Community Health Choice is monitoring the Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) and the most updated information from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Texas Department of State Health Services, and the Harris County Public Health Department, to help keep you and your family healthy.

Most current as of October 15, 2021. Check this page regularly for updates.

Texas is seeing a rise in the number of positive cases of COVID-19 and more Texans hospitalized for COVID-19. This is related to residents moving around their communities as businesses reopen, increased availability of testing for COVID-19 and in some cases, attendance at gatherings or relaxing behaviors that prevent the spread of disease. There is still no vaccine to prevent COVID-19 and available treatments are not always effective. It is important to protect yourself and your family by following these recommendations

• Stay at home as much as possible.
• Wear a face covering and practice social distancing when in public places.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water.
• Cover your mouth and nose while sneezing or coughing.
• Disinfect objects and surfaces to stay clean.
• Get your flu shot as soon as possible. Read more below.

As you may have heard in recent news reports, Texas will be one of the first states in the country to start receiving the COVID-19 vaccine upon final approval by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Currently, the expected timeframe for doctors and hospitals to begin receiving the vaccine is mid-December.

We are confident that the ongoing safety testing will result in a vaccine that we can trust and which will prevent a significant proportion of SARS-CoV2 (the virus that causes COVID-19) illnesses.

For detailed information about COVID-19 vaccine types, effectiveness and how the vaccine works, visit: https://www.dshs.state.tx.us/coronavirus/immunize/vaccine-faqs.aspx

Vaccine Comparison Chart

Read more information on the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines.

Vaccine Availability Map

Visit this page to find a location near you.

https://tdem.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=3700a84845c5470cb0dc3ddace5c376b

How is the vaccine being allocated?

Vaccine Allocation Guiding Principles

Texas will allocate COVID-19 vaccines that are in limited supply based on:

• Protecting health care workers who fill a critical role in caring for and preserving the lives of COVID-19 patients and maintaining the health care infrastructure for all who need it.
• Protecting front-line workers who are at greater risk of contracting COVID-19 due to the nature of their work providing critical services and preserving the economy.
• Protecting vulnerable populations who are at greater risk of severe disease and death if they contract COVID-19.
• Mitigating health inequities due to factors such as demographics, poverty, insurance status and geography.
• Data-driven allocations using the best available scientific evidence and epidemiology at the time, allowing for flexibility for local conditions.
• Geographic diversity through a balanced approach that considers access in urban and rural communities and in affected ZIP codes.
• Transparency through sharing allocations with the public and seeking public feedback.

Who can get the vaccine now?

Phase 1A recipients include:

Front-line healthcare workers and residents at long-term care facilities (called Phase 1A) plus people over 65 or with a chronic medical condition that puts them at increased risk for severe illness from COVID‑19 (called Phase 1B) are currently eligible to receive the COVID‑19 vaccine.

First Tier

• Paid and unpaid workers in hospital settings working directly with patients who are positive or at high risk for COVID-19. Such as but not limited to:
• Physicians, nurses, respiratory therapists and other support staff (custodial staff, etc.)
  • Additional clinical staff providing supporting laboratory, pharmacy, diagnostic and/or rehabilitation services
  • Others having direct contact with patients or infectious materials

• Long-term care staff working directly with vulnerable residents. Includes:
  • Direct care providers at nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and state supported living centers
  • Physicians, nurses, personal care assistants, custodial, food service staff

• EMS providers who engage in 9-1-1 emergency services like pre-hospital care and transport
• Home health care workers, including hospice care, who directly interface with vulnerable and high-risk patients
• Residents of long-term care facilities

Second Tier

• Staff in outpatient care settings who interact with symptomatic patients. Such as but not limited to:
  • Physicians, nurses, and other support staff (custodial staff, etc.)
  • Clinical staff providing diagnostic, laboratory, and/or rehabilitation services
  • Non 9-1-1 transport for routine care
  • Healthcare workers in corrections and detention facilities

• Direct care staff in freestanding emergency medical care facilities and urgent care clinics
• Community pharmacy staff who may provide direct services to clients, including vaccination or testing for individuals who may have COVID
• Public health and emergency response staff directly involved in administration of COVID testing and vaccinations
• Last responders who provide mortuary or death services to decedents with COVID-19. Includes: o Embalmers and funeral home workers who have direct contact with decedents
  • Medical examiners and other medical certifiers who have direct contact with decedents

• School nurses who provide health care to students and teachers

Phase 1B recipients include:

• People 65 years of age and older
• People 16 years of age and older with at least one chronic medical condition that puts them at increased risk for severe illness from the virus that causes COVID-19, such as but not limited to:
  • Cancer
  • Chronic kidney disease
  • COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease)
  • Heart conditions, such as heart failure, coronary artery disease or cardiomyopathies
  • Solid organ transplantation
  • Obesity and severe obesity (body mass index of 30 kg/m2 or higher)
  • Pregnancy
  • Sickle cell disease
  • Type 2 diabetes mellitus

How Can I Get the COVID-19 Vaccine?

You should contact your primary care provider to see if you meet criteria for the initial distribution of the vaccine and where you will be able to get the vaccine.

As always, we strongly encourage everyone to continue to wear face- masks, social distance from others, and practice good hand hygiene. COVID-19 positive cases are increasing in our community, and it is important to remain diligent and know that you play a critical part in helping stop the spread of the coronavirus.

