An Update on COVID-19 Vaccinations

As the first Californians begin receiving the COVID-19 vaccination, many now have a renewed sense of hope and optimism—it’s the first glimmer of light at the end of a long tunnel. However, this also raises many questions about what will happen next.

Please be assured that Sutter Health Plus is actively engaged and working to ensure members understand how to navigate their care and coverage during this time.

Accessing Care and Coverage
The COVID-19 vaccine will be administered in accordance with guidelines from public health officials to critical populations such as healthcare workers treating or likely exposed to COVID-19, individuals with severe health risks from COVID-19, and essential workers.

Members can learn more about the availability of the COVID-19 vaccine from the California Department of Public Health. They may also contact their primary care physician (PCP) to discuss their situation and health risk factors to understand when they can anticipate getting a COVID-19 vaccine.

Sutter Health Plus covers COVID-19 vaccines in accordance with the requirements established by the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. Members who are eligible to receive a COVID-19 vaccine will have no cost share. This includes any vaccines administered over more than one injection.

Preventing the Spread of Infection
While the vaccine is an important step in the fight against COVID-19, we cannot underscore enough the importance of following the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s guidelines: Wear a mask, stay at least six feet apart, avoid crowds, and wash your hands often.

It’s especially important that all of us follow these precautions during the holiday season. In fact, healthcare system leaders, physicians, and frontline workers from Sutter Health, Kaiser Permanente, and Dignity Health recently joined a statewide joint press conference urging the public to take extra precautions during the holidays.

Additional Resources
For more details and up-to-date information about COVID-19, visit Information About Your COVID-19 Coverage and Cost Share, the Sutter Health COVID-19 Resource Page, and the California Department of Public Health websites.

Please stay safe and well.