Update: September 7, 2022, everyone ages 5 and older should get newly updated boosters after completing their primary series.
At CareMore, the health and wellbeing of you and your loved ones is our top priority. When you meet with one of our healthcare providers, whether virtually or in a care center, you can feel confident that they are taking every precaution to protect you from the virus that causes COVID-19, in accordance with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and other federal, state and local agencies.
Learn More About Flu and COVID-19 Vaccines for CareMore Patients
Are vaccines effective?
Absolutely! Studies show that individuals who are boosted have strong protection against severe disease and hospitalization to Omicron subvariants. The newly updated (bivalent) booster replaces the original (monovalent) booster, targeting the most recent variants, BA.4 and BA.5 - which are more contagious and more resistant to earlier strains.
Do anti-COVID medicines work to combat BA.2 and BA.2.12.1?
- Evushield, a long-acting monoclonal antibody for immunocompromised individuals is still effective but requires a higher dose.
- Paxlovid, the oral anti-viral medicine, is also effective.
- Unfortunately, sotrovimab, which was effective against Omicron, is not effective against BA.2 and BA.2.12.1, and has been removed from the market. However, a new monoclonal antibody, bebtelovimab, has received an Emergency Use Authorization from the FDA, and is thought to be effective.
Is it too late to receive an initial COVID shot?
No, it's not too late to start your vaccine series. Everyone ages 6 months and older is eligible to be vaccinated against COVID-19.
Who should get a booster shot?
Everyone who is eligible should get an updated booster. If you are considered immunocompromised, please see details in the below FAQ questions for your booster recommendations.
If you completed the primary series of the Pfizer, Moderna or Novavax vaccine, you are eligible for an updated booster if:
- You are 5 years or older.
- It has been at least two months since your last vaccine.
If you received the Johnson & Johnson vaccine, and are 50 years or older, you are eligible for an updated booster if:
- You have received an original (monovalent) booster at least two months after your initial single dose.
- It has been at least two months since your original booster shot.
If you received the Johnson & Johnson vaccine, and are younger than 50 years old, you are eligible for an updated booster if:
- It has been at least two months since your initial single dose.
Can I Get a COVID-19 Vaccine at a CareMore Care Center?
Yes, some Care Centers are vaccinating patients at the clinic. You can get your COVID-19 primary series, booster shot or flu shot during your visit at a CareMore Care Center while vaccine supplies last. Call 1-888-605-1030 (Memphis, TN patients, call 901-946-1375) to schedule your vaccine appointment.
Or, visit https://info.caremore.com/vaccine/ to get on the list for vaccine alerts.
Is the original (monovalent) booster shot still available?
The updated (bivalent) booster replaces the original booster, which targets the recent strains of BA.4 and BA.5. The original booster is not available in most circumstances. If you received a Johnson & Johnson primary vaccine and are 50 years of age or older, it is recommended that you first receive an original booster before an updated booster. Talk to your doctor about your options.
What are the recommendations for immunocompromised people?
It is recommended that immunocompromised people get a primary series of one of the following options:
- 3 doses of Pfizer or Moderna.
- 1 Johnson & Johnson and 1 Pfizer or Moderna.
- 2 doses of Novavox.
According to the CDC, you may be considered immunocompromised if you:
- Have been receiving active cancer treatment for tumors or cancers of the blood.
- Received an organ transplant and are taking medicine to suppress the immune system.
- Received chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T-cell therapy (a treatment to help your immune system attach to and kill cancer cells) or received a stem cell transplant (within the last 2 years).
- Moderate or severe primary immunodeficiency (such as DiGeorge syndrome, Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome).
- Advanced or untreated HIV infection.
- Active treatment with high-dose corticosteroids or other drugs that may suppress their immune response.
Do I need to receive a booster shot to be considered fully vaccinated?
No, people are considered fully vaccinated after completing a primary series of Pfizer, Moderna, Novavox or Johnson & Johnson vaccines.
Can you get a COVID-19 vaccine at the same time as another vaccine, such as the flu shot?
Yes. If you plan to get more than one vaccine during a single visit, they should be administered in different injection sites.
If I get the vaccine, can I still get COVID-19?
People with conditions that weaken the immune system are more likely to get COVID-19 after vaccination, also known as a breakthrough infection. However, getting the shot will decrease your chances of contracting COVID-19 and having serious symptoms that may require hospitalization. The virus that causes COVID-19, SARS-CoV2, continues to mutate and some strains can outsmart some of our defenses. It remains very important to continue to wear a mask in public settings and to follow local public health guidelines.
If You Have Symptoms
If you feel sick, have a fever, cough, or a hard time breathing, please contact you can contact your local CareMore Care Center. You can also call CareMore Anytime at 1-800-589-3148 (AZ, CA, NV, VA; for all other states, please call the number on the back of your Member ID card).
Our Safety Measures
- Care Center visitors are required to wear a mask correctly (over nose and mouth) at all times. If you don't have a mask, one will be provided to you.
- New air filters and plexiglass dividers at all CareMore Care Centers.
- Clinicians and staff use the required personal protective equipment including, but not limited to, face masks, gloves, and gowns.
- Social distancing is strictly observed, and waiting room seating has been reconfigured to allow ample room between chairs.
An appointment is recommended before you come to a Care Center, because we monitor patient traffic to help keep you safe.
Please call your local Care Center to make an appointment today.
Keeping up with your regular visits, health screenings, and getting an annual flu shot are important to keeping you feeling your very best.
Protect Yourself
The CDC is a trusted source for up-to-the-minute news and guidance about COVID-19. Helpful links to key information include:
Symptoms and testing
What to do if you are sick
COVID-19 Frequently asked questions
How to protect yourself and others
Are you at higher risk for severe illness?
* This information is current as of the date of publication. Because CDC guidelines are frequently changing, visit cdc.gov for the latest updates or talk with your healthcare provider.