As the COVID-19 vaccine is being distributed to more people, we are one step closer to resuming normalcy following over a year of restrictions due to the pandemic. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) over 212 million vaccines have been delivered nationwide and at least 84 million people have been fully vaccinated. In addition, at least 130 million people have received one dose of the vaccine.
Note: If you are interested in getting the COVID-19 vaccine, anyone over the age of 16 is able to do so. For more information about ISO’s vaccine coverage, visit the COVID-19 page on our website or give us a call at (800)-244-1180.
What does fully vaccinated mean?
According to the CDC, people are considered fully vaccinated 2 weeks after their second dose in a 2-dose series, such as the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines. For the Johnson & Johnson vaccine, you are considered fully vaccinated 2 weeks after receiving the single dose. If you are not fully vaccinated yet, it is important to continue to take the necessary precautions until you are fully protected, like wearing a mask, washing your hands, and social distancing.
Where can I go to get vaccinated?
Anyone is eligible to get the COVID-19 vaccine regardless of their visa status. Be sure to check your state’s health department guidelines to find out when and where you can get vaccinated.
Does ISO cover the COVID-19 vaccine?
If your ISO plan provides coverage for wellness and preventive care, it will be covered 100% if done at an in-network provider or your school’s student health center.
If your plan does not provide wellness and preventive coverage, you can still get the COVID-19 vaccine for free regardless of your visa status. The federal government will be covering the cost of vaccinations so everyone can have access to it. For more information on the vaccines, you can view our COVID-19 vaccine FAQ post.
Can I choose which vaccine I get?
Mostly, no, because the supply of COVID-19 vaccines is currently limited, and demand is high. The CDC does not recommend being selective when it comes to the vaccine, both vaccines safe and effective at protecting against COVID-19.
Tips for scheduling your COVID-19 vaccine appointment
Trying to schedule a COVID-19 vaccine appointment is not as easy as you think. Some helpful advice is to be ready to accept any appointment that comes your way, and of course… RELAX you will find an appointment.
- Research your state’s distribution plan– As of now, the COVID-19 vaccine is eligible for all adults in the U.S. To sign up for a COVID-19 vaccine in your state, click here.
- Check with your doctor if you have an underlying health condition- If you have an underlying health condition, it is recommended to visit a doctor before receiving the COVID-19 vaccine.
- Search Pharmacy Availability- Check your local pharmacy’s website to see if vaccination appointments are available. In addition, major pharmacies such as CVS and Walgreens also offer vaccinations.
- Pharmacy vaccine locators: Make sure to check out websites like Vaccinefinder.org, Vaxxmaxx.com, Vaccinespotter.org, and Getmyvaccine.org to find availability at pharmacies. Tip: Most vaccine locator websites do not actually allow you to book appointments, it will redirect you to the pharmacy’s booking site. To speed this process up, open a new tab of the pharmacy booking site such as CVS, along with the vaccine-search site.
- Look for leftover vaccines- Websites like Dr.B will allow you to get a vaccine appointment with providers who have extra doses of the vaccine. Please note you will have to be prepared for an appointment at a moment’s notice.
- Facebook Groups- Many people are using Facebook groups to locate COVID-19 vaccine appointments. Members will notify everyone whenever there is appointment availability. For example, the Vaccine Hunters Facebook group is great for people living in New York, Connecticut, and Massachusetts and Turbovax is great for people living in New York.
If I have already had COVID-19 and recovered, should I still get the COVID-19 vaccine when it is available?
Yes, even if you had COVID-19 before you should still get vaccinated. For more information, visit the CDC’s website.
If I get the COVID-19 vaccine, how long do I have to wait to get a different vaccine like the flu shot?
It is recommended that you should wait at least 14 days before and after getting the COVID-19 vaccine to receive any other immunizations.
What can I do if I am fully vaccinated?
Congratulations you are now fully vaccinated! The CDC has recommended that once you have been fully vaccinated, you can the following various activities.
Here is the list of activities fully vaccinated people can resume:
- Visit other friends and family indoors without wearing a mask or social distancing if they are fully vaccinated.
- Visit unvaccinated friends and family indoors without wearing a mask or social distancing if they are at low risk for severe COVID-19 illness.
- If you are fully vaccinated and have been exposed to someone with suspected or confirmed COVID-19 you do not need to quarantine or get tested if they are asymptomatic.
List of activities that fully vaccinated people should continue to do:
- Take precaution when visiting unvaccinated friends and family from different households. You should do the same when visiting someone who is unvaccinated and have underlying health conditions.
- Avoid medium and large-sized in-person gatherings.
- Get tested if experiencing COVID-19 symptoms.
Can I travel once I am fully vaccinated?
Stay up to date with the CDC’s recommendations on travel, they are frequently updating their information. It has been advised that fully vaccinated people can now travel at low risk to themselves.
For international travel, the CDC recommends the following:
- If you are fully vaccinated, you can travel internationally without getting a COVID-19 test before travel unless your destination still requires it.
- If you are fully vaccinated, you do not need to quarantine after arriving in the U.S. unless it is required by the state or local jurisdiction.
- You are still required to show proof of a negative COVID-19 test before boarding a flight to the U.S and 3-5 days after returning from international travel.
- When traveling internationally, even if you are fully vaccinated you should still take the necessary safety precautions.
Helpful tips for after your COVID-19 vaccine
Since the vaccine is still new, health experts are still learning about the protection the COVID-19 vaccine provides. It is important to continue to follow the CDC’s recommendations to avoid infection of the virus.
- Keep your vaccine card in a safe place! Do not post your COVID-19 vaccine on social media to protect your personal information.
- The pandemic is not over just because you are vaccinated. Make sure to take the necessary safety precautions until experts know more. Here is a list of everyday activities you can do once you’re fully vaccinated and their risks.
- Feeling the side effects of the COVID-19 vaccine? Check out these tips to have a smooth recovery!
