a health emergency. It balances known risks and benefits to the public.
EUA helps when there are no other adequate, approved, and available options. EUAs may change as the FDA approves, clears, or licenses the medicines or treatments.
You can learn more about EUA’s on the FDA’s website.
Are these vaccines safe?
Safety is a top priority. The U.S. vaccine safety system ensures that all COVID-19 vaccines are as safe as possible.
COVID-19 vaccines are carefully looked at in clinical trials with thousands of people. In each of these trials, people are closely checked for any health risks. Once the trial results indicate the vaccine is safe and effective, it can be authorized by the FDA.
Checks on the vaccine will continue in the real-world setting. These can help researchers know if there might be very rare side effects or long-term risks not seen in trials.
Also, California has formed a Scientific Safety Review Workgroup. The group will help ensure the COVID-19 vaccine meets safety requirements.
How much will the COVID-19 vaccine cost?
COVID-19 vaccines will be provided at no out-of-pocket costs to members. Vaccines purchased with U.S. taxpayer dollars will be given to the American people at no cost.
Vaccination providers will be able to charge administration fees for giving the shot. These will be paid for by Blue Shield of California or Blue Shield of California Promise Health Plan. Those who receive the vaccine are not allowed to be charged for the vaccine or vaccine administration.