We are following the federal, state and county distribution plans for the vaccine. The CDC has said the goal is for everyone to be able to easily get a COVID-19 vaccine as soon as large quantities are available; however, not everyone will be able to get vaccinated right away.

Currently eligible individuals include doctors, nurses and health care workers, residents and staff at nursing homes and other long-term care facilities, people age 65 and over, first responders, school and school district faculty and staff, public transit workers, grocery store workers and public safety workers. Please refer to the New York Department of Health’s website for more details regarding the phased distribution of the vaccine.

The FDA-approved vaccines are a major step toward containing the COVID-19 virus. We are encouraging as many people as possible to get vaccinated as soon as the vaccine is available to them.

Due to rapid changes with vaccine eligibility and availability, we encourage you to use the new “Am I Eligible” tool or call the New York State Vaccination Hotline, 1-833-NYS-4VAX (1-833-697-4829) to determine your eligibility and find locations where the vaccine is available. You will need an appointment to get the vaccine. Older adults or those without internet access can call 211 for assistance with scheduling an appointment. Please note that wait times may be longer than normal due to high volumes of calls and requests.

Please refer to the Department of Health’s website to determine where vaccines are available. Please note that based on the distribution plan not everyone is able to get vaccinated at this time.

The federal CARES Act requires COVID-19 vaccines to be given at no cost to patients. The vaccine itself has initially been paid for in advance by the federal government. Health insurers will cover the cost for a health care provider to administer the vaccine without a member cost share. It won’t matter whether you go to an in-network or out-of-network provider or pharmacy during the federal public health emergency or the state-declared disaster emergency.

The vaccine administration is covered in full for all members with the possible exception of less than 10 self-funded employer groups that are not required to comply with the CARES Act vaccine requirements.

The vaccines have been developed and tested through clinical trials with an emphasis on safety and efficacy. The FDA has reviewed these trial results and has conducted its own analysis before authorizing these products for emergency use. Many of the vaccines are administered by a shot and several require more than one shot within a specific period of time. Some of these products require storage at very low temperatures which may affect their distribution and availability.

Remember to protect yourself and others from COVID-19 by following the 3 Ws:

• WASH your hands frequently
• WEAR a mask or face covering to prevent the spread of COVID-19
• WATCH your distance – keep six feet apart and avoid small and large gatherings 

Be sure to understand the number and timing of dosages for the particular vaccine product that you receive and adhere to all vaccine requirements. The maximum protection will only be afforded with full compliance. In addition, understand any risks of side effects for the particular vaccine product that you will be receiving so that you can effectively monitor and manage these symptoms, should they occur.

We will follow the state vaccine distribution plan and update providers and locations as the Department of Health updates their guidance. Not all providers will be able to receive the vaccine at this time.

Excellus BCBS has a critical role in helping all our members get the vaccine regardless of age or income. This equitable approach means removing barriers to getting the vaccine such as cost and access. The goal is to get as many people as possible vaccinated quickly so we can get through the pandemic. To do that we’ll be partnering with health systems and pharmacies to provide members and employer groups with the information they need.

Education is an important part of the health plan’s role to encourage vaccinations, dispel myths about the vaccine and address members’ concerns. The health plan will also play an important role in educating physicians and providers on proper billing for the vaccines and giving providers access to expert information about vaccine efficacy and safety.

Excellus BCBS is also working to reduce the burden on the health care system by encouraging annual flu shots and promoting practices such as proper mask-wearing, hand-washing and social distancing. Our goal is to improve the health of the communities we serve.

For more COVID-19 vaccine information, please refer to the below helpful resources:

• Frequently Asked Questions about COVID-19 Vaccination | CDC
• Answering Patients’ Questions about COVID-19 Vaccination | CDC
• Preparing to Provide COVID-19 Vaccines to Patients | CDC
• Vaccinefinder
• The Path for a COVID-19 Vaccine from Research to Emergency Use Authorization | FDA
• COVID-19 Vaccines | FDA
• COVID-19 Vaccine Distribution | New York Forward
• New York State COVID-19 Vaccination Program | New York State