Ask the Pharmacist with Harry Webb

This segment originally appeared in the Shopping Guide News of Fulton County

Are the Covid-19 vaccinations and booster free?  Do I need insurance?

I get asked this question often. EVERYONE can get a COVID-19 vaccine for FREE. While the vaccine is free to everyone, providers such as pharmacies, health departments, Doctors, and hospitals are required to bill various insurance plans for an administration fee to cover the cost of providing the injection. Providers are reimbursed by Medicare, Medicaid, or traditional insurance for administering the vaccine.  If you do not have insurance, it is still free because the federal government pays providers for administering vaccine to ALL uninsured people. 

When going for your vaccination, please bring your ID, and all insurance cards.  Children under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.

If you are over the age of 65, please bring your paper “Red White & Blue” traditional Medicare card.  Medicaid patients should provide their traditional blue Medicaid card. Medicaid and Medicare managed care companies do not pay providers.  All these requirements can be confusing, so it is best thing to bring all your insurance cards and the provider can choose the ones that are needed. If you have lost or misplaced your original Medicare card; call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) and they will provide your number over the phone and issue a new card. If you have received a previous covid vaccination, please bring your proof of vaccination card.

In summary bring the following:

Can you just walk in and get the shot, or do you need to call ahead?

For most providers, appointments are preferred. All vaccine providers are very busy giving booster shots, first vaccine doses and seasonal flu shots.  It is safe to get a COVID-19 vaccine and a flu shot at the same time.

To find your preferred vaccine in your county you can do any of the following:

Often you can get a shot scheduled the same day.  The most efficient way to schedule your shot is to use the internet on your phone or computer. If you do not have internet access, call the provider and they will schedule a shot for you.  Some providers do allow walk-in appointments. For a vaccination at a Webb’s Family Pharmacy location, go to WebbRx.com to schedule your shot.

The CDC now recommends all adults get vaccinated as soon as possible.  Booster doses are also recommended.

It is recommended that all vaccinated individuals consider an additional dose as soon as it is possible based on the following timeline: 

People are allowed to mix and match their vaccine based on availability or personal preferences. 

If you have any questions about these important vaccines, please stop in any of our pharmacies and talk to our pharmacist.

Regards,

Harry R Webb, PD

Pharmacist

Webb’s Family Pharmacy