Updated COVID-19 Vaccines
The CDC has approved updated vaccines, which can reduce your risk of infection against COVID-19 and variants. Learn more about CDC guidance.


What To Know About the COVID-19 Vaccine:
- All U.S. residents age 6 months or older are now eligible for the updated Pfizer and Moderna vaccines, designed to offer added protection against the XBB.1.5 Omicron variant.
- Find a COVID-19 vaccine or booster near you at vaccines.gov.
- BlueCross will cover FDA-approved or emergency-authorized COVID-19 vaccines. Your plan will cover the vaccine at 100% if you get it from an in-network provider. If you get a vaccine from an out-of-network provider, then your out-of-network benefits will apply.
- The FDA and CDC consider COVID-19 vaccines safe and effective.
- According to the CDC, you still need the vaccine even if you’ve had COVID-19 or have already gotten another COVID-19 vaccine or booster.
- You won't get COVID-19 from a vaccine.
Additional Doses and Boosters:
- Boosters and additional vaccine doses aren’t the same and their recommendations vary. Boosters increase immunity after the protection from the initial series has begun to wane. Additional vaccines are given as part of the initial series for people who are immunocompromised and need additional doses to mount a protective immune response. Be sure to talk to your health care provider to determine what’s right for you.
- As of April 2023, the FDA recommends the bivalent dose as the primary COVID-19 vaccination. Unvaccinated adults can receive a single dose of that vaccine, rather than multiple doses. Unvaccinated children will still receive multiple shots.
- Those who are immunocompromised and adults ages 65-plus are authorized for a second bivalent booster dose at least four months after their initial bivalent booster. See the chart below for more information.
- Adults age 18 or older who received the Pfizer, Moderna, or Johnson & Johnson vaccines as their primary vaccine series can choose to receive the Novavax vaccine as their booster, according to the CDC. The Novavax vaccine can be used as a booster at least 6 months after the primary series.
COVID-19 Treatment:
- The FDA has authorized Pfizer’s antiviral COVID-19 treatment pill as early stage treatment for those 12 years or older with mild to moderate illness who are at high risk for progression to severe disease. Learn more here.
COVID-19 Vaccine FAQs.
We’ve compiled answers to your most-asked questions about COVID-19 vaccines.
COVID-19 Vaccine FAQs.
We’ve compiled answers to your most-asked questions about COVID-19 vaccines.
Current Vaccine Phases in Tennessee

PHASE 1
1 A1
- Inpatient and other high-exposure health care workers
- Residents and staff of long-term care facilities
- First responders
- Adults who cannot live independently
1 A2
- Outpatient health care workers with direct patient exposure, including mortuary services
1 B
- K-12 and child care staff
- First responder operations personnel
1 C
- Those with high-risk health conditions including pregnancy
- Caregivers of children with high-risk health conditions
- Permanent household members age 16 and older living with pregnant women

PHASE 2
2 A
Critical infrastructure, including:
- Social services
- Commercial agriculture
- Commercial food production
- Corrections staff
- Public transit
2 B
Critical infrastructure, including:
- Transportation
- Public infrastructure
- Telecommunications
- Utilities/energy


PHASE 3
- Congregate living facilities, including corrections
- Grocery workers
- Everyone else who did not fall under a previous phase

AGE-BASED
In addition to the prioritized phases, Tennesseans are eligible for vaccines based on age. This timeline is tentative and is subject to change:
- December 2020: Ages 75+
- January/February 2021: Ages 70+
- February 2021: 65+
- March 2021: Ages 55+
- April 5, 2021: Ages 16+
Vaccine Phases in Tennessee

PHASE 1
1 A1
- Inpatient and other high-exposure health care workers
- Residents and staff of long-term care facilities
- First responders
- Adults who cannot live independently
1 A2
- Outpatient health care workers with direct patient exposure, including mortuary services
1 B
- K-12 and child care staff
- First responder operations personnel
1 C
- Those with high-risk health conditions including pregnancy
- Caregivers of children with high-risk health conditions
- Permanent household members age 16 and older living with pregnant women

PHASE 2
2 A
Critical infrastructure, including:
- Social services
- Commercial agriculture
- Commercial food production
- Corrections staff
- Public transit
2 B
Critical infrastructure, including:
- Transportation
- Public infrastructure
- Telecommunications
- Utilities/energy


PHASE 3
- Congregate living facilities, including corrections
- Grocery workers
- Everyone else who did not fall under a previous phase

