COVID-19 FAQ

COVID-19 vaccines and booster doses are currently being offered at some of our locations.

We are administering the COVID-19 vaccine at nine locations:

• Wellmax Hiatus: 1500 S. Hiatus Road Pembroke Pines, 33025
• Wellmax Marlins Park: 1422 NW 7th Street Miami, 33125
• Wellmax Medical Center Cutler Ridge 11510 Quail Roost Drive Miami, FL 33157
• Wellmax Medical Center West Palm Beach-Cresthaven 2601 S. Military Trail West Palm Beach, FL 33415
• Wellmax Medical Center Miami Lakes 6504 NW 186th Street Hialeah, FL 33015

Current patients should call their medical center to make a vaccination appointment. Non-patients should call 888-902-0611 TTY:711 to schedule an appointment.

We encourage individuals to receive both vaccination shots at the same location.

We are only administering the Moderna vaccine.

All of the authorized COVID-19 vaccines reduce the risk of getting severe symptomatic COVID-19 infection and have comparable safety profiles. The best vaccine to receive is the one which is available to you.

According to the Centers for Disease Control, it typically takes a few weeks after the second dose for the body to build immunity after vaccination.

Yes, we are back to our normal operating schedule for routine appointments and follow-ups. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you need to schedule or confirm your next appointment.

For the continued care and safety of our community, vaccines and booster doses are being offered to anyone age 18+.

Current patients should call their medical center to make a COVID-19 vaccination or booster dose appointment. Non-patients should call 888-902-0611 to schedule an appointment.

Current patients should call their medical center to find out about available times for the COVID-19 vaccination or booster dose. Non-patients should call 888-902-0611.

Similar to other healthcare appointments, individuals can have caregivers, loved ones, etc. help them make a vaccination appointment. The individual helping you may be asked for information, like date of birth, to schedule the appointment.

When you receive a vaccine or booster dose, you will also receive counseling about possible side effects. Most symptoms are mild (for example: pain or swelling at injection site). If your symptoms are severe or persist beyond one to two days, you should call your primary care provider. If the issue is acute or an emergency, you should call 9-1-1.

There is no evidence that acute illness reduces vaccine efficacy or increases vaccine adverse events. However, as a precaution, all vaccines should be delayed until the illness has improved. Mild illnesses (e.g., upper respiratory infections, diarrhea) are NOT contraindications to vaccination. We will not withhold vaccination if a person is taking antibiotics. For more information about general recommendations on immunizations, check the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) website.

Allergic reactions, including severe allergic reactions, not related to vaccines or injectable therapies (e.g., food, pet, venom, environmental, or latex allergies; oral medications) are not a contraindication or precaution to vaccination with currently authorized COVID-19 vaccines.

If you have had an immediate allergic reaction—even if it was not severe—to a vaccine or injectable therapy for another disease, ask your doctor if you should get a COVID-19 vaccine. Your doctor will help you decide if it is safe for you to get vaccinated.

However, individuals who have had severe allergic reactions to something, regardless of cause, should be observed for 30 minutes after vaccination. All other persons should be observed for 15 minutes. More information about COVID-19 vaccinations and possible allergies can be found on the CDC’s website.

We encourage our patients to get the COVID-19 vaccine, just as we encourage other vaccinations. However, you do not need to get the COVID-19 vaccine to be seen at WellMax/Pasteur or use our facilities.

We will keep records of COVID-19 vaccinations to ensure people who received the first dose get the same vaccine when returning for the second dose. We will also follow any local, state, and federal guidelines when it comes to reporting vaccination records.

Yes, you will receive documentation that you received the COVID-19 vaccination.

Florida is taking a phased approach to the administration of vaccines to residents. We are in contact with public health officials regarding COVID-19 vaccine distribution, including how certain populations, like individuals with underlying conditions, should be prioritized.

Yes, you should get the COVID-19 vaccine to bolster the immune response. The Centers for Disease Control has a COVID-19 website to help answer consumers’ questions about the vaccine.

