Many people in the United States have some protection, or immunity, against COVID-19 due to vaccination, previous infection, or both. This immunity, combined with the availability of tests and treatments, has greatly reduced the risk of severe illness, hospitalization, and death from COVID-19 for many people.
At the same time, some people—such as those who are older, are immunocompromised, have certain disabilities, or have certain underlying health conditions—continue to be at higher risk for serious illness.
What You Need To Know
- Vaccines will remain available. Access to COVID-19 vaccines will generally not be affected for now. The U.S. government is currently distributing free COVID-19 vaccines for all adults and children. To help keep communities safe from COVID-19, HHS remains committed to maximizing continued access to COVID-19 vaccines.
- COVID-19 at-home tests may not be covered by insurance. Insurance providers will no longer be required to waive costs or provide free COVID-19 tests. CDC’s No Cost COVID-19 Testing Locator can help people find current community and pharmacy partners participating in the Increasing program.
- Treatments will remain available. Medication to prevent severe COVID-19, such as Paxlovid, will remain available for free while supplies last. After that, the price will be determined by the medication manufacturer and your health insurance coverage. Check with your healthcare provider if you need early treatment to prevent severe COVID-19.
- National reporting of COVID-19 may change.
People who are more likely to get very sick need to start medical treatment for COVID-19 within days after symptoms first appear.
Even if you are vaccinated, you're more likely to get COVID-19 if you:
- Are 50 years old or older.
- Have one or more health issues, such as severe asthma, diabetes, obesity, or chronic heart, lung, or kidney conditions.
- Have a compromised or weakened immune system.
Cost Saving Options Available for Paxlovid
Click the picture to learn more about programs available to discount the cost of Paxlovid. Patients who do not meet the minimum requirements of the PAXCESS Co-Pay Savings Program may still qualify for other financial assistance resources.
When to Get Medical Care for COVID-19
Learn more about when to access medical treatment by clicking the pages below.
COVID-19 Vaccines
COVID-19 vaccines available in the United States are effective at protecting people from getting seriously ill, being hospitalized, and dying. As with other vaccine-preventable diseases, you are best protected best from COVID-19 when you stay up to date with the recommended vaccinations.
- Everyone 6 years and older should get 1 updated Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna COVID-19 vaccine, regardless of whether they’ve received any original COVID-19 vaccines.
- People aged 65 years and older may get a 2nd dose of updated Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna COVID-19 vaccine.
- People who are moderately or severely immunocompromised may get additional doses of updated Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna COVID-19 vaccine.
- Children aged 6 months–5 years may need multiple doses of COVID-19 vaccine to be up to date, including at least 1 dose of updated Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna COVID-19 vaccine, depending on the number of doses they’ve previously received and their age.
- COVID-19 vaccine recommendations will be updated as needed.
Vaccine clinics are offered at our three East Central District Health Department office locations. Due to a busy schedule, appointments are required.
COVID-19 vaccines and boosters are available. Influenza (flu) vaccines are also available during flu season.
For more information, contact Immunization Program Coordinator Sami Byrnes at (402) 562-7500 ext. 280, or Immunization Educator Susie Carney at (402) 562-7500 ext. 285.
ALBION
- 1st and 3rd Thursdays
- Times vary; call for information
- 2583 S. Highway 14 Suite #3
SCHUYLER
- Every Friday
- 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
- 316 East 11th St.
COLUMBUS
- Mondays and Thursdays 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 a.m.
- Wednesdays 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
- Please call for an appointment
- 4321 41st Ave.
