COVID-19 Resources

Safety is a top priority. The U.S. vaccine safety system ensures that all COVID-19 vaccines are as safe as possible.

COVID-19 vaccines are carefully looked at in clinical trials with thousands of people. In each of these trials, people are closely checked for any health risks. Once the trial results indicate the vaccine is safe and effective, it can be authorized by the FDA.

Checks on the vaccine will continue in the real-world setting. These can help researchers know if there might be very rare side effects or long-term risks not seen in trials. 

Also, California has formed a Scientific Safety Review Workgroup to look at data to help ensure the COVID-19 vaccine meets safety requirements. 

Read this fact sheet about the vaccines.

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During the federal public health emergency, Blue Shield and Blue Shield Promise will cover COVID-19 tests and waive out-of-pocket costs for copays, coinsurance, and deductibles for these tests. But the following conditions must be met: 

• Test must be medically necessary and ordered by a healthcare provider licensed to order COVID-19 tests
• Test must be FDA-approved, emergency use authorized, or authorized under other guidance from the Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services consistent with the federal CARES Act
• The test must be processed in accordance with FDA and other applicable guidance.
• Out-of-pocket testing costs for tests that meet the above requirements will be waived during the federal public health emergency. This continues only if state and federal mandates for the coverage of testing without out-of-pocket costs (copays, coinsurance, or deductibles) still apply.

For Medi-Cal members, all tests are fully covered at no cost to members. This applies both during and after the federal public health emergency.

If the test is for an essential worker without symptoms or known or suspected exposure, out-of-pocket costs will apply based on the member’s benefit plan. This means you may be required to pay a copay, coinsurance or deductible for your test as defined by your plan benefits. This is addressed in the California Department of Managed Health Care’s (DMHC) emergency regulation.

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No. Health screenings, immunizations, and annual checkups can all be safely resumed. If you regularly visit a specialist to manage a chronic condition, you should continue to keep those appointments.

It’s important not to fall behind on preventive care visits. Annual exams can help you:

• Understand your current health status
• Receive basic screening tests
• Get any needed immunizations
• These exams also help your primary doctor see any health issues early on. This make it easier to treat and improve the outcome. Continuous care for existing medical conditions may help you manage your conditions and prevent worsening.

Some routine visits can be done virtually. Talk to your doctor about virtual visits. Ask what steps they are taking to protect you during in-person visits.

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