Member Services
COVID-19 Information for Members
Get a $50 Target gift card
Alliance members who get a single dose of the COVID-19 vaccine will be mailed a $50 Target gift card. This member reward is available for all members who get their first or second dose between September 1, 2021 and February 28, 2022.
Get more information in the COVID-19 Vaccine Information section below.
COVID-19: The Basics
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has updated its list of COVID-19 symptoms to include a wide range of symptoms, ranging from mild symptoms to severe illness. Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after being exposed to the virus and may include:
- Cough.
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing.
- Fever.
- Chills.
- Muscle pain or body aches.
- Sore throat.
- Sudden loss of taste or smell.
- Fatigue.
- Headache.
- Congestion or runny nose.
- Nausea or vomiting.
- Diarrhea.
Be alert for symptoms. Watch for fever, cough, shortness of breath, or other symptoms of COVID-19. Take your temperature and follow CDC guidance if you have symptoms.
If you have any of the emergency warning signs below, call 9-1-1 or go to the nearest emergency room:
- Trouble breathing.
- Persistent pain or pressure in the chest.
- Sense of confusion.
- Inability to wake or stay awake.
- Bluish lips or face.
For people with chronic illnesses or the elderly, the symptoms can be more severe and life threatening. People with asthma and other chronic conditions are at a higher risk of complications from COVID-19. The CDC provides this Self-Checker as a guide to help you make decisions on when to seek testing and appropriate medical care.
You should call your doctor if:
- You have been in contact with someone who has been sick with COVID-19; or
- You are experiencing symptoms. Having symptoms does not mean you have COVID-19, but it’s best to call your doctor.
If you are unable to see your doctor, Alliance members can also call the Nurse Advice Line (NAL) and a registered nurse will help you decide what to do next. The NAL is available 24 hours, 7 days a week. It’s fast, easy and at no cost to you. Call: 844-971-8907. TTY: Dial 711.
For more information:
Call your doctor or call the Alliance at 800-700-3874, ext. 5505, TTY: Dial 711. Or visit the CDC website.
If you’ve been in close contact with someone who has COVID-19, you’ll need to stay home for 14 days (self quarantine). Close contact is when you have been closer than 6 feet away from someone who is sick for longer than 10 minutes.
For more information, visit the CDC website.
COVID-19 testing is available to everyone. It is free and private! Find a testing site near you.
Free at-home COVID-19 tests are also available.
Every home in the country can order four free at-home COVID-19 tests.
COVIDtests.gov - Free at-home COVID-19 tests
If someone in your household contracts COVID-19, you should take steps to be sure that you and others in your household stay safe. Please see the CDC guidelines on how to care for someone sick at home.
- If you had symptoms:
- Wait at least 10 days since symptoms first appeared, and
- At least 24 hours with no fever (without fever-reducing medication), and
- Symptoms have improved
- Those who have had severe symptoms may need to remain in isolation for up to 20 days.
- If you tested positive and had no symptoms:
- If your doctor agrees, you can be with others 10 days after your first positive test. You may need to be re-tested first, or wait longer to end isolation if you have a weak immune system.
You will not be charged co-pays or cost sharing for medically necessary screenings and tests done for COVID-19. This includes hospital, emergency department, urgent care visits, and doctor office visits where the purpose of the visit is to be screened and/or tested for COVID-19.
COVID-19: Vaccine Information
Who can get the COVID-19 vaccines?
Everyone ages 5 and older can get the COVID-19 vaccine. Children ages 5 to 17 can get the COVID-19 vaccine from Pfizer. Adults ages 18 and older can get a Pfizer, Moderna, or Johnson & Johnson vaccine. If you have questions about the COVID-19 vaccine for yourself or for your child, talk to your doctor or visit the CDC website.
Booster Shots
Booster COVID-19 shots are recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). These shots are only for certain groups.
You can choose which COVID-19 vaccine you get as a booster shot. For example, if you got the Pfizer vaccine, you can get a booster of the Pfizer, Moderna, or Johnson & Johnson vaccine.