Is it the Coronavirus or is it the flu?

Both cause respiratory illness and both can make you very sick. There is currently no vaccine for the coronavirus, but there is one for the flu. Get your flu vaccine to help protect you and your family and reduce your risk of serious illness from the flu.

What Are the Signs & Symptoms of the Flu?

People who are sick with flu often feel some or all of these symptoms:

• Fever or feeling feverish/chills
• Cough
• Sore throat
• Runny or stuffy nose
• Muscle or body aches
• Headaches
• Fatigue (tiredness)
• Some people may have vomiting and diarrhea, though this is more common in children than adults.

Source: https://www.cdc.gov/flu/symptoms/index.html

Who should get the flu vaccine?

Different flu vaccines are approved for use in different groups of people.

• There are flu shots approved for use in children as young as 6 months old and flu shots approved for use in adults 65 years and older.
• Flu shots also are recommended and approved for use in pregnant women and people with certain chronic health conditions.
• The nasal spray flu vaccine is approved for use in non-pregnant individuals who are 2 years through 49 years of age. People with with certain medical conditions should not receive the nasal spray flu vaccine.

There are many vaccine options to choose from. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) does not recommend one flu vaccine over another. The most important thing is for all people 6 months of age and older to get a flu vaccine every year.

If you have questions about which flu vaccine to get, talk to your doctor or other health care professional.

Source: https://www.cdc.gov/flu/prevent/vaccinations.htm

Where can I get the flu vaccine?

Members: The flu vaccine is a covered benefit for our Members. Call your Primary Care Doctor to see if they have the vaccine. If they do, make an appointment as soon as possible.

Members and others without insurance: There are many places you can go to get a flu shot whether or not you have insurance. Here are some options.

1. Harris County Public Health: See locations and appointment requirements.
2. Public health clinics like Legacy, Access Health, and Avenue 360: Call before you go to see if they take appointments and how much it would be with or without insurance.
3. Pharmacies like Walgreens, CVS, Target, and stores with pharmacies like Kroger and Walmart: Call the store before you go to see if they take appointments and how much it would be with or without insurance.

Use telemedicine services whenever possible.  A Provider can screen and diagnose you over the phone. It’s a great way to get the care you need from home. If you are a CHIP, CHIP-P or STAR Member, ask your Provider if they offer telemedicine. If your doctor is not available and you need help with locating telemedicine services, please call us for assistance. Telemedicine services are now available to all Marketplace plans and D-SNP, you may call them at 1.800.835.2362.

Before your first virtual visit, you need to set up a Teladoc account and share your medical history on the app or on their account set up page. Completing this step in advance can minimize your wait time.

If you’re new to using Teladoc, start by visiting their website for answers to frequently asked questions.

For faster support, you can contact Teledoc by mobile, App or web. You can download the App on the App Store or Google Play.

If you may have been exposed to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) or have questions about symptoms, please call your doctor. If you are tested at your doctor’s office, health care facility or testing center, you will not be charged. You may also call our Nurse Help Line. A nurse will answer your questions, and help you get the care you need. Help is available in English or Spanish. You may also ask for an interpreter.

• STAR (Medicaid)/CHIP/CHIP Perinatal Members: 1.888.332.2730
• Marketplace Members: 1.833.955.1528
• D-SNP Members: 1.833.955.1527

Public testing sites and drive-thru testing locations are available throughout Texas. See the Texas Department of State Health Services website to locate testing centers near you.

Members who are well and do not have a known risk for infection or symptoms of fever, cough or difficulty breathing should not go directly to ERs or urgent care centers solely to be tested for COVID-19. Doing so may overwhelm hospitals and urgent care centers and prevent them from providing care to people who need help.

These locations offer telemedicine. Look up the listing in our Find a Doctor Provider directory for contact information.

Continue taking preventive steps to stay healthy, like staying away from large crowds and people who are sick. Call your doctor immediately if you have any flu-like symptoms like cough, fever or other respiratory problems or any symptoms related to your pregnancy.

Call our Care Management Team if you need help finding a doctor or clinic near you.

Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

• STAR/CHIP/CHIP-P Members: 1.844.297.4450
• In an emergency, call 9-1-1 or go to the nearest emergency room.
• TDD: 7-1-1

This is a stressful time. Fear and anxiety can be overwhelming and cause strong emotions in adults and children. Please take your emotions seriously and get care, if you need it.

• Call your doctor if stress reactions interfere with your daily activities
• If you are currently being treated, please continue your treatment plan. Stay in touch with your Provider and share any new symptoms.
• Call our Behavioral Health Team toll-free 24/7 if you need help finding assistance
  • STAR/CHIP/CHIP-P Members: 1.877.343.3108
  • Marketplace Members: 1.855.539.5881
  • D-SNP Members: 1.833.276.8306
  • TDD: 7-1-1
  • In an emergency, call 9-1-1 or go to the nearest emergency room.
• Visit our Health Links page for a list of mental health and wellbeing agencies and resources.

• Return to School During COVID-19
• Working and Learning from Home During the COVID-19 Outbreak
• Age-Based Tips to Help Juggle Parenting & Working at Home During COVID-19