COVID-19 Vaccine Information
Getting the Vaccines
Like any other medical procedure, the COVID-19 vaccine comes with practical questions. Here are the answers to a few of the most immediate issues.
When will I be able to get a COVID-19 vaccine?
It depends on where you live. While the Centers for Disease Control provided guidelines on vaccine distribution, each state decides who gets vaccinated first and when. Most states are prioritizing vaccine distribution in four or five different phases. If you’re a healthy person, you’ll most likely have to wait until one of the later phases to get vaccinated, which could take several months.
Learn more about the vaccine distribution plans in Maryland, Washington, D.C. and Virginia. Or for information on COVID-19 vaccination in your area, please contact your local health department.
Please note: It’s recommended to schedule your COVID-19 vaccination when you don’t have anything important planned for the next day or two, including work.
How much will the vaccine cost?
If you’re a current CareFirst member, you’ll pay $0 for any FDA authorized vaccine when it’s made available to the public.
Can the COVID-19 vaccine give me COVID?
No. None of the vaccines currently on the market contain the live SARS-CoV-2 virus. They cannot give you COVID-19.
After I’m vaccinated, can I stop wearing a mask?
No. It’s important to continue to use all available tools to slow the spread of the virus. Scientists are still uncertain if being vaccinated keeps you from spreading the virus to others. For the safety of your loved ones and your community, you need to continue wearing the mask.