If you are 18 or older and got the Johnson & Johnson vaccine at least 2 months ago, the CDC recommends that you get a booster shot.
For people who got the Pfizer or Moderna COVID-19 vaccine at least 6 months ago:
You can schedule a booster dose on the MyTurn website or call 833-422-4255. You can also call your doctor to schedule a booster shot.
The COVID-19 vaccines are safe and effective.
- The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has authorized the vaccine and has found that it is safe.
Medi-Cal members can get the COVID-19 vaccine at no cost.
- The COVID-19 vaccine is one of the safest ways our communities and lives can return to a more normal state, more quickly.
- The Alliance is committed to supporting you and your family’s health.
You can help stop the pandemic by getting a COVID-19 vaccine
- The risk of severe illness from COVID-19 increases with age
- Getting a COVID-19 vaccine is an important step to help prevent getting sick from COVID-19
You can help protect yourself and the people around you by getting the vaccine
- Help protect your whole family by getting yourself and your children 5 years and older vaccinated against COVID-19
- The COVID-19 vaccines can now be given at the same time as other vaccines
- After the COVID-19 vaccination, you may have some side effects. These are normal signs that your body is building protection.
- If you are fully vaccinated, you will still need to follow guidance required by federal, state, and local authorities, or at your workplace and local businesses.
- Homebound members have many available resources to them if they are interested in getting the vaccine at their home.
Alliance members who get a single dose of the COVID-19 vaccine will be mailed a $50 Target gift card. This member reward is available for all members who get their first or second dose between September 1, 2021 and February 28, 2022.
Note: You will be most protected from COVID-19 if you get all the recommended vaccines. This means that you should get either:
- One dose of the Johnson & Johnson (Janssen) vaccine.
- Two doses of the Pfizer vaccine or the Moderna vaccine.
Go to myturn.ca.gov to schedule your vaccine appointment.
- Sign up online on California’s COVID-19 registration website.
- Call California’s hotline for COVID-19 information. A live person will help you register for vaccine appointments. To use the service:
- Call 833-422-4255.
- You will hear 7 menu options. On your phone’s keypad, press 1 for English, press 2 for Spanish or press 3 for other languages.
- The service is available Monday through Saturday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. and on Sunday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- If you have questions about the vaccines, visit your county public health department’s website:
Pregnant people are more at risk of getting very sick with COVID-19 compared to people who are not pregnant. If you are pregnant and get COVID-19, you are also more at risk of pregnancy complications like high blood pressure, bleeding disorders, death and stillbirth.
If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, you can still get the COVID-19 vaccine. Getting the vaccine while you are pregnant can help protect you from severe illness from COVID-19.
If you have questions about getting vaccinated, talk to your doctor. You can also read the CDC guidelines for COVID-19 Vaccines While Pregnant or Breastfeeding to learn more. (Note: This page is only available in English and Spanish.)
Merced
Merced County Department of Public Health
Hotline number: 209-381-1200 (Mon-Fri, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.)
To learn more about COVID-19, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website.
Monterey
County of Monterey Health Department
Hotline number: 831-769-8700 (Mon-Fri, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.)
Santa Cruz
County of Santa Cruz Health Services Agency
Hotline number: 831-454-4242 (Mon-Fri, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.)
Here are signs of potential scams:
- If you get a call, text, email — or someone at your door — stating they can get you early access to the vaccine.
- If someone asks you to pay money for the vaccine or to be added to a list to get the vaccine early.
Never share your personal health information or your Social Security Number, credit card number or bank account information with unknown individuals.
Remember, Medi-Cal members will receive COVID-19 vaccines at no cost and you will not be asked to pay to receive the vaccine early or to be added to a list.
If you believe you have been a victim of a COVID-19 scam, please report it online to the Federal Trade Commission.
You can also call the hotline for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General at 800- HHS-TIPS (800-447-8477).
What is ivermectin?
Ivermectin is a drug that is used to treat parasites and worms in humans. It should not be used to treat or prevent a virus.
Is ivermectin approved by the FDA to treat or prevent COVID-19?
No. The FDA has not approved the use of this drug to treat or prevent COVID-19.
