COVID-19 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Updated January 17, 2022

For the most updated information about COVID-19, variants, testing and vaccinations, visit the CDC COVID website.

Prominence Health Plan is here to provide you with information about COVID-19 Our goal is to assist you in living active and healthy lives and to encourage you to do your part in stopping the spread of the virus.

Does Prominence recommend getting the COVID-19 vaccine and booster and are they safe?

YES WE DO! We highly encourage you to get vaccinated. Although the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) had issued Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) for the Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna COVID-19 vaccines, this does not mean shortcuts were taken during the testing process. In fact, more than 70,000 people participated in the COVID-19 vaccines clinical trials — the same way all FDA-approved drugs are tested — to ensure the vaccine is safe for the majority of Americans.

What are the side effects of the vaccine?

There are very limited severe side effects. The most common side effects are pain or soreness at injection site, low-grade fever, fatigue, and muscle aches.

As with most vaccines, the COVID-19 vaccine is intended to be administered to healthy people. It is important that you continue to follow guidelines for face covering, social distancing, and quarantine procedures to remain healthy and able to receive the vaccine when it is available to you. The vaccine is especially important for people with underlying health problems like heart disease, lung disease, diabetes, and obesity. People with these conditions are more likely to get very sick from COVID-19.

How does the vaccine work?

The Pfizer and Moderna vaccines are based on messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) technology. This means they do not contain a live virus. The way the vaccine works is quite remarkable and truly a feat of modern medicine. The vaccine delivers messenger RNA into the body to encourage our own immune systems to create the spike protein to attach to the antibody and immunize the person against contracting the COVID-19 virus. If you’re not a scientist, mRNA is a nucleic acid present in all living cells. Its principal role is to act as a messenger to carry instructions to help the body create proteins.

While there are no guarantees of long-term outcomes with the COVID-19 vaccine and it is still unknown if an annual vaccine will be required like the flu vaccine, it is far less risky than contracting the COVID-19 virus and experiencing the severe symptoms of the illness.

Even if you have tested positive for the COVID-19 virus in the past, it is still recommended for you to take the vaccine. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that there is not a specific amount of time to wait to get the vaccine after testing positive for COVID-19, only that you are asymptomatic and otherwise in generally good health.

Will the vaccine work against the new strain of COVID-19?

The vaccine is also effective against the more contagious strains of COVID-19 that have been emerging. Though it is still possible to contract COVID-19 after being fully vaccinated and boosted, cases are milder and significantly decrease the likelihood of hospitalization.

Should I still continue to wear a mask, social distance and follow lockdown restrictions once I have received the COVID-19 vaccine?

Yes, you may still transmit the virus even though it won’t make you sick. Even if you are immunized and boosted against COVID-19 it is still important to maintain vigilance when it comes to wearing a mask and social distancing. Keep in mind that it takes a few weeks to build up an immunity to COVID-19 after vaccination. This means it is possible to be infected with the SARS-CoV-2 virus either prior to or after receiving the vaccine.

What else do I need to know to help me make the right decision about the COVID-19 vaccine?

  • There are no out-of-pocket costs for the vaccine. The COVID-19 vaccine is funded by the federal government and is available at no cost to Americans. This applies to any vaccine that receives either approval or emergency use authorization.
  • The COVID-19 vaccine requires two doses of the vaccine within 3 – 4 weeks apart. The first shot helps the immune system recognize the virus, and the second shot strengthens the immune response. You need to get both to get the best protection.
  • Boosters are now also recommended. The CDC website has the latest information on who should get boosters and when.
  • If you experience problems or bad reactions after getting the COVID-19 vaccine, the CDC encourages all vaccine recipients to enroll in v-safe, a smartphone tool you can use to inform the CDC of any side effects you have after getting a COVID-19 vaccine. If you report serious side effects, someone from the CDC will call to follow up.

Will I experience difficulty accessing standard medical care?

When COVID-19 cases spike, basic medical care can be more difficult to access. This could include providers and facilities contracted with Prominence Health Plan.

If you are experiencing a delay in access to care with a Prominence network provider, please call a Care Advocate and we will be glad to help you navigate these challenges. We ask that you please be patient during these service delays as we work hard to advocate for you to receive the most appropriate care.

Nevada Commercial Members
800-863-7515
TYY Operator Assistance 800-236-6868

Texas Commercial Members
844-217-9068
TYY Operator Assistance 800-236-6868

Medicare Advantage Member Services
855-969-5882
October 1 to March 31, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., 7 days a week
April 1 to September 30, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., Monday through Friday
TTY Services 711

Florida Resources
For the latest updates based on your location, state residents can register for alerts by texting FLCOVID19 to 888777.

Nevada Resources

Texas Resources