AGE-BASED
In addition to the prioritized phases, Tennesseans are eligible for vaccines based on age. This timeline is tentative and is subject to change:
- December 2020: Ages 75+
- January/February 2021: Ages 70+
- February 2021: 65+
- March 2021: Ages 55+
- April 5, 2021: Ages 16+
COVID-19 Vaccines
This chart, compiled from CDC and vaccine manufacturer data, helps explain the differences among the vaccines. It’s important to get vaccinated as soon as possible.
As of April 2023, the FDA recommends a Pfizer or Moderna bivalent dose as the primary COVID-19 vaccination. Unvaccinated adults can receive a single dose of that vaccine. Unvaccinated children will still receive multiple shots.
If you are immunocompromised or ages 65-plus, you may qualify for an additional vaccine dose. Read more here.
Moderna
Pfizer
Johnson & Johnson JansSen
Novavax
- Under distribution
- Under distribution
- Under distribution
- Under distribution
- One shot for adults
- Two shots for children 6 months through 5 years old
- Additional dose eligible for those immunocompromised and ages 65-plus
- One shot for adults
- Three shots for children 6 months through 5 years old
- Additional dose eligible for those immunocompromised and ages 65-plus
- 1+ shot
- 2 shots
- Doses are 21 days apart
- May be used as an initial booster dose for adults, 6 months after their primary series.
- 94.1% effective against positive COVID-19 test results or symptomatic infection
- 95% effective against positive COVID-19 test results or symptomatic infection
- 72% effective against COVID-19-related moderate to severe illness and 85% against severe cases
- 90% effective against preventing illness from COVID-19-related moderate to severe illness
- FDA-approved for people age 18 and older. FDA emergency use authorization for those 6 months to 17 years old.
- FDA-approved for people age 16 and older. FDA emergency use authorization for those 6 months to 15 years old.
- FDA emergency use authorization for people age 18 or older who are unable to receive Moderna or Pfizer, or upon specific request.
- Additional dose eligible for:
- All adults ages 18+
- FDA-emergency use authorization for people age 12 or older.
- Doses are 28 days apart
- Booster 2 months after second dose
- People age 6 months+ are eligible for the bivalent booster after completing their initial vaccination series.
- Doses are 21 days apart
- Booster 2 months after second dose
- The bivalent booster is available for people age 5+ after completing their initial vaccination series, or children 6 months+ after the three-dose primary series.
- 1 dose
- Booster 2 months after original dose
- Doses are 21 days apart
- May be used as an initial booster dose for adults, 6 months after their primary series.
- Side effects may include fatigue, muscle pain, sore arm and rarely severe allergic reaction
- Side effects may include fatigue, muscle pain, sore arm and rarely severe allergic reaction
- Side effects may include fatigue, muscle pain and a sore arm
- Side effects may include injection site pain, fatigue, headache and muscle pain.
- FDA-approved for people age 18 and older. FDA emergency use authorization for those 6 months to 17 years old.
- FDA-approved for people age 16 and older. FDA emergency use authorization for those 6 months to 15 years old.
- FDA emergency use authorization for people age 18 or older who are unable to receive Moderna or Pfizer, or upon specific request.
Moderna
- Under distribution
- One shot for adults
- Two shots for children 6 months through 5 years old
- Additional dose eligible for those immunocompromised and ages 65-plus
- FDA-approved for people age 18 and older. FDA emergency use authorization for those 6 months to 17 years old.
- Side effects may include fatigue, muscle pain, sore arm and rarely severe allergic reaction
Pfizer
- Under distribution
- One shot for adults
- Three shots for children 6 months through 5 years old
- Additional dose eligible for those immunocompromised and ages 65-plus
- FDA-approved for people age 16 and older. FDA emergency use authorization for those 6 months to 15 years old.
- Side effects may include fatigue, muscle pain, sore arm and rarely severe allergic reaction
Johnson & Johnson JansSen
- Under distribution
- 1+ shot
- FDA emergency use authorization for people age 18 or older who are unable to receive Moderna or Pfizer, or upon specific request.
- Additional dose eligible for:
- All adults ages 18+
- 1 dose
- Booster 2 months after original dose
- Side effects may include fatigue, muscle pain and a sore arm
Novavax
- Under distribution
- 2 shots
- Doses are 21 days apart
- May be used as an initial booster dose for adults, 6 months after their primary series
- FDA emergency use authorization for people age 12 or older.
- Side effects may include injection site pain, fatigue, headache and muscle pain.

Guidelines after vaccination
The CDC released recommendations for safely gathering once vaccinated against COVID-19.