Can Ivermectin hurt me?
In the past year, many people called poison control because of ivermectin misuse. Ivermectin can affect other medications you are taking. Ivermectin can also cause many side effects. It can cause nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. It can cause low blood pressure and make you dizzy. It can cause an allergic reaction like itching and hives. It can even cause seizures, coma and death.
Can I use ivermectin made for animals?
Do not use medications that are made for animals on yourself or other people. Ivermectin that is made for animals is different from ivermectin that is made for humans. We do not know how it affects humans because it was not tested to be used in humans. The use of animal ivermectin to prevent or treat COVID-19 in humans is very dangerous.
How can I protect myself and my loved ones from COVID-19?
- Get a COVID Vaccine. You are less likely to get COVID if you get vaccinated. Also, if you get the vaccine and do get sick with COVID, you are less likely to get hospitalized.
- Wear a mask.
- Maintain six feet social distance between yourself and people that do not live with you.
- Practice proper hand hygiene.
You might be hearing rumors about the COVID-19 vaccine, and you may have questions. It is important to get vaccine information from reliable sources. These include:
- The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
- your county’s public health department ( Merced | Monterey | Santa Cruz).
- your primary care provider (PCP).
- Getting a vaccine will not give you COVID-19.
The vaccines do not contain the live virus. This means they cannot make you sick with COVID-19. - The COVID-19 vaccines do not have severe side effects in most people.
Many people experience mild to moderate signs that their body is building protection after getting a vaccine. These can include muscle aches, tiredness, headache, fever or soreness where you got the injection. Side effects often last for a day or two. But since any new medication can cause an allergic reaction in a small number of people, you will be asked to stay for observation for a short period after you’ve received the shot. - When you get the vaccine, you will not be asked for information about your immigration status.
The vaccine is available to the public regardless of immigration status. - You should get vaccinated even if you’ve had COVID-19.
Research shows that the consequences of COVID-19 can be severe. Even if you’ve recovered from having COVID-19, there is not enough information to know if you are protected from getting it again. Get the vaccine even if you’ve had COVID-19 in the past. - COVID-19 vaccines do not make people infertile.
None of the COVID-19 vaccines cause infertility. There is also no evidence that getting the vaccine can cause women to miscarry. If you are pregnant, talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of getting the COVID-19 vaccine. - The COVID-19 vaccine will not change your DNA.
The COVID-19 vaccines are designed to give your body instructions to fight the coronavirus. There is no way the vaccine can change the DNA of your cells. - You should still practice safety measures after you’ve been vaccinated.
The vaccine can prevent you from getting sick. However, there is not enough information to know whether you can still carry and give the virus to others. You should continue to cover your mouth and nose with a mask in public. Stay at least six feet away from people who don’t live with you, avoid crowds and wash your hands often.
Prevent Getting Sick
- Stay home if you are feeling sick. If you are experiencing any symptoms, stay home to prevent spreading germs.
- If you think someone may be sick, avoid close contact with that person.
- Practice good hygiene. Wash your hands frequently for at least 20 seconds using soap and water. Hand sanitizer may also be used to keep your hands clean in between washing them.
- Don’t touch your eyes, mouth, and nose as touching these areas can spread germs.
- Use a tissue to cover your cough or sneeze and throw the tissue in the trash as soon as possible. Then, wash your hands immediately.
Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, we encourage you to keep your child’s scheduled doctor visits to stay on track with his or her health goals. If you are unsure if you should keep your child’s appointment or reschedule, call your child’s doctor. Doctors have processes in place that allow them to assess and isolate sick patients from healthy patients. Be sure to follow the tips above to keep yourself and others well when you visit the doctor.
Practice all recommended guidelines for staying well. These are listed for the question “What can I do to stay well?” If you or someone you live with are at high risk, extra precautions are advised. These precautions include avoiding things like hugging, kissing or sharing food or drinks.
For more information on how to limit risks when living in close quarters with others, visit the CDC website.
- Follow face mask guidelines.
- If you are not fully vaccinated, keep taking all precautions, including masking and physically distancing yourself in indoor public places. For your safety, be sure to read and follow California’s current mask recommendations and requirements.
