▶ Q&A provided by NAPCA
As the flu season approaches and the newly updated coronavirus vaccine is released following last year, the need for COVID-19 vaccination is once again being emphasized. 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 there still a need to get the coronavirus vaccine?
▲Like the flu virus, the virus that causes coronavirus is also changing over time. The bivalent vaccine released in September 2022 does not match well with the currently prevalent coronavirus variant. A new vaccine approved by the Federal Food and Drug Administration (FDA_) on September 11, 2023 can further prevent infection with currently prevalent 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 serious this fall and winter. Getting vaccinated every year is the best way to prevent diseases serious enough to require hospitalization. People at high risk for coronavirus are those over 65 years of age or have underlying health conditions such as asthma, diabetes, heart and lung disease. The risk of hospitalization due to coronavirus is considerably 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 get the most up-to-date vaccines if you are over 65 or have an underlying health condition. Additionally, young people should consider getting vaccinated to protect not only themselves but also the elderly people 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 postpone vaccination for at least 3 months from when you start showing symptoms of coronavirus or when you test positive without symptoms. Among those who were not vaccinated after recovering from COVID-19 and those who were vaccinated after recovery, the former is 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 flu. Whether you receive one vaccine or multiple vaccines, the side effects that occur after vaccination are the same. If you want to receive multiple vaccines, you should consult with 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 flu and coronavirus vaccines for free with Medicare Part B and Medicaid in most states. With all marketplace health insurance plans and most private health insurance plans, you do not have to pay extra if you get the vaccine from a medical provider within the network. Even if you do not have health insurance or have insurance that does not cover vaccination, there are places where you can get vaccinated for free. These include local health centers, state/local health departments, and pharmacies participating in CDC’s Bridge Access Program. Contact your local public health department to find out where you can get the vaccine for free or at a low cost, such as community centers, schools and religious centers.
▲Inquiries: (800)582-4259 (Korean), (800)336-2722 (English)
2023-10-03 08:11:24
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