Skip to Main Content

Member Coronavirus Information

COVID-19 Resources

View information on COVID-19 specific services and relief programs, including resources in your area.

Get COVID-19 Assistance

What you need to know about COVID-19

Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a virus that causes respiratory illness. It can spread quickly from person to person. People of all ages can get it. Most have mild symptoms. But older adults and people with certain medical conditions like asthma, diabetes or heart disease may become very sick if they get COVID.

The best thing you can do to keep yourself and your loved ones safe is to stay up to date on your COVID-19 vaccine. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about if you are due for a new COVID vaccine.

What Are The Symptoms? 

People who get COVID-19 may have mild or severe symptoms. They usually include:

  • Fever or chills.
  • Cough.
  • Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing.
  • Feeling tired.
  • Muscle or body aches.
  • Headache.
  • Loss of taste or smell.
  • Sore throat.
  • Congestion or runny nose.
  • Nausea or vomiting.
  • Diarrhea.

Symptoms usually start 2-14 days after you were close to someone else with the virus. COVID-19 can also spread BEFORE a person starts showing symptoms.

What Else Causes Similar Symptoms? 

COVID-19 symptoms can be very similar to symptoms of other illnesses like the flu, RSV and other respiratory infections.

Just like with COVID vaccine, getting your flu vaccine can lower your risk of getting very sick from the flu. That’s why everyone ages 6 months and older should get a flu vaccine each year.

RSV is a respiratory illness with similar symptoms to COVID-19. It can be dangerous for young babies, older adults and people with certain medical conditions. There are new vaccines and preventative tools available to lower the risk of becoming very sick from RSV. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about if one of these might be right for you.

I May Have COVID-19 Symptoms. What Do I Do? 

If you have COVID-19 symptoms, you should get tested. There are tests that you can do at home, or you can take a test at a pharmacy, doctor’s office or health department. You can get home tests online or in pharmacies and many retail stores.

If you have COVID-19, you should take steps to prevent passing it to others. The CDC recommends staying away from others even if you have symptoms but have not gotten your test results yet. If you test positive, you should stay at home away from others for at least 5 days. Use this calculator to help you decide when it’s safe to be around others.

If you have COVID-19, you should talk to your doctor right away about if COVID-19 treatment medication might be right for you. These medications can help reduce the severity of symptoms and lower your risk of needing to go the hospital because of COVID.

I was exposed to someone with COVID-19. What should I do?

If you’re not feeling sick, but you were exposed to COVID-19, you should still take steps to prevent spreading it to others. The CDC recommends wearing a mask around others as soon as you find out you were exposed. They also recommend taking a test at least 5 days after you were exposed. If your test is negative, continue wearing a mask and looking for symptoms until 10 days after exposure. Visit the CDC website for the most up-to-date recommendations on COVID-19 precautions.

When should I get medical help for COVID-19?

Some people may get very sick from COVID-19. Call your doctor or go to the emergency room (ER) if you have any of these warning signs:

  • Trouble breathing.
  • Chest pain or pressure.
  • New feelings of confusion.
  • Not able to wake up or stay awake.
  • Pale, gray or blue skin, lips or fingernails.

This isn’t a full list. If you are very worried about how you or a loved one are feeling, call your doctor or 911 right away.

How can I protect myself and my community?

All of us can help protect our families and our community from COVID-19. Follow these tips to help slow the spread:

  • Stay up to date on your COVID-19 vaccine. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about if the new COVID vaccine is right for you.
  • Wash your hands often. Use soap and water. Wash for at least 20 seconds. Avoid shaking hands.
  • If you can’t wash your hands, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60 percent alcohol.
  • Wear a face mask. A “KN-95” mask offers some of the best protection, but any mask that covers your nose and mouth comfortably can still reduce risk. Wear a mask if you’re not feeling well or if you have to be around others who are sick. If you were recently exposed to COVID-19, you can help prevent the spread of COVID by wearing a mask when you are around others inside your home or public spaces.
  • Try to limit gatherings with lots of people in small spaces, particularly when there are lots of people sick with COVID in your community.
  • Bring as much fresh air into your home as you can. Open doors or windows and use fans to help reduce spreading COVID indoors. , Check out these tips from the CDC to learn more about how to improve ventilation in your home.
  • Cough or sneeze into your elbow to cover your mouth. If you cough or sneeze into your hands, be sure to wash with soap and water before touching anything.
  • Throw out any used tissues right away.
  • Stay home when you are sick.
  • Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
  • Take a COVID-19 test if you feel unwell. Call your doctor right away if you test positive. Early treatment can help reduce your symptoms and your risk of getting severely ill.
  • Get a flu vaccine annually.

How can I better cope with COVID-19 outbreaks?

It is natural to feel worried about the virus and the health of our friends and families. Here are a few things you can do:

  • Take care of your body. Eat healthy and exercise when you can. Try deep breathing or meditation. Focus on the things you can control.
  • Connect with others. Share your feelings with a friend or family member. If you’re feeling more worried than usual, talk to a therapist or mental health provider.
  • Share facts about COVID-19 and the actual risk to others. Trust the science. Get your news and information from trustworthy sources.

For more information, click HERE to see the CDC’s suggestions for mental health and coping during COVID-19.

What about Long COVID?

Long COVID refers to a variety of symptoms and health problems. These can last weeks, months or years after having COVID-19. We are still learning more about Long COVID, but we know that staying up to date on your COVID-19 vaccine reduces your risk of developing it. If you think you might be experiencing Long COVID, schedule an appointment with your doctor to discuss your symptoms.