- Always follow all precautions when required by federal, state, local, tribal, or territorial laws, rules, and regulations, including local business and workplace guidance.
- You are fully vaccinated two weeks after receiving the second dose of a two-dose vaccine, or two weeks after receiving the single dose vaccine.
- Wash your hands.
Prevent the spread of germs by washing your hands often. Use hand sanitizer when you don't have access to soap and water. - Stay home if you are sick and avoid contact with anyone who may be sick.
- Call your Primary Care Provider (PCP) if you are having COVID-19 symptoms.
Telehealth Services
Some providers may be able to provide some of your services through a telehealth visit. These visits offer high quality care without you needing to leave your home and are a safe way to receive medical care without going to your doctor’s office. Telehealth visits may involve having a live video or phone conversation with your provider.
Other telehealth visits may involve sharing information with your provider without a live conversation. It is important that both you and your provider agree that the use of a telehealth visit for a particular service is appropriate for you.
Internet access or a computer is not always needed, but you may need access to a smart phone or tablet to complete a telehealth visit. If you do not have access to a computer or the internet, you may be able to make an appointment for a telehealth visit with your doctor over the phone. If you need care, call your doctor to see if telehealth visits are an option.
If you are unable to see your doctor, Alliance members can call the Alliance Nurse Advice Line (NAL) and a registered nurse will help you decide what to do next. Call: 844-971-8907 or (TTY: Dial 7-1-1).
The nurse can also connect you to a doctor over video or telephone conference, as part of the MDLIVE program. The doctor can address your medical concern, recommend treatment, or provide a prescription for you. Medical consultations via telephone are provided by MDLIVE 24 hours a day, seven days a week. MDLIVE provides language line support for non-English speakers.
Seeking Medical Care and Filling My Prescriptions
As a rule, it is important to keep scheduled doctor visits to stay on track with your health goals. Doctors have processes in place that allow them to assess and isolate sick patients from healthy patients. Be sure to follow the tips above to keep yourself and others well when you visit the doctor. If you are still unsure, call your doctor to ask if you should keep your appointment or reschedule.
Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, we encourage you to keep your child’s scheduled doctor visits to stay on track with his or her health goals. If you are unsure if you should keep your child’s appointment or reschedule, call your child’s doctor. Doctors have processes in place that allow them to assess and isolate sick patients from healthy patients. Be sure to follow the tips above to keep yourself and others well when you visit the doctor.
If you are experiencing a true medical emergency, we recommend you seek the necessary medical attention immediately or call 911 if it is a life-threatening emergency. Most hospitals have protocols in place to isolate COVID-19 patients from other patients.
Yes. During your pregnancy and after the birth of your child, regular visits with your doctor are important to help keep you and your baby healthy. At these visits, your doctor will see how you and your baby are doing, this also includes maternal mental health care. If you think you may have been exposed or have been sick with COVID-19, you are still encouraged to keep your scheduled doctor visits to stay on track with your health plan goals. If you are unsure, call your doctor for more information or to schedule a visit. You can also visit the Staying Healthy page or call the Health Education Line at 800-700-3974, ext. 5580 (TTY: Dial 711), to learn about prenatal and postpartum care programs offered by the Alliance.
COVID-19 Vaccine Videos
COVID-19 Resources
Stress and Coping
- The Alliance contracts with a company called Beacon Health Options (Beacon) to help you connect with the mental health services you need. Call Beacon at 855-765-9700 to speak with someone who can help.
Resources for Children and Adolescents
- Keeping Children Healthy During COVID-19 Outbreak.
- Stop the Spread in Children.
- Managing stress for parents/caregivers and children.
- For more information on COVID-19 vaccines for children and teens, visit the CDC website.
Resources for Seniors
- The State of California’s Aging and Adults Info Line connects to local Area Agencies on Aging. Call 800-510-2020. For the Hearing or Speech Assistance Line, call 800-735-2929 (TTY: Dial 7-1-1).
- The California Department of Aging has developed a new activity guide and weekly planner, "Feeling Good & Staying Connected".
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