The Centers for Disease Control has a COVID-19 website to help answer consumers’ questions about the vaccine.

Booster shots are recommended for everyone ages 18+.

If you received the Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna vaccine, you should get any of the FDA authorized booster doses at least 6 months after completing your primary COVID-19 vaccination series.

If you received the Johnson & Johnson vaccine, you should get any of the FDA authorized booster doses at least 2 months after completing your primary COVID-19 vaccination series.

No. The vaccine does not contain the virus that causes COVID-19. A large clinical trial that showed that two doses of the COVID-19 vaccine significantly reduced the risk of getting severe symptomatic COVID-19 infection compared to placebo.

The Centers for Disease Control has a COVID-19 website to help answer consumers’ questions about the vaccine.

We are administering COVID-19 vaccines to both patients and non-patients but prioritize doses for patients.

Yes. We provide patients transportation to the clinic for vaccinations, as we do with other health-related appointments.

Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine

On Dec. 11, 2020, the FDA granted an Emergency Use Authorization for the COVID-19 vaccine produced by Pfizer/BioNTech for prevention of COVID-19 infection in people 16 years or older. The decision was based on a large clinical trial that showed that two doses of this vaccine significantly reduced the risk of getting mild to severe symptomatic COVID-19 infection compared to placebo. The vaccine works well in both older and younger adults but is still being studied in children and adolescents under age 16 years.

The vaccine needs to be shipped and stored in ultra-cold conditions. Because supplies will be limited, federal and state governments have identified phases, which include healthcare workers and nursing home residents. As additional supply becomes available, vaccination will become available to others such as those at risk of severe disease and front-line essential workers.

Moderna COVID-19 vaccine

On Dec. 18, 2020, the FDA granted an Emergency Use Authorization for the COVID-19 vaccine produced by Moderna for prevention of COVID-19 infection in people 18 and older. The decision was based on a large clinical trial that showed two doses of this vaccine significantly reduced the risk of getting mild to severe symptomatic COVID-19 infection compared to placebo. The vaccine works well in both older and younger adults but is still being studied in those under age 18.

The vaccine needs to be shipped and stored in cold conditions. Because supplies will be limited, federal and state governments have identified phases, which include healthcare workers and nursing home residents. As additional supply becomes available, vaccination will become available to others such as those at risk of severe disease and front-line, essential workers.

Janssen/Johnson and Johnson COVID-19 vaccine

On Feb. 26, 2021, the FDA granted an Emergency Use Authorization for the COVID-19 vaccine produced by Janssen/Johnson & Johnson for prevention of COVID-19 infection in people 18 years or older.

The decision was based on a large clinical trial that showed a single dose of this vaccine significantly reduced the risk of getting moderate to severe symptomatic COVID-19 infection compared to placebo. The vaccine works well in both older and younger adults but is still being studied in those under age 18.

The vaccine can be stored at refrigerated temperatures for up to three months and frozen for up to two years.

There are other vaccines being studied and additional approvals are expected in 2021.

The vaccine is given in two separate injections approximately 21 days apart. The most common side effects are injection site pain, fever, fatigue, headaches, chills, and muscle or joint pain. These side effects may be more pronounced after the second dose and can be treated with medication to reduce the fever or pain if needed.

The vaccine is given in two separate injections approximately 28 days apart. The most common side effects are injection site pain and swelling, fatigue, headache, muscle and joint pain, fever, chills and nausea and vomiting. These side effects may be more pronounced after the second dose and can be treated with medication to reduce the fever or pain if needed.

The vaccine is given as a single injection. The most common side effects are injection site pain, headaches, fatigue, and muscle pain.

No. The CDC explains how mRNA vaccines work and what they do and don’t do here. Both Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna vaccines are messenger RNA, also known as, mRNA, vaccines.

No. The Janssen/Johnson & Johnson, Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna COVID-19 vaccines do not contain the virus and can’t give anyone COVID-19. The CDC has more information here.