Guidelines after vaccination
The CDC released recommendations for safely gathering once vaccinated against COVID-19.
COVID-19 Vaccine FAQ ¿Habla Español?
Are you a BlueCare Tennessee provider? Click here for information about COVID-19 vaccines.
All other providers can find more information about COVID-19 vaccines here.
We’ve compiled answers to your most-asked questions about COVID-19 vaccines. This is a developing situation, so check back for updated information.
You won’t have any out-of-pocket costs for a vaccine. The federal government is paying for the vaccine itself, and we’re covering the costs to administer the vaccine for our members. Some providers may charge for an office visit to give the vaccine, which would use your usual office visit benefits. But the vaccine itself won’t cost you anything. We’re also covering the administration cost for a COVID-19 booster for commercial Blue Network S, P and L members and Medicare Advantage, BlueCare Tennessee and BlueCare Plus members who are eligible for a booster. This includes people who are 65-plus, or adults ages 18–64 who are moderately to severely immunocompromised or whose employment puts them at high risk of COVID-19 due to repeated exposure.
If you are a BlueCross member and you are charged for your vaccine visit, please call the Member Service telephone number on the back of your Member ID card for help.
Yes, you should get vaccinated even if you already had COVID-19. Health experts are still studying how long you’ll be protected from getting sick again after recovering from COVID-19.
If you were treated for COVID-19 with antibodies or plasma, you should wait 90 days before getting a COVID-19 vaccine. Talk to your doctor if you have any questions about getting a COVID-19 vaccine.
Both the CDC and FDA have advised that any of the three authorized vaccines could be used as a booster in a “mix and match” approach for those who need additional protection.
Right now, the booster recommendations apply to all adults age 18 or older. Pfizer’s booster is authorized for those age 16 or older. If you are at least 16 years old and it’s been long enough since you received your first shot, you can get a booster.
- Pfizer and Moderna: At least five months after the second dose in the initial series
- Johnson & Johnson/Janssen: Two or more months after the initial vaccination
Those who are moderately to severely immunocompromised may be eligible to receive a third dose of either the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine.
If you’re immunocompromised and wish to receive a third dose of either Pfizer or Moderna, please talk to your doctor to discuss whether you meet the CDC recommendations, and keep the following in mind:
- It must be at least 28 days since your previous shot.
- A third dose of the same mRNA brand initially received is recommended; but if the mRNA brand initially received is unavailable, either mRNA brand can be taken for an additional dose.
- No one should receive more than three mRNA vaccine doses.
Some people have had side effects from the vaccines. These are normal signs that your body is building protection. Common side effects are pain, redness and swelling in the arm where you received the shot, as well as tiredness, headache, muscle pain, chills, fever and nausea. These side effects could affect your ability to do daily activities, but they should go away in a few days. Learn more about what to expect after getting a COVID-19 vaccine.
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists published on Dec. 13, 2020, that pregnant and nursing women should be offered a vaccine.
If you’re pregnant, talk with your provider to determine whether it’s right for you. As clinical trials expand, health experts will be able to offer more direction.
Each manufacturer’s vaccine requires slightly different vaccination schedules. The provider who gives you your shot will let you know when you’re due for the second dose. The CDC has created a vaccine card so you can write down when you got it and when you need it again. It’s important to follow the schedule for maximum protection.
Health experts recommend those eligible get the Pfizer and Moderna booster shot starting six months following their second dose. Adults age 18 and older who got the Johnson & Johnson vaccine can get a booster at least two months following the initial dose. The FDA has also issued emergency authorization for a “mix and match” approach to boosters, which means that eligible adults who are fully vaccinated may be able to get a booster of a different vaccine. You can find more information here.
Most vaccines take several weeks to build an immune response in your body, and the COVID-19 vaccines are no different.
Until you’re fully vaccinated, you should still practice social distancing, mask wearing and frequent handwashing. Once you’re fully vaccinated, you can resume some activities; but the CDC still recommends wearing a mask in many situations. Read more here.
Just remember, some businesses, workplaces and travel still require mask wearing regardless of vaccine status.
A person is considered fully vaccinated two weeks after getting a second shot of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine, or two weeks after getting the single-dose Johnson & Johnson vaccine.
