What you need to know about the COVID-19 vaccines
Getting the COVID-19 vaccine and following the 3 Ws (wear, wait, wash) are our best protections against COVID-19. We want you to have all the information you need when it comes to this vaccine.
The COVID-19 vaccine is now available for North Carolinians ages 12 and up!
Learn more about COVID-19 vaccines for children
COVID-19 vaccines are effective against serious illness and death.1
The vaccines are based on years of research and are safe and effective.
The vaccines are FDA approved using Emergency Use Authorization (EUA).
Schedule Your Appointment in NC
Not an NC resident? Find locations in your state.
Here's what's covered for members
- The vaccine is available at no cost for all members.
- Members have no out-of-pocket costs for the vaccine during the national public health emergency.
- No-cost vaccine benefits apply to all members regardless of plan type or where they receive the vaccine
Where can I get the COVID-19 vaccine?
Not a North Carolina resident?
Your state may have different vaccine information available. You can use the tool below to find your state health department's COVID-19 vaccine resources and vaccine appointments in your state.
Looking for a COVID-19 vaccine for someone who is at home because of limited mobility? You can find at-home vaccine providers here.
Ready to get the COVID-19 vaccine?
Getting the vaccine is as easy as...
1
Schedule your appointment
You're eligible to get your shot now! You can use the tool below to find locations near you to get vaccinated.
2
Get your COVID-19 vaccine
Where you go to get your shot will determine which vaccine you get. Some vaccines require two doses while others only need one.
3
Continue safety precautions
It takes time for your body to build an immunity to COVID-19. Wait at least two weeks after your dose(s).
I've had my COVID-19 vaccine. What now?2
We know you're ready to get back to doing the things you love. We are too! But it's important to keep yourself and those around you protected.
You may experience side effects
Minor side effects are common with most vaccines. It means it's working! Most side effects go away within a day or two after your shot.
Common side effects:
- Pain, redness or swelling in your arm
- Tiredness
- Headache
- Muscle pain
- Chills
- Fever
- Nausea
When am I fully vaccinated?
The CDC considers people fully vaccinated two weeks after their last dose of the vaccine.
If it's been less than two weeks or you still need your second shot, you aren't protected and can still get sick!
What can I do after I'm vaccinated?
According to the CDC, fully vaccinated people can go back to doing many of the things they did before the pandemic. However, they recommend continuing to wear a mask indoors in areas of high transmission of COVID-19. Those who are not fully vaccinated should continue to wear a mask in most areas even if not mandated.
Not sure if you're in an area of high-transmission? This tool can help you find the transmission rate for your area.
COVID-19 Transmission Rates
Learn more about the CDC's mask recommendations and requirements at this time.
CDC Mask Recommendations
Personal Stories from Your Neighbors
You have a spot. Get your shot.
Like so many of your neighbors already have. Learn why they chose to get vaccinated through their personal stories below.
Stories from our community and yours
“There is a before and after COVID for me. I was infected by COVID, and it was some of the worst days of my life. As a single mother, I could not take care of myself and my five children. I had to separate from them for more than a month, and being the pillar of my home, I can’t go through the same thing again. I need to be healthy to provide what is necessary for them."
- Mary, Raleigh
“My aunt is a high-risk person, and she’s worked so hard as a school custodian throughout the entire pandemic, so I’ve been worried about her. I’m a high school teacher and am around kids all day, so there’s this fear of me having COVID-19 and not knowing it and spreading it to her or to one of the kids.”
- Terrance, Apex
“I think it’s sort of a public health duty to get the vaccine. It’s less about me personally and more about others who are more vulnerable. I want to be free to spend time with people that I love and not be anxious about it. I want my family to feel comfortable visiting. They usually come a couple times a year, but they didn’t this past year.”
- Anne, Apex
Blue Connect