The CDC has provided guidance regarding many aspects of vaccination for COVID-19.

• It is important to get the same vaccine for both doses whenever possible
• Go back to the same place the first dose was administered to get the second dose. This helps make sure that both doses of the same vaccine are delivered.

Make an appointment, when possible, for the second dose when receiving the first dose.

The CDC has developed guidance for fully vaccinated people that will continue to be updated. Please go here for the latest information.

The CDC has recommendations about how COVID-19 vaccines should be phased in for all populations, but each state will have the ability to make some decisions about the distribution of vaccines based on their own circumstances. State health departments have their own information. Here’s a link that leads to the states’ plans and to the National Academy for State Health Policy.

The CDC is working closely with state, tribal, local, and territorial health departments to make sure vaccines are available to communities once large supplies are available. Several vaccines are in development and it is likely more than one will be approved, however they may get approved at different times. Widespread availability will also depend upon manufacturing capacity.

Several sites are currently tracking, including Anthem.

Patients can go to this page on the CDC website and scroll down to the section entitled, “What you can do right now” to find COVID-19 vaccines near them.

Below is a list of retail pharmacies that have partnered with HHS on Nov. 6 to provide access to vaccines when they become available. The list includes pharmacies across the nation, with approximately 60 percent of all US pharmacies to date.

• Albertsons Companies, Inc. (Osco, Jewel-Osco, Albertsons, Albertsons Market, Safeway, Tom Thumb, Star Market, Shaws, Haggen, Acme, Randalls, Carrs, Market Street, United, Vons, Pavilions, Amigos, Lucky’s, Pak n Save, Sav-On)
• Costco Wholesale Corp.
• CPESN USA, LLC
• CVS Pharmacy, Inc. (Long’s)
• Good Neighbor Pharmacy and AmerisourceBergen Drug Corporation’s PSAO, Elevate Provider
• Health Mart Systems, Inc.
• H-E-B, LP
• Hy-Vee, Inc.
• LeaderNET and Medicine Shoppe, Cardinal Health’s PSAOs
• Managed Health Care Associates (MHA)
• Meijer Inc.
• Publix Super Markets, Inc.
• Retail Business Services, LLC (Food Lion, Giant Food, The Giant Company, Hannaford Bros Co, Stop & Shop)
• Rite Aid Corp.
• The Kroger Co. (Kroger, Harris Teeter, Fred Meyer, Frys, Ralphs, King Soopers, Smiths, City Market, Dillons, Marianos, Pick-n-Save, Copps, Metro Market)
• Topco Associates, LLC (Big-Y Pharmacy and Wellness Center, Brookshire’s Pharmacy, Super One Pharmacy, FRESH by Brookshire’s Pharmacy, Coborn’s Pharmacy, Cash Wise Pharmacy, MarketPlace Pharmacy, Hartig Drug Company, King Kullen, Food City Pharmacy, Ingles Pharmacy, Raley’s, Bel Air, Nob Hill Pharmacies, Save Mart Pharmacies, Lucky Pharmacies, SpartanNash, Price Chopper, Market 32, Tops Friendly Markets, ShopRite, Wegmans, Weis Markets, Acme Fresh Markets)
• Walgreens (Duane Reade)
• Walmart, Inc. (Sam’s Club)
• Winn-Dixie Stores Inc. (Winn-Dixie, Harveys, Fresco Y Mas)

No. Under the CARES Act, there will be $0 cost share for the COVID-19 vaccine and its administration during the national public health emergency regardless of whether patients get the vaccine from an in-network or out-of-network provider. This applies to all members of Anthem’s health insurance plans and most self-insured plans.

Anthem health plans cover the COVID-19 vaccine under the medical or pharmacy benefit, depending on the site of administration. If the vaccine is administered by a pharmacy, it will be covered under the pharmacy benefit. If the vaccine is administered at a doctor’s office or another clinical site of care, it will be covered under the medical benefit.

