We know you have many questions about the COVID-19 vaccines. We’re working hard to deliver answers. The information on this page will evolve as we get more insight into vaccine data and distribution plans.
What we know as of Jan. 6, 2020:
We received our first shipment of Pfizer vaccines Dec. 15, and our first shipment of Moderna vaccines Jan. 4. Supply continues to be limited. At this time we are only vaccinating Nebraska Medicine and University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC) health care workers who are at high risk for exposure.
Nebraska Medicine is planning a large vaccination response. We are working closely with public health officials on vaccination plans. The state is working out the details on how and where vaccinations will be available. The state expects to be able to share more details by the end of next week.
We are committed to distributing COVID-19 vaccines in a fair, ethical and transparent way. We will provide detailed information when it becomes available. This will include notifying Nebraska Medicine patients if appropriate.
A waiting list is not currently available.
Vaccine cost
Vaccine doses purchased with U.S. taxpayer dollars will be given to the American people for free.
Vaccine providers are allowed to charge an administration fee for giving the shot to someone. This fee will be paid by your insurance provider. If you do not have health insurance, Medicare will cover the fee for you.
Why we need COVID-19 vaccines
COVID-19 infections can be a minor inconvenience, or they can lead to severe disease and death. Social distancing, handwashing and wearing your mask certainly help. However, the best way to stop this virus is to generate COVID-19-specific immunity within our community.
We can achieve this immunity in one of two ways: through illness (natural herd immunity) or through vaccination. Since illness leads to severe disease or death for many, a safe and effective vaccine is a much better alternative.
Use this calculator to assess your own COVID-19 mortality risk