What to know about COVID-19

As the COVID-19 situation changes, we want to make sure you get the care you need, when you need it. On this page, you can learn more about the virus, including tips to help you stay as healthy as possible. You can also find out where to get the COVID-19 vaccine.

About the vaccine and booster doses

If you didn’t get the vaccine yet, you’ll want to get it, even if you:

Feel healthy
Are careful
Have already tested positive or had illness from COVID-19

Already been vaccinated? Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says that you should stay up to date on your booster doses. Boosters are additional vaccines against the same disease. They help you stay protected over time.

Talk to your provider about when to get a booster shot. Guidelines for boosters are based on your age group and when you had your last dose. If you have a weak immune system, you may have different guidelines.

More about the vaccine

More about boosters

Get your vaccine

Vaccine questions and answers

Are the COVID-19 vaccines and booster doses safe?

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved the COVID-19 vaccines and booster shots. They have been shown to be safe and effective.

Where do I get my vaccine and booster shots?

You can visit the CDC’s website to find out where to go. Once you find a place, make an appointment.

Get your shot

COVID-19 questions and answers

Here are some common questions and answers about COVID-19.

We rely on info from the:

This info doesn’t replace your provider’s advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always talk with your provider or care management team about your questions.

A coronavirus causes COVID-19, an illness that affects the lungs. You can visit the CDC to learn more.

The symptoms of COVID-19 may include:

Shortness of breath
Fever
Cough

Trouble breathing

More severe cases of the virus can cause:

Pneumonia
Acute respiratory distress syndrome

Kidney failure

You have a higher risk of getting the virus if you:

Have heart or lung disease
Have a weakened immune system

Are an infant or older adult

It can spread through the air by coughing or sneezing. It also spreads through close contact, from person to person.

In some cases, a person may get COVID-19 by touching a surface that has the virus on it. Then, they touch their own eyes, nose or mouth with their hands.

Learn more about how COVID-19 spreads

You can lower your risk of getting the virus. Here are some tips:

Get the COVID-19 vaccine.
Stay up to date on your booster shots once vaccinated.
Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
Keep six feet away from people who don’t live in your home.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands.
Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
Stay home if you are sick or have cold-like symptoms.

Most people with symptoms that aren’t severe get better on their own. These tips can help ease the symptoms if you’re mildly sick:

Take pain and fever medicine. Ask your pharmacist how this may affect other medicines you take.
Use a room humidifier or take a hot shower.
Drink plenty of liquids.
Stay home and rest.

No, these shots don’t lower your risk of getting COVID-19. Only the COVID-19 vaccines and boosters have been shown to help lower your risk for that. You’ll want to get shots for other lung infections, like flu, pneumonia and whooping cough. You should do this if you have:

A weakened immune system
A more serious illness
A history of getting shots that help prevent illness

The CDC recommends testing anyone who:

Shows symptoms of COVID-19 after visiting a CDC “Level 2” or “Level 3” advisory area

Has had contact with someone who has or may have COVID-19

Get testing for COVID-19

You can get COVID-19 testing at community testing sites. If you aren’t showing symptoms, just contact your provider first. People at high risk for the virus should get testing before anyone else. This includes:

Health care workers
First responders
People living in group settings
Older adults
Anyone who has been in close contact with a person who tested positive for COVID-19

Each testing site works on a schedule and has certain rules. Be sure to check with the site before visiting, as you may be turned away.

Get testing for COVID-19

Extra support

We know you may have a lot of questions. Here are some other ways you can get support during COVID-19.

Take steps to avoid COVID-19 scams. Don’t respond if you get a call, text or email about “free” COVID-19 testing. And never give out your member ID number or personal info. To report any scams, you can:

Visit the Office of Inspector General online or call them at 1-800-447-8477.
Call Member Services at 1-855-456-9126 (TTY: 711). We’re here for you, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Using telehealth services, you can get care from the comfort and safety of home. Meet with a provider via video chat or phone with no copay. If your provider doesn’t offer these services, we can help find you one that does. Just call us at 1-855-456-9126 (TTY: 711).

You can still get routine care during COVID-19. Here’s how:

Call before visiting a provider’s office.

You’ll want to call your PCP or other health care provider before you go there. They’ll share info about how they’re treating patients during COVID-19. You can also check with your provider to see if they offer telehealth services.
Get answers to your questions any time. 

Need a quick answer to a health question? Or can’t wait to see your provider? Just call us at 1-855-242-0802 (TTY: 711) anytime. We can connect you with a nurse 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.  
Get help with a dental emergency.
If your provider’s office is closed or you don’t have a provider, you can call LIBERTY Dental at 1-855-225-1727 (TTY: 1-877-855-8039). They’ll help you find a provider. If you’re out of town and need emergency dental care, you can see any dentist for care. You don’t need a referral or prior approval to get emergency dental care.
Know when to go to the emergency room (ER) versus urgent care.

If you’re having an emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest hospital. If it’s not an emergency, but you need medical advice, call us at 1-855-456-9126 (TTY: 711). We’re here for you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.