No, Anthem will not waive cost shares on treatments for potential complications from a COVID-19 vaccine.

At least in the short term, the cost of the vaccines, and ancillary supplies will be funded by HHS. The CDC has indicated the vaccine purchased with US taxpayers’ dollars will be available at no cost.

CMS, along with the Departments of Labor and the Treasury, require that fully-insured and self-funded plans cover the vaccine and vaccine administration with no health plan member cost-sharing for the duration of the public health emergency.

HHS does not cover the costs of vaccine administration for commercial or Medicaid members but they will cover administration for Medicare beneficiaries, including Medicare Advantage members. Anthem health plans will cover those costs for fully-insured, employer-sponsored customers and many Medicaid members unless otherwise directed by a state. Self-insured customers will be financially responsible for the administration fees.

CMS has announced the fees to administer the vaccines at pharmacies range from $16.94 for the first dose, $28.39 for the second dose and $28.39 for vaccines requiring one dose only.

The cost of COVID-19 FDA-approved vaccines will initially be paid for by the government. Anthem will reimburse for the administration of COVID-19 FDA-approved vaccines in accordance with Federal and State mandates.

Recently CMS shared that for members of Medicare Advantage plans, the COVID-19 vaccine administration should be billed to the CMS Medicare Administrative Contractor using product-specific codes for each vaccine approved. This will ensure that Medicare Advantage members will not have cost-sharing for the administration of the vaccine.

For members of our fully-insured employer and individual plans as well as self-funded plans, Anthem will cover the administration of COVID-19 vaccines with no cost share for in- and out-of-network providers, during the national public health emergency.

For members of Medicaid plans, Medicaid state-specific rules and other state regulations may apply.

For the uninsured, providers may request reimbursement through the Department of Health and Human Services.

Government and private companies are working together to develop safe and effective vaccines. Researchers are using past research on similar viruses and combining resources to reduce the time it historically has taken to research, develop, and produce vaccines.

Many thousands of people of varying ages, races, ethnicity, and different medical conditions have participated in the trials to see how effective and safe they are.

The FDA and outside experts carefully review all of the clinical trial data when weighing approval of any new drug or vaccine. When the FDA has approved a vaccine for emergency use, the FDA has determined that the benefits of a vaccine outweigh the risk.

A safe and effective vaccine will help reduce the chance that you get sick from COVID-19, and may help to reduce the spread of the virus, in turn, helping to conserve healthcare resources and help a return to more normal day-to-day activities, including work and school. Many thousands of people of varying age, race, ethnicity, and different medical conditions have participated in the clinical trials to see how effective and safe COVID-19 vaccines are. Illness from this virus can be severe in some people, leading to hospitalization and potentially, death. If you have questions or concerns about the COVID-19 vaccine, talk to your healthcare provider.

When the FDA has authorized a vaccine for emergency use, the FDA has determined that the benefits of a vaccine outweigh the risk.

While the COVID-19 vaccine can eliminate symptoms in individuals, it’s not yet clear that getting the vaccine will reduce someone’s ability to still transmit an infection, even if they don’t have symptoms.

Information on whether the vaccine can prevent asymptomatic COVID-19 infections and the ability to spread the infection may be available early next year. As it is possible to have COVID-19 without knowing it, to avoid giving it to others, vaccinated people should continue to wear a mask, wash their hands frequently and observe social distancing.

The CDC is following that issue closely. To learn more, go here.

Yes, people can get the vaccine if they’ve already had the infection. Because some evidence suggests that people previously infected can be re-infected, they may benefit from vaccination. For this reason, vaccination should be offered to people regardless of history of prior symptomatic or asymptomatic COVID-19 infection.

The vaccination provider may include individual COVID-19 vaccination information in their state or local jurisdiction’s Immunization Information system or something similar. This will help ensure that people who have taken the first dose get the same vaccine when they return for the second. For more information, go to this CDC page.