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COVID-19 Resources for Patients

The COVID-19 pandemic has created some confusion in our daily lives and has made it hard to know how to keep you and your family safe. This page is here to help you and your family feel confident that you are being safe and making healthy choices.

Overview

On March 11, 2020, the World Health Organization declared COVID-19 a pandemic. By the end of 2021, there had been 50 million cases and over 800,000 deaths recorded in the United States.1 Thanks to our hardworking healthcare workers, scientists, and other public health officials, there is a light at the end of the tunnel. But we still have more work to do to beat the COVID-19 pandemic. Get vaccinated and save lives.

COVID-19 Booster Shots: What you need to know

COVID-19 Vaccines

General information about COVID-19

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COVID-19 Variants (CDC)

About variants of the virus that causes COVID-19​​.

Test to Treat

Test-to-Treat Initiative Ensures Rapid ‘On the Spot’ Access to Lifesaving COVID Treatments

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Variant Classifications and Definitions (CDC)

Information on SARS-CoV-2 variant classifications and definitions.

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Omicron Variant: What You Need to Know

CDC has been collaborating with global public health and industry partners to learn about Omicron, as we continue to monitor its course.

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A Community Toolkit for Addressing Health Misinformation

U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy releases a Community Toolkit for Addressing Health Misinformation to help Americans navigate the serious threat of health misinformation, especially online.

Monoclonal Antibody Therapy (HHS)

Answers to common questions about monoclonal antibody therapy.

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Myths and Facts about COVID-19 Vaccines (CDC)

Before considering vaccine information on the Internet, check that the information comes from a credible source and is updated on a regular basis.

U.S. COVID Risk & Vaccine Tracker (CovidActNow)

Vaccine progress, community risk levels, and trends updated daily.

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Joint Statement from HHS Public Health and Medical Experts on COVID-19 Booster Shots

On August 18, 2021, public health and medical experts from HHS released a statement on the Administration’s plan for COVID-19 booster shots.

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Quarantine & Isolation

Quarantine is a strategy used to prevent transmission of COVID-19 by keeping people who have been in with someone with COVID-19 apart from others.

 

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/php/contact-tracing/contact-tracing-plan/appendix.html#contact

Spanish-Language Resources

¿NO TIENE SEGURO DE SALUD? ¿NECESITA SERVICIOS RELACIONADOS CON EL COVID-19?

Pruebas, tratamiento y vacunas gratis relacionados con el COVID-19.

Vacunar a su familia

Información en español sobre vacunas contra el COVID-19.

Recursos para comunidades indocumentadas

Recursos a nivel estatal y nacional para personas indocumentadas.

Respuesta del Gobierno ante el coronavirus (COVID-19)

Conozca qué tipo de asistencia y beneficios ofrece el Gobierno de Estados Unidos a los afectados por la pandemia COVID-19.

Tratamientos con anticuerpos monoclonales

Los anticuerpos monoclonales, cómo evitar que los síntomas entre leves y moderados empeoren y qué puede espera si recibe este tratamiento.

Temas de salud: COVID-19 (NIH)

Información y recursos sobre pruebas, tratamientos, vacunas y estudios clínicos para saber cómo ayudar a poner un fin a la pandemia y protegerse a sí mismo y a su familia.

Covid-19: Dr. Enrique Caballero de Brigham and Women’s Hospital

El médico-científico Enrique Caballero de Brigham and Women’s Hospital cuenta que vacunarse contra covid-19 le permitió reencontrarse con su hermana después de meses sin verla

Chatbot to Combat COVID-19 Misinformation

Obtenga información en español e inglés sobre las vacunas contra el COVID-19 enviando un mensaje con la palabra “hola” al 833-422-1090

American Heart Association

Campaña Hispana de vacunación COVID-19

American Heart Association

COVID-19 Vaccine Myth Animated Videos in Spanish

American Heart Association

Spanish PSA Videos

Resources for parents and families

How to Protect Yourself and Your Loved Ones from COVID-19

Do’s

  • Get vaccinated! Everyone ages 6 months and older should get a 2024–2025 COVID-19 vaccine
  • Social distance – stay 6 feet away from other people
  • Wear a mask that covers your mouth and nose
  • Avoid large crowds and poorly ventilated spaces
  • Wash your hands often
  • Clean and disinfect high-touch surfaces
  • Monitor your health daily
  • Update your vaccination to the latest version from your choice brand

