6 COVID-19 vaccines and at-home tests COVID-19 precautions have loosened in many places but it is still important to stay safe. You should continue to stay home if you feel sick. Take precautions — such as wearing a mask — if you have a weakened immune system or underlying medical condition. Another way to protect yourself and others is to get vaccinated and stay up-to-date on any boosters. Everyone 6 months and older can get the COVID-19 vaccine. Those 5 years and older can get the booster, as of September 1, 2022. An updated booster is available to better protect against COVID-19 and its variants. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends the updated Pfizer booster for those 12 years and older. It recommends the updated Moderna booster for those 18 years and older. Where to get COVID-19 tests All New Mexicans can access mail-order or pick up free athome COVID-19 tests through the New Mexico Department of Health. Find them and testing locations at findatestnm.org. Presbyterian Centennial Care plan members can access COVID-19 test in the following ways. ● Eligible members can receive COVID-19 at-home over-thecounter (OTC) test kits through the Optum Store. Test kits are $0 cost share using your pharmacy benefit as payment. This means you can have at-home test kits delivered right to your door. Visit the Optum Store online at https://store.optum. com/shop/category/tests-devices/covid-19-home-tests. ● Eligible members can also visit a Walgreens, Walmart, Rite-Aid, Safeway, Kinney Drugs, or Sam’s Club pharmacy to pick up an at-home COVID-19 test approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) with no copay through the pharmacy benefit. For all other network pharmacies, a member will need to pay for the test and then file a claim for reimbursement online or with the At-Home Over-the-Counter (OTC) Test Kits Reimbursement Form on www.phs.org. COVID-19 tests are free, except for testing required for employment purposes such as weekly testing due to a vaccine exemption. PHP will cover up to eight FDA-approved tests per member per month. For any questions or help with ordering your COVID-19 at-home test from the Optum Store, members can contact our Pharmacy Customer Service Center team at 505-923-5200 (choose option for pharmacy) Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. If you test positive for COVID-19, stay home and isolate from others in your home. Reach out to your provider for information on treatment and medication options that may be available. Sources: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; New Mexico Department of Health Testing is a critical part of our fight against COVID-19. If you have symptoms or feel sick, you can take an at-home test or visit a pharmacy or testing location. Don’t let the flu get to you! Each flu season, only about half of Americans get an annual flu vaccine. It’s no wonder millions of us get sick or even end up in the hospital because of the flu. The upside? Getting a flu shot is one of the most important things you can do to help yourself and others stay healthy. Who should get a flu vaccine? The vaccine is recommended for everyone 6 months and older. You should especially get a flu shot if you’re pregnant or have a chronic condition — such as heart disease, lung disease, or diabetes — unless your provider recommends otherwise. When you get a flu shot, your body develops antibodies that help fight off flu viruses. The vaccine prevents millions of illnesses and flu-related provider visits each year. If you do get sick with the flu, the vaccine can help prevent serious illnesses. Don’t like needles? Ask your provider or pharmacist about
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