At Forward, we’ve been monitoring the coronavirus vaccine developments in the U.S. and are very excited about this hopeful news. Two FDA-approved vaccines from Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna (with 95-percent and 94-percent effectiveness at preventing COVID-19 cases, respectively) have begun to be administered across the country, representing our first real counteroffensive in the fight to beat the novel coronavirus.
Naturally, for Forward members, questions as to when, where and how these vaccines will become available at Forward locations have begun to spring up. There are also questions as to the vaccines’ efficacy and safety. To that end, we have put together this FAQ — and promise to update it as more information becomes available — in order to answer any and all questions and concerns you might have, and to house all of the latest information on Forward’s vaccine distribution progress in the states and counties in which we operate.
COVID Vaccine Frequently Asked Questions
Are the COVID-19 vaccines safe?
Yes, the vaccines appear to be very safe for the vast majority of people. Still, there are some subsets of the population (like those with a history of allergic reactions to vaccines or anaphylaxis, for example) who should consult their doctor before receiving the vaccine. The CDC has compiled a list of the kinds of conditions that warrant additional precautions, and has additional resources on COVID-19 vaccine safety if you would like to learn more. If you’re at all concerned about the vaccine, your doctor is available to talk through the considerations with you.
Will Forward be distributing COVID-19 vaccines to its members, and if so, when?
The short answer is “yes.” That said, various government agencies at the state and/or county-level are determining how and when COVID-19 vaccines will be distributed in a phased approach (for more info on how your location is affected, see below). Forward is prepared to receive and distribute the vaccine when we are allocated supply, and we will let our members know as soon as we have definitive timelines.
Is there a waitlist that I need to get on now in order to get the vaccine later?
No. Until such time we are allotted doses of a COVID-19 vaccine for distribution to our membership, there is no waitlist to get on. That said, once we understand our vaccine allocation, we will reach out with next steps.
Which vaccine will Forward receive?
We do not know yet what vaccine we will receive, but we have the infrastructure to receive and administer any vaccine that we are provided.
If I have a pre-existing condition will I be approved to get the vaccine sooner at Forward?
Forward will follow all of the protocols aligned on at the local and state level. Learn more here about the phased approach recommended by the CDC, and click here if you’d like to learn more about which phase your location is currently in.
Will I have to pay to get the vaccine?
We anticipate that the cost of the vaccine will be covered by the federal government, regardless of insurance status.
Forward’s COVID-19 Care Program is open to all members and includes vaccinations, testing, COVID-19 treatment, and up-to-date guidance that can help you and your family stay safe during local outbreaks and as variants of the coronavirus emerge. In-app assessments help you monitor symptoms, and you can access your Care Team for assistance 24/7.