What does my plan cover when it comes to COVID-19?

Your plan covers COVID-19 testing and treatment. This means we pay for any tests, medical visits or medications. Testing and treatment must be ordered by an in-network healthcare provider. For questions about what your plan covers, call the phone number on the back of your member ID card.

Do I need to get approval for COVID-19 testing or treatment?

No, you do not need to get approval. This is sometimes called “prior authorization.” If you’re getting tested or treated by an in-network healthcare provider, you do not need to ask us for approval first. For questions about prior authorization, call the phone number on the back of your member ID card.

Where can I get COVID-19 testing or treatment under my health plan?

You should get testing and treatment for COVID-19 from an in-network healthcare provider. This means a medical provider who is in your health plan. To find an in-network provider, call the phone number on the back of your member ID card. You can also visit your health plan website and click on “Find a Provider.”

If you’re not sure if you have COVID, you can schedule a telehealth visit with your provider. This is a good option for non-urgent care. The best part is that you won’t even have to leave home! 

Will I have to pay for any of my COVID-19 testing or treatment?

No. Your plan covers COVID-19 testing and treatment. This means we will pay for any tests, medical visits or medications. Testing and treatment must be ordered by an in-network healthcare provider. For questions about what your plan covers, call the phone number on the back of your member ID card.

The COVID-19 vaccine

Is there a vaccine (shot) for COVID-19?

Yes. Millions of Americans have already received their COVID-19 vaccine. Staying up to date on your vaccine is the best thing you can do to keep yourself and your loved ones safe. There are new shots available to fight against the most current strains of COVID-19. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about if you are due for your next vaccine.

Are the vaccines safe?

Yes! COVID-19 vaccines have been fully approved by the FDA. This means that they have been thoroughly tested for safety. The vaccines are also very good at preventing the virus. They can help you from getting very sick. Side effects from the vaccine are usually mild. Serious side effects are rare.

What are the side effects from the vaccine?

Side effects are usually mild and go away in a few days. You may get a fever or feel run down. This is normal as your body gets ready to fight off COVID-19. The place where you got the shot may also be sore.

You cannot get COVID-19 from the vaccine. The vaccines do not use a live virus.

Can my child get the vaccine?

Yes! The FDA has approved COVID-19 vaccines for children ages 6 months and older. Most children can get the COVID-19 vaccine without any serious problems. Talk to your child’s doctor about what might be best for them.

Where can I or my child get a COVID-19 vaccine?

Call your doctor or local pharmacy. You can also visit vaccinefinder.org  to find a vaccine near you. Most doctors will ask you to make an appointment to get your vaccine.

Do I really have to get a COVID-19 shot?

Many jobs and government agencies have rules about getting a COVID-19 vaccine. Most people are able to get the COVID-19 vaccine without any serious problems. That’s why we strongly recommend the vaccine. It is the best way to protect yourself, your loved ones and the community.

I already had COVID-19. Should I still get the vaccine?

Yes. Even if you already had COVID-19, you should still get the vaccine. You can get COVID more than once. The vaccine can help you from getting the virus again. It can also help you from getting very sick.

I’m pregnant. Should I get the vaccine?

Yes! It is safe to get the COVID-19 vaccine if you are pregnant, breastfeeding or planning to get pregnant. People who get COVID during pregnancy are more likely to get very sick. Getting your vaccine while pregnant gives your baby an extra level of protection when they are born. That’s why getting a vaccine is the best thing you can do for yourself and your child. Most pregnant individuals can get the COVID-19 shot without any serious problems. Talk to your doctor about what’s best for you.

Can I stop wearing a mask once I get the vaccine?

You are considered “up to date” on your shots two weeks past your final dose. You should still wear a mask if you’re not feeling well or if you have to be around others who are sick or at high risk they get sick. You should also wear a mask when you’re in crowded indoor spaces or if you’re travelling. A “KN-95” mask offers some of the best protection, but any mask that covers your mouth and nose and fits comfortably reduces your risk.

Some people should wear a mask all the time even after they get the COVID-19 vaccine. This depends on your age and medical conditions. Talk to your doctor about what’s best for you.

What do we know about “breakthrough cases?”

A “breakthrough case” is when you get COVID-19 even after getting the vaccine. This happens to some people because of how the COVID-19 virus keeps changing. Experts continue to study how common these cases are.

Even though breakthrough cases can happen, COVID-19 vaccines should help you from getting very sick. Your symptoms might be less severe. Fully vaccinated people are less likely to be hospitalized or die from COVID even if they have a breakthrough case.

Can I get a ride to my vaccine appointment?

PeachCare for Kids®

  • PeachCare for Kids® provides transportation for members in all of the six regions. 
  • Call Verida at 1-800-657-9965 at least 3 days before your appointment to schedule transportation.
  • Urgent same day or next day transportation is available for sick visits to primary care providers (PCPs) or urgent care centers, or if discharged from the hospital.

Medicaid Members

  • Georgia Medicaid will provide members with a ride to and from their healthcare appointments.
  • Call the company that serves your area. Call at least 3 days before your appointment if you can.

Here are the numbers to call:

If you have an emergency call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room right away. If you are not sure if you need to go to the emergency room, call your Primary Care Physician (PCP).

If you can not reach your PCP you can always call the Nurse Advice Line. The Nurse Advice Line is Peach State Health Plan's 24 hour health information line that can be reached at 1-800-704-1484.

For more information: