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Coronavirus (COVID-19) Updates

Coronavirus (COVID-19) Updates

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 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.

Adult
1. AFC Urgent Care (multiple locations)

2. AP Urgent Care

3. Apex Urgent Care

4. CyMED Tomball PA

5. Emergency Medical Doctors Services

6. Family First Urgent Care

7. First Response Urgent Care Port Arthur

8. Medella Urgent Care (two locations)

9. MHMG Urgent Care (multiple locations)

10. Next Level Urgent Care (multiple locations)

11. Southwest Urgent Care and Family Practice (two locations)

12. Sunrise Urgent Care & Family Practice

13. Texas Children’s Urgent Care (multiple locations)

Babies, Children, and Teens:

1. Nightlight Pediatrics (multiple locations)

2. Sunset Pediatric Urgent Care PA

3. Urgent Care for Kids (two locations)

4. UTMB After-Hours Pedriatic Urgent Care

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.

Find help on FindHelp.com

Find food assistance, help paying bills, and other free or reduced cost programs that help people affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Visit the following pages for resources and guidance on how to stay healthy:

Frequently Asked Questions

High-Risk Members

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.

Last updated: July 24, 2020.  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.
On July 2, 2020, Governor Greg Abbott issued an Executive Order requiring all Texans to wear a face covering over the nose and mouth in public spaces in counties with 20 or more positive COVID-19 cases, with few exceptions. The CDC encourages people to wear a face covering to prevent the spread of COVID-19. It should fit over your mouth and nose. Please read how to wear, remove, care for your face covering, requirements and exceptions at ReadyHarris.org.  If you think you are sick with Coronavirus (COVID-19), call your doctor. More ways to get healthy and stay healthy:
  • Eat healthy food, and cut down on processed foods.
  • Reduce or eliminate tobacco and alcohol.
  • Check in with your doctor and our Care Management department if you are managing a chronic condition.
  • Check in with your doctor and our Behavioral Health department if you are experiencing stress and anxiety, depression and other behavioral health conditions.

Are you due for an annual wellness screening? Check the chart! Keep children healthy: Teach and reinforce everyday preventive actions.
  • Parents and caretakers play an important role in teaching children to wash their hands. Explain that hand washing can keep them healthy and stop the virus from spreading to others.
  • Be a good role model—if you wash your hands often, they’re more likely to do the same.
  • Make handwashing a family activity.
  • Learn more about what you can do to protect children.
Wellness Exams – STAR and CHIP Members: Texas Health Steps checkups and Well-child exams, also known as wellness checkups, are the best way to help your child stay healthy as they grow. Medicaid members get Texas Health Steps checkups from birth through 20 years of age. CHIP Members get well-child exams from birth through 18 years of age. Read more in our Wellness Corner. If you need help, call Wellness Services toll-free at 1.888.760.2600. Wellness Exams – Marketplace Members: Wellness exams are covered benefit. Review your benefits and make an appointment with your doctor. If you need help, call Marketplace Member Services toll-free at 1.855.315.5386. Vaccines: Get vaccinated. Keeping immunization rates high in our community is essential for individual health and the health of our community. It is our responsibility to keep each other safe. Just like wearing a mask, social distancing and handwashing helps to prevent the spread of COVID-19, staying up to date with childhood immunizations keeps each individual child protected from vaccine preventable diseases that cause serious illnesses (pneumonia, meningitis, cancer, etc.) and protects vulnerable people in our community that have conditions that prevent them from receiving vaccines. Vaccines are available for these 17 dangerous or deadly diseases. Over the years, these vaccines have prevented countless cases of disease and saved millions of lives. Infants, children, adolescents, teens and adults need different vaccinations, depending on their age, location, job, lifestyle, travel schedule, health conditions or previous vaccinations. In-Person Doctor Visits Our Providers are making their offices safe for in-person visits. Take control of your health by scheduling a preventive health screening or wellness checkup today. They are a covered benefit.

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. https://dshs.state.tx.us/coronavirus/testing.aspx

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.

Urgent Care Centers Offering Telemedicine

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

Adult
1. AFC Urgent Care (multiple locations)

2. AP Urgent Care

3. Apex Urgent Care

4. CyMED Tomball PA

5. Emergency Medical Doctors Services

6. Family First Urgent Care

7. First Response Urgent Care Port Arthur

8. Medella Urgent Care (two locations)

9. MHMG Urgent Care (multiple locations)

10. Next Level Urgent Care (multiple locations)

11. Southwest Urgent Care and Family Practice (two locations)

12. Sunrise Urgent Care & Family Practice

13. Texas Children’s Urgent Care (multiple locations)

Babies,Children, and Teens:
1. Nightlight Pediatrics (multiple locations)

2. Sunset Pediatric Urgent Care PA

3. Urgent Care for Kids (two locations)

4. UTMB After-Hours Pedriatic Urgent Care

Aunt Bertha: Find Help

Find food assistance, help paying bills, and other free or reduced cost programs that help people affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Visit the following pages for resources and guidance on how to stay healthy:

Frequently Asked Questions

High-Risk Members

Why Choose Community?

As a local nonprofit health plan, Community Health Choice gives you plenty of reasons to join our Community. From the benefits and special programs we offer to the way our Member Services team helps you make the most of them, Community is always working life forward for you and your family.

“Community Health Choice is always there to answer my questions and help me and my family with our medical needs. I truly appreciate and value their customer support and service.”

– Cecily
Member of Community Health Choice