With the overlap of influenza (flu) and COVID-19 this season, we understand you might have concerns about your health. We hope to provide the information we can to help you feel informed and prepared.

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Access Primary Care is Here to Help

If you or someone close to you has a fever, cough, or shortness of breath, please call your Access Primary Care physician and ask for help.

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For Our Alignment Health Plan Members

Alignment Health Plan members can also use their virtual telehealth services (1-844-227-6955) to speak to a doctor by phone or video without risking exposure to viral respiratory illnesses like COVID-19, or by calling their ACCESS On-Demand Concierge team at 1-833-242-2223, TTY 711, available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Alignment Health Plan members should visit www.alignmenthealthplan.com regularly for updates during this time.

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How to Protect Yourself from Coronavirus

The best way to protect yourself and others during this outbreak is to slow the spread of the virus and get vaccinated. Although many states have eased mask wearing restrictions for fully vaccinated individuals, the CDC is strongly recommending that all individuals, vaccinated or not, wear a mask in indoor public settings.

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What we know about the COVID-19 vaccine

Tested, safe and effective vaccines are one of the most important tools we have to end the COVID-19 pandemic. Since Dec. 2020, the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) has authorized the use of three COVID-19 vaccines, manufactured by Johnson & Johnson, Moderna and Pfizer.

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The Johnson & Johnson vaccine requires one shot while the Moderna and Pfizer vaccines require two shots to get the most protection:

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• Pfizer-BioNTech doses should be given 3 weeks (21 days) apart

• Moderna doses should be given 4 weeks (28 days) apart

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New data shows that vaccine protection wanes over time and a COVID-19 booster shot is strongly recommended when eligible. As of Nov. 19, 2021, all U.S. adults age 18 and up are eligible to receive a COVID-19 booster shot.

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Check with your Access Primary Care physician about where and when you can get the vaccine.

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COVID-19 Symptoms

The most common symptoms are fever, cough and shortness of breath, but occasionally symptoms are more severe. If you or anyone close to you develop these symptoms, please contact your health care provider immediately.

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There is currently no cure for this virus. It's important to note this year's flu vaccine does not protect against the coronavirus. If you develop any flu-like symptoms, our team can talk about your symptoms, travel history and recent contact with anyone who may be infected with the virus. If it is determined that you have a different virus, our doctors can provide support to help relieve your symptoms.

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