COVID-19 Resources

What is Coronavirus and What Can I Do?

Coronavirus is a virus that causes a disease called COVID-19, which affects the lungs and other organs. In most people the disease causes mild symptoms. However, for some people the symptoms can become more serious, causing severe breathing trouble.

If you are worried about the coronavirus, you are not alone. Read more to learn how to get help and how to protect yourself and others.

Where to Learn More

These trusted sources have up-to-date information, about the coronavirus:

• The San Francisco Coronavirus website, please click here.
• The San