Editor’s note: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently posted the following information. There will be no financial cost to eligible Seafarers or their dependents (anyone covered through the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan) for the administration of the vaccine. The vaccine itself is covered by the U.S. government. Claims for receiving the vaccine may be filed through either the member’s medical plan or (for those eligible for both medical and pharmacy coverage through the SHBP) his or her pharmacy benefit, whichever is more convenient. If the vaccine is received in Puerto Rico, the claim must be filed under the medical benefit.
You can help stop the pandemic by getting a COVID-19 vaccine.
To stop this pandemic, we need to use all our prevention tools. Vaccines are one of the most effective tools to protect your health and prevent disease. Vaccines work with your body’s natural defenses so your body will be ready to fight the virus if you are exposed (also called “immunity”).
In the coming months, doctors’ offices, retail pharmacies, hospitals, and clinics will offer COVID-19 vaccine. Your doctor’s office or local pharmacy may have contacted you with information about their vaccine plans. If not, you can contact your state or local health department to find out when and where vaccines will be available in your community.
COVID-19 vaccines are safe and effective
The U.S. vaccine safety system makes sure that all vaccines are as safe as possible. Learn how the federal government is working to ensure the safety of COVID-19 vaccines.
CDC has developed a new tool, V-safe, to help us quickly find any safety issues with COVID-19 vaccines. V-safe is a smartphone-based, after-vaccination health checker for people who receive COVID-19 vaccines. Download the v-safe app after you are vaccinated!
Studies show that COVID-19 vaccines are very effective at keeping you from getting COVID-19. Experts also think that getting a COVID-19 vaccine may help keep you from getting seriously ill even if you do get COVID-19. These vaccines cannot give you the disease.
COVID-19 vaccine will be free for you.
The federal government is providing the vaccine free of charge to people living in the United States. However, your vaccination provider may bill your insurance company, Medicaid, or Medicare for an administration fee.
After COVID-19 vaccination, you may have some side effects. These are normal signs that your body is building protection.
The side effects from COVID-19 vaccination may feel like flu and might even affect your ability to do daily activities. Most of these side effects should go away in a few days.
You will still need to wear a mask and socially distance after getting each shot of the vaccine for now.
As experts learn more about how COVID-19 vaccination may help reduce spread of the disease, CDC will continue to use the latest science to update the recommendations for protecting communities.
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