The CDC has outlined a three-phased approach for the administration of COVID-19 vaccines. The federal government, working with the states, are prioritizing high-risk populations for initial distribution, with plans to expand access to the general population based on availability of adequate supply of COVID-19 vaccines. We anticipate vaccines will be available for the general population through our more than 9,000 stores sometime in 2021.

Healthcare workers, residents of long-term care facilities and select populations have been deemed eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine by the CDC. When vaccines are more widely available, there will be increased access to the broader population.

Texas Health Portal will work with Platinum Physician Associates to help administer the vaccine.

The Texas Health Portal will offer free assistance for its members wanting to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. We will create a sign-up form and work with Platinum Physician Associates to schedule vaccine appointments when it is available.

Vaccines have played an important role in protecting the health and safety of communities and nations throughout history.  Learn how the federal government is ensuring the safety of COVID-19 vaccines.

According to the CDC and FDA, adverse reactions are usually mild to moderate in intensity and resolve within a few days. The most common adverse reactions reported after vaccination in clinical studies included:

• Pain at injection site (84.1%)
• Fatigue (62.9%)
• Headache (55.1%)
• Muscle pain (38.3%)
• Chills (31.9%)
• Joint pain (23.6%)
• Fever (14.2%)
• Injection site swelling (10.5%)
• Injection site redness (9.5%)
• Nausea (1.1%)
• Malaise (0.5%)
• Lymphadenopathy (0.3%)

We don’t know the answer to this question at the current time with the data that is available. Per the Prescribing information: Do not administer Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine to individuals with known history of a severe allergic reaction (e.g. anaphylaxis) to any component of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine.

Three types of COVID-19 vaccines are currently or soon will be undergoing clinical trials in the United States: mRNA, Protein subunit and vector. Each uses different technologies that recognize and protect us from COVID-19. The CDC provides further information here.

According to the CDC, the majority of COVID-19 vaccines will require two doses. The first shot will start building protection, and the second shot will help provide the most protection the vaccine offers. The waiting period between each dose will vary based on the manufacturer.

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services states that people without health insurance or whose insurance does not provide coverage of COVID-19 vaccines can also get a COVID-19 vaccine at no cost.