Approved COVID-19 Vaccines
While there are still many COVID-19 vaccines currently in development, as of March 1, 2021, the following vaccines (listed below in alphabetical order) currently have been approved for emergency use and are being administered in various countries:
- Bharat Biotech
- Gamaleya (Sputnik V)
- Johnson & Johnson (Janssen)
- Moderna
- Oxford-AstraZeneca
- Pfizer BioNTech Sinopharm/Sinovac
For additional country-specific vaccine information from the World Health Organization, click here.
Local regulatory authorities in each country have approved specific COVID-19 vaccines for use after ensuring they met all local safety requirements. All vaccines currently approved for emergency use, except for the Johnson & Johnson (Janssen) COVID-19 vaccine, require two doses to be effective. Those individuals choosing to receive the vaccine, and who do not receive the Johnson & Johnson (Janssen) vaccine, should follow the second dose schedule as recommended by the vaccine manufacturer.
“COVID-19 vaccines are an important tool help protect yourself and your loved ones.” 2
Distribution of COVID-19 Vaccines
There is no standard answer as to when you will be able to receive the vaccine. Currently, all authorized COVID-19 vaccines have been pre-purchased by government agencies across the globe and they are handling the administration. This means that some countries may choose to limit or restrict who can receive the vaccine. Since each government agency has created its own prioritization and distribution strategy, when or if you are able to receive the vaccine will depend on where you are located.
For those located within the U.S., the vaccine distribution strategy is determined by each state and will vary between states. Those individuals located outside the U.S. are encouraged to check with local government authorities for their distribution strategies.
When the vaccine is no longer funded exclusively by governments and is available to all individuals, private providers (such as non-government sponsored clinics, pharmacies and/or health care facilities) will likely start charging for the vaccine and/or its administration. At that point, COVID-19 vaccines will be covered similar to the seasonal influenza (flu) vaccine. Most Cigna medical plans will cover the reasonable and customary costs for the vaccine itself and/or its administration when appropriately documented.
Like other vaccines, Cigna’s coverage of the COVID-19 vaccine aligns with government and health declarations. As a reminder, we cannot guarantee the availability of the vaccine in any location and Cigna cannot control how or when any country may elect to distribute COVID-19 vaccines. Cigna must comply with any applicable government regulations.
More Information
We are closely monitoring this evolving situation and look forward to sharing more information as it becomes available. To continue to protect yourself – and others – we continue to encourage all to wear a mask, properly wash your hands, avoid crowded areas and keep at least a six foot (approximately two meter) distance from others outside of immediate household members.
For more information on the COVID-19 vaccine, please refer to the following helpful resources:
Global Resources
World Health Organization (WHO):
COVID-19 Information
COVID-19 Vaccines Information
COVID-19 Travel Information
Americas:
Pan American Health Organization / WHO Americas COVID-19 Vaccine Information
Asia-PAC:
WHO South-East Asia COVID-19 Information
WHO Western Pacific COVID-19 Information
Europe:
European Medicines Agency COVID-19 Information
WHO Europe COVID-19 Information
Middle East & Africa:
WHO Africa COVID-19 Information
WHO Eastern Mediterranean COVID-19 Information
U.S. Resources
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC):
COVID-19 Information
COVID-19 Vaccines Information (State-Specific Information)
COVID-19 Vaccines Safety Information
COVID-19 Travel Information
U.S. State Department Travel Information
U.S. Embassy List of Global U.S. Embassies
Additional Resources
Why COVID-19 Vaccines are Necessary
Understanding Efficacy Levels of COVID-19 Vaccines
COVID-19 Vaccine Side Effects
Questions?
As always, if you have questions specific to your plan, please call the number on the back of your Cigna ID card. We are available 24/7 to support your health and well-being needs.
1. “Safety of COVID-19 Vaccines,” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Last Updated February 18, 2021, Accessed March 1, 2021. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/safety/safety-of-vaccines.html
2. “Benefits of Getting a COVID-19 Vaccine,” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Last Updated January 5, 2021, Accessed March 1, 2021. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/vaccine-benefits.html
This article serves only as a reference and is intended for informational purposes only. Nothing in this article constitutes legal, tax, financial planning, health or medical advice including diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Any reference to products or services offered by Cigna are available except where prohibited by applicable law and subject to terms and conditions.
