Health-Alert-Graphic

COVID-19 Vaccine

Getting vaccinated is the first step to protecting yourself against COVID-19.

  • Vaccinations are safe and effective
  • Vaccinations reduce your chances of catching COVID-19 and can help you avoid getting very sick.
  • Vaccinations help protect you and the people around you from getting sick.

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Talk to your primary care provider (PCP) or local pharmacy if you have questions about the COVID-19 vaccine or how to get vaccinated. This is especially important for those in a higher risk group, including infants, toddlers, older adults, and people who are pregnant, are at high risk for severe sickness, or have never had a COVID-19 vaccine.

What happens after you get the COVID-19 vaccine

Possible side effects

You may feel some mild side effects such as soreness or swelling on the arm you got the vaccine in. You may also have slight fever, chills, tiredness or headache. These are normal signs that your body is building protection and usually go away within a few days. It’s important to know that the vaccine cannot give you COVID-19, and these symptoms do not mean you are sick with the virus.

If side effects last longer than a few days or you have concerns, call your primary care provider (PCP). If your PCP is not available, call HPSM's Advice Line at 1-833-846-8773 for questions about your health.

Get a digital COVID-19 Vaccine Record

You can use the paper card that you get from your vaccine provider as proof that you are vaccinated. You can also get an official Digital COVID-19 Vaccine Record from the California Department of Public Health (CDPH). Signing up on your computer or smartphone is free, easy, safe and convenient!

Get your Digital COVID-19 Vaccine Record or learn more about Digital Vaccine Records from CDPH.

Get your Digital COVID-19 Vaccine Record or learn more about Digital Vaccine Records from CDPH.

Need a ride to your vaccination appointment?

Medi-Cal and CareAdvantage members who have no other means of transportation to approved healthcare visits can use HPSM’s Ride Benefit at no cost. To schedule rides, call HPSM’s vendor, American Logistics. Call at least two business days before your healthcare appointment. Make sure to have your HPSM member ID card ready.

  • Phone hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
    • Medi-Cal members: 1-844-856-4389
    • CareAdvantage members: 1-877-356-1080
    • TTY: 1-800-735-2929 or dial 7-1-1

If you need help scheduling your appointment, call HPSM:

Medi-Cal members

  • Call 1-800-750-4776 or 650-616-2133 Monday–Friday 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
  • TTY: 1-800-735-2929 or dial 7-1-1

CareAdvantage members

  • Call 1-866-880-0606 or 650-616-2174 Monday–Sunday 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
  • TTY: 1-800-735-2929 or dial 7-1-1

Learn more about HPSM's Ride Benefit.