Don’ts

  • Don’t spend time in crowds in places like in restaurants, bars, fitness centers, or movie theaters
  • Don’t touch your face (eyes, mouth, and nose) with unwashed hands
  • Don’t leave your house if you are feeling unwell
  • Don’t wear a dirty mask2

COVID-19 Vaccinations

The COVID-19 shots are a proven way to help us get back to normal. There are various types of shots available. Please read below to learn about making the next step to get vaccinated!

Where to get the Vaccine

Visit vaccine.gov for updates on vaccine distribution. Vaccines are being offered at many local health centers and private pharmacies.
  • CVS
  • Walgreens
  • Rite Aid
  • Walmart Pharmacies
  • Costco
  • Publix

The full list of participating pharmacies is available on the CDC’s website.

What are the benefits of getting the COVID-19 vaccine?

  • COVID-19 vaccines can protect you from getting the COVID-19 virus
  • COVID-19 vaccines help prevent serious illness even if you do contract COVID-19
  • Getting vaccinated protects people around you, particularly people at increased risk for severe illness
  • Fully vaccinated people with breakthrough infections from the Delta variant appear to be infectious for a shorter period
  • Once you are fully vaccinated, you can resume many activities that you did before the pandemic
  • COVID-19 vaccinations provide strong boosts in protection  if you have recovered from COVID-195

Myths and Facts about COVID-19

There is so much information going around about COVID-19, and this makes it hard for you to know what is true and what is a myth. When we get our information from sources that are not reliable, this can lead us to be more afraid and to make choices that are not in the best interest of our own health. Let’s take a look at some of the common myths that have been going around about COVID-19 and see what the facts are!

Myths

Facts

COVID-19 Community Tracker

Covid Act Now has real-time COVID data and risk level for your community. See how your community is doing at covidactnow.org.

COVID-19 Virus Variants

Shots that use Viral Vectors (FAQ)

What to do if you or someone you have been in contact with has tested positive for COVID-19

Possible Side Effects for All Shots

Side effects are a result of your body’s immune response in an attempt to create antibodies. Side effects are NOT due to infection of COVID-19. After the second shot, symptoms may be worse. Call your doctor if redness or tenderness of injection site after worsens after 24 hours, or if side effects are concerning and are not going away after a few days.

 

Side effects in the arm:

  • Pain
  • Redness
  • Swelling

Side effects throughout the body:

  • Tiredness
  • Headache
  • Muscle pain
  • Chills
  • Fever
  • Nausea

After vaccination, you should apply a wet, cool compress to the injection site, move/use your arm often, drink fluids, and monitor how you are feeling.13

I Want to Know Why the J&J Vaccine Was Paused, Is It Safe?

The CDC and U.S. FDA recommend the emergency use of the Johnson & Johnson (J&J) shot. The vaccine has resumed use in the U.S. after a temporary pause.14

Getting Tested for COVID-19

Getting tested for COVID-19 is easy and free. Please read below for information on who should get tested and why.

Who should get tested

The following people should get tested for COVID-19:

  • People who have symptoms of COVID-19.
  • People who have had a known exposure to someone with suspected or confirmed COVID-19.
  • People who are fully vaccinated should get tested 3-5 days after exposure, and wear a mask in public indoor settings for 14 days or until they receive a negative test result.
  • People who are not fully vaccinated should quarantine and be tested immediately after being identified, and, if negative, tested again in 5–7 days after last exposure or immediately if symptoms develop during quarantine.
  • People not fully vaccinated with COVID-19 vaccine who are prioritized for expanded community screening for COVID-19.
  • People not fully vaccinated with COVID-19 vaccine who have been asked or referred to get testing by their school, workplace, healthcare provider, state, tribal, local or territorial health department.15