COVID-19 vaccine frequently asked questions

Most UnitedHealthcare plans include COVID-19 vaccines and boosters at no additional cost at network providers, as part of your preventive care benefits. Sign in to your health plan account to view coverage details.

It depends on your health plan. Most plans will continue to cover COVID-19 vaccination at $0 cost-share after the national public health emergency ends on May 11, 2023. However, if you receive a COVID-19 vaccine during a regular doctor’s visit where you talk about other health needs for diagnosis, you may have a cost-share for the office visit, according to your benefit plan. This means you may be responsible for a copay, coinsurance or deductible. Sign in to your health plan account to view your benefit details. 

Visit the CDC website for guidance on getting a COVID-19 vaccine . You’ll find information about the vaccines and recommendations for specific groups of people, like children and immunocompromised individuals. 

Bring your UnitedHealthcare member ID card. You’ll also want to bring your photo ID, such as a driver’s license, to show proof of identity. Find additional information on preparing for your vaccination appointment on the CDC website. 

Yes. By showing your health insurance card, you’re helping make sure there is a digital record of your COVID-19 vaccination status available through your UnitedHealthcare member account. Also, if you receive additional services during your vaccination appointment or get the vaccine during a regular office visit, you may be responsible for copays, deductibles, coinsurance or out-of- network charges, depending on your benefit plan. 

Visit the CDC website for helpful information on getting your COVID-19 vaccine. Here are some additional tips to keep in mind for your appointment:

1. Allow extra time. Your vaccination provider will likely monitor you after receiving the vaccine, typically for around 15 minutes. This is in case of a rare allergic reaction.
2. Schedule the second dose. If this is your first dose in your primary series, plan ahead by scheduling your second vaccine dose appointment if possible.
3. Keep vaccine cards in a safe place. You should receive a vaccination card during your appointment that says which vaccine you received, the date it was received and where it was received. Keep your vaccination card in a safe place. You may also want to take a photo of your card as a backup. Remember to bring your card with for your next dose or booster so your provider can update it. 

Visit the CDC website for guidance on booster shots and when you should get one. 

COVID-19 vaccines and boosters are widely available across vaccination providers, including retail pharmacies, doctors’ offices and other health systems.

Find vaccine providers in your area 

• An additional primary dose is given to people with moderately to severely compromised immune systems. The additional primary dose of an mRNA COVID-19 vaccine is intended to improve immunocompromised people’s response to their vaccine primary series.

• A booster shot is given when a person has completed their vaccine primary series (which is 3 doses of the vaccine if you are immunocompromised) to enhance or restore protection against COVID-19 which may have decreased over time.

To help ensure your safety, the CDC recommends you share your proof of vaccination card with your health care provider so they can confirm you meet the appropriate eligibility criteria.

If you had close contact with someone with COVID-19, refer to the CDC guidelines for steps you should take. These steps apply regardless of your vaccination status or if you’ve had a previous infection.

It’s a good idea to keep your vaccination card in a safe place. You may want to consider taking a picture or scan of your vaccination card as a backup copy.