Health experts recommend those eligible get the Pfizer and Moderna booster shots starting six months following their second dose. This includes all adults age 18 and older for Moderna and age 16 and older for Pfizer. Adults age 18 and older who got the Johnson & Johnson vaccine can get a booster at least two months following the initial dose. The FDA has also issued emergency authorization for a “mix and match” approach to boosters, which means that eligible adults who are fully vaccinated may be able to get a booster of a different vaccine. You can find more information here.
Preguntas frecuentes para miembros, sobre la vacuna contra el COVID-19
La vacuna no le costará nada de su bolsillo. El gobierno federal está pagando por la vacuna en sí, y nosotros estamos cubriendo los costos para administrar la vacuna para nuestros miembros. Algunos proveedores médicos pueden cobrar por la consulta para administrar la vacuna, lo que utilizaría sus beneficios habituales de consultas en el consultorio. Pero la vacuna en sí no le costará nada. Nosotros también cubriremos el costo para administrar la vacuna de refuerzo contra el COVID-19 para los miembros comerciales de la Red Blue S, P y L y los miembros de Medicare Advantage, BlueCare Tennessee y BlueCare Plus que sean elegibles para una vacuna de refuerzo. Esto incluye a las personas mayores de 65 años, o a los adultos de 18 a 64 años de edad que están de moderada a severamente inmunocomprometidos o cuyo empleo los pone en alto riesgo de contraer COVID-19 debido a la exposición continua.
Si usted es un miembro de BlueCross y se le ha cobrado por su consulta de vacunación, por favor llame al número de Servicio al Miembro que aparece en el reverso de su tarjeta de identificación de miembro para obtener ayuda.
A partir del 21 de octubre, los CDC y la FDA informaron que cualquiera de las tres vacunas autorizadas podría usarse como refuerzo de “combinación y mezcla” para quienes necesitan protección adicional.
En este momento, las recomendaciones de dosis de refuerzo se aplican a personas:
- De 65 años o más
- Mayores de 18 años que viven en entornos de atención a largo plazo
- Mayores de 18 años que tienen afecciones médicas precedentes
- Mayores de 18 años que trabajan o residen en entornos de alto riesgo
Si cumple con las pautas anteriores y ha pasado suficiente tiempo desde que recibió su primera inyección, puede obtener una dosis de refuerzo.
- Pfizer y Moderna: al menos 6 meses después de la segunda dosis de la serie inicial
- Johnson & Johnson / Janssen: 2 meses o más después de la vacunación inicial
Las personas inmunocomprometidas con afecciones moderadas a graves pueden ser elegibles para recibir una tercera dosis de las vacunas Pfizer o Moderna.
Si está inmunocomprometido y desea recibir una tercera dosis de Pfizer o Moderna, hable con su médico para analizar si cumple con las recomendaciones de los CDC y tenga en cuenta lo siguiente:
- Deben haber pasado al menos 28 días desde su vacuna anterior.
- Se recomienda una tercera dosis de la misma marca de ARNm que se recibió inicialmente, pero si la marca de ARNm que se recibió inicialmente no está disponible, se puede tomar cualquiera de las marcas de ARNm para una dosis adicional.
- Nadie debe recibir más de tres dosis de vacuna de ARNm.
El Colegio Americano de Obstetras y Ginecólogos publicó el 13 de diciembre de 2020 que se debe ofrecer la vacuna a las mujeres embarazadas y lactantes.
Si está embarazada, hable con su proveedor médico para determinar si es adecuado para usted. A medida que se amplíen los ensayos clínicos, los expertos en salud podrán ofrecer más información.
La vacuna de cada fabricante requiere programas de vacunación ligeramente diferentes. El proveedor que le administra la inyección le informará cuándo debe recibir la segunda dosis. El CDC ha creado una tarjeta de vacuna para que pueda anotar cuándo la recibió y cuándo la necesitará nuevamente. Es importante seguir el cronograma para obtener la máxima protección.
Los expertos en salud recomiendan que las personas elegibles reciban las inyecciones de refuerzo de Pfizer y Moderna a partir de los seis meses posteriores a la segunda dosis. Los adultos mayores de 18 años que recibieron la vacuna Johnson & Johnson pueden recibir un refuerzo al menos dos meses después de la dosis inicial. La FDA también ha emitido una autorización de emergencia para un enfoque de “combinación y mezcla” para los refuerzos, lo que significa que los adultos elegibles que estén completamente vacunados pueden recibir un refuerzo de una vacuna diferente. Puede encontrar más información aquí.
Se considera que una persona está completamente vacunada dos semanas después de recibir una segunda inyección de la vacuna Pfizer o Moderna, o dos semanas después de recibir la vacuna Johnson & Johnson de dosis única.
Los expertos en salud recomiendan que las personas elegibles reciban las inyecciones de refuerzo de Pfizer y Moderna a partir de los seis meses posteriores a la segunda dosis. Los adultos mayores de 18 años que recibieron la vacuna Johnson & Johnson pueden recibir un refuerzo al menos dos meses después de la dosis inicial. La FDA también ha emitido una autorización de emergencia para un enfoque de “combinación y mezcla” para los refuerzos, lo que significa que los adultos elegibles que estén completamente vacunados pueden recibir un refuerzo de una vacuna diferente. Puede encontrar más información aquí.