Stay Informed: Common Questions About the COVID-19 Vaccine
Q&A provided by the National Asia-Pacific Senior Center (NAPCA)
As we approach flu season and the recently updated coronavirus vaccine becomes available, the importance of getting vaccinated against COVID-19 is once again emphasized. The National Asia-Pacific Senior Center (NAPCA) has provided a Q&A session to address any concerns and provide new information regarding the coronavirus vaccination.
Q1: I have already received the coronavirus vaccine that was available last year. Is it necessary to get the new coronavirus vaccine?
A: Similar to the flu virus, the coronavirus also undergoes changes over time. The current bivalent vaccine, released in September 2022, may not offer complete protection against the currently common coronavirus variant. Therefore, it is advisable to get the new vaccine approved by the Federal Food and Drug Administration (FDA), which can effectively prevent infection from the current variants. The vaccine will be available for administration starting at the end of September 2023.
Q2: Should everyone get the coronavirus vaccine?
A: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that everyone aged 6 months or older should receive the coronavirus vaccine to prevent severe infection during the upcoming fall and winter seasons. Getting vaccinated annually is the best way to protect against diseases that may require hospitalization. Individuals over 65 years of age or those with underlying health conditions such as asthma, diabetes, heart, and lung disease face a higher risk of contracting the virus. Hospitalization risk due to coronavirus is significantly lower for individuals under 18, but the risk increases exponentially for those aged 65 to 74. Therefore, it is especially important for individuals over 65 or with underlying medical conditions to receive the latest vaccines. Young people should also consider getting vaccinated to protect not only themselves but also the elderly individuals they live with.
Q3: Do I need to get the coronavirus vaccine even if I have already had coronavirus and recovered?
A: Receiving the coronavirus vaccine after recovering from COVID-19 adds an extra protective layer. If you have experienced coronavirus symptoms or tested positive without symptoms, you can delay vaccination for at least 3 months. Research suggests that individuals who did not receive the vaccine after recovering from COVID-19 are more likely to be re-infected.
Q4: After getting the flu or other vaccines, should I wait to get the coronavirus vaccine?
A: There are no specific recommendations regarding the time interval between coronavirus vaccination and other vaccinations. It is possible to receive the coronavirus vaccine simultaneously with other vaccines, including the flu vaccine. Side effects that may occur after vaccination are similar regardless of whether you receive one vaccine or multiple vaccines. If you intend to receive multiple vaccines, it is advisable to consult with your doctor or pharmacist.
Q5: Are flu and coronavirus vaccines covered by health insurance? What should I do if I don’t have health insurance?
A: In most states, you can receive free flu and coronavirus vaccines through Medicare Part B and Medicaid. If you have marketplace health insurance or most private health insurance plans, you will not have to pay extra for the vaccine when obtained from an in-network medical provider. In the event that you do not have health insurance or your insurance does not cover vaccinations, there are resources available where you can get vaccinated for free. These include local health centers, state or local health departments, and pharmacies participating in the CDC’s Bridge Access Program. For more information on free or low-cost vaccination locations, you can contact your local public health department, community centers, schools, or religious centers.
For inquiries:
- Korean: (800)582-4259
- English: (800)336-2722
▶ Q&A provided by NAPCA
As flu season approaches and the newly updated coronavirus vaccine is released following last year, the need for a COVID-19 vaccination is being emphasized once again. Find out new information about coronavirus vaccination through a Q&A provided by the National Asia-Pacific Senior Center (NAPCA).
-I have already been vaccinated with the coronavirus vaccine that came out last year. Is it still necessary to get the coronavirus vaccine?
▲ Like the flu virus, the virus that causes coronavirus also changes over time. The bivalent vaccine released in September 2022 does not match well with the currently common coronavirus variant. A new vaccine approved by the Federal Food and Drug Administration (FDA_) on September 11, 2023 can further prevent infection with currently common variants, and the vaccine can be administered starting at the end of September 2023.
-Should everyone get the coronavirus vaccine?
▲ The federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that everyone 6 months of age or older be vaccinated against the new coronavirus to prevent coronavirus infection from becoming more severe this fall and the this winter. Getting vaccinated every year is the best way to prevent diseases serious enough to require hospitalization. The people who face a high risk of contracting coronavirus are those over 65 or who have underlying health conditions such as asthma, diabetes, heart and lung disease. The risk of hospitalization due to coronavirus is significantly lower for people under 18, but the risk of hospitalization is 36 times higher for people aged 65 to 74, and the older you are , the higher this risk becomes. Therefore, it is especially important to have the latest vaccines if you are over 65 or have an underlying medical condition. In addition, young people should consider getting vaccinated to protect not only themselves but also the elderly who live with them.
-Do I need to get the coronavirus vaccine even if I have already had coronavirus and recovered?
▲ Receiving the corona vaccine after recovering from corona is like adding a protective layer. You can delay vaccination for at least 3 months after you start showing symptoms of coronavirus or when you test positive without symptoms. Among those who were not vaccinated after recovery from COVID-19 and those who were vaccinated after recovery, the former are more likely to be infected with COVID-19 again.
-After getting the flu or other vaccine, should I wait to get the coronavirus vaccine?
▲ There are no recommendations regarding the time interval between coronavirus vaccination and other vaccinations. Corona vaccination can be received at the same time as other vaccinations, including the flu. Whether you get one vaccine or multiple vaccines, the side effects that occur after the vaccination are the same. If you want to have multiple vaccines, you should consult your doctor or pharmacist.
-Are flu and coronavirus vaccines covered by health insurance? What should I do if I don’t have health insurance?
▲ You can get free flu and coronavirus vaccines with Medicare Part B and Medicaid in most states. With all market health insurance plans and most private health insurance plans, you do not have to pay extra if you get the vaccine from an in-network medical provider. Even if you don’t have health insurance or have insurance that doesn’t cover vaccination, there are places where you can get vaccinated for free. These include local health centers, state/local health departments, and pharmacies that participate in the CDC’s Bridge Access Program. Contact your local public health department to find out where you can get the vaccine for free or at low cost, such as community centres, schools and religious centres.
▲Inquiries: (800)582-4259 (Korean), (800)336-2722 (English)
#updated #coronavirus #vaccine #Hankook #Ilbo #Americas
