Testing, Treatment, Vaccinations

Vaccination

If your primary care provider (PCP) is a part of MedStar Health, please know that they are offering the COVID-19 vaccine. You will need to make an appointment to get the COVID-19 vaccine, or it can be given as part of a regular visit. Please visit MedStarHealth.org/Vaccine for more information. Even if your PCP is not a part of MedStar Health, we recommend that you call your PCP to see if the office offers the vaccine.

When it comes to getting the COVID-19 vaccine, we want you to have information available about the vaccines available to you. Please visit MedStarHealth.org/VaccineQuestions for what you need to know to make an informed decision. MedStar Health hosted Facebook Live events with physicians and researchers who answered questions about the COVID-19 vaccine.

The COVID-19 vaccine is free to all MedStar Family Choice Members and there are several ways you and your family can get the COVID-19 vaccine. To find a vaccination clinic near you:

• Call 855-MD-GOVAX
• Contact your closest pharmacy – many participating pharmacies are offering vaccine to adults
• Talk to your Primary care Doctor
• Check out our Facebook page for vaccination events near you

Even if you are currently fully vaccinated, getting a booster is important to help maintain your immunity against getting COVID-19.  Everyone 5 years and older can receive a booster. The timing of the booster depends on which vaccine you received.  Click here for more information on boosters. Individuals with medical conditions like diabetes, obesity, heart disease, cancer, on medications that suppress the immune system, asthma and others should get a booster. Check with your PCP if you are not sure whether a booster is right for you. If you have further questions about the COVID-19 vaccine, please visit Maryland COVID-19 vaccination page.

Testing

The Maryland Department of Health (MDH) encourages the following individuals to get COVID-19 tests:

• People who have symptoms of COVID-19, even if you are fully vaccinated.

• People planning to travel. If you are planning to travel out of the country, you should be fully vaccinated. You should know that you may also need to present a negative COVID-19 test just prior to when you leave to travel to certain places. You will also need a test to come back home to the United States.

In addition, to testing locations, each MedStar Family Choice member is entitled to 4 COVID home tests every 30 days. You can go to the pharmacy to obtain your tests at no charge. To find a testing location near you or more information on testing, please visit the COVID-19 Testing in Maryland. You may also go to a MedStar Family Choice participating urgent care center for COVID-19 testing.

Treatment Options

Did you know that there are now many different treatment options for COVID-19 if or your family test positive for COVID-19?

1. Oral medication (pills)- Paxlovid (nirmatrelvir and ritonavir) and molnupiravir are two pills that people can take if they are at risk for severe COVID-19.  Paxlovid is approved for people 12 years and older. Lagevrio (molnupiravir) is approved for people 18 years and older.  Treatment should start within 5 days of having symptoms.

2. Intravenous infusion- You may have heard a lot about monoclonal antibodies. This is an IV infusion that takes 1-2 hours in total (includes some monitoring time). There are locations throughout the state that offer this treatment. Those who are 12 years and older and at risk of severe COVID-19 are eligible.  Treatment should start within 5 days of having symptoms.

3. Intravenous infusion- Remdesivir- This is another infusion option for high-risk individuals 12 years and older but can also be used in some high-risk children below the age of 12. This treatment includes three infusions over a three-day period.  Treatment should start within 5 days of having symptoms.

Test to Treat Program

There are more than 80 sites in Maryland participating in this federal Test to Treat (T2T) program. This initiative was created to give access to potentially lifesaving COVID-19 treatments for all. Through T2T, people can get a rapid COVID-19 test and if they test positive and treatments are appropriate for them, they can immediately receive a prescription and have it filled all at one location. There may be a charge associated with these services at commercial pharmacies, but State Center services are offered Monday through Saturday, at no cost to the patient, and insurance is not required. Please visit the Maryland Department of Health CovidLink page for more information. 

Accessing Treatment

These treatment options require a referral or prescription from a provider. If you test positive and want to receive one of the treatments above, you can call your primary care provider. They will ask you questions to determine whether you are considered at risk and qualify for one of the treatment options.

If you’ve taken an at-home test, you can also reach out to MedStar eVisit. A provider will obtain additional information about your health history, determine if you are high risk and should receive a treatment and if so, discuss which treatment option is best for you and get your treatment ordered. If you went to an urgent care center and had a positive test, the urgent care center will help direct you to available treatment options. No matter where you may have received your positive COVID-19 test result, MedStar eVisit is available 24 hours / 7 days a week to help you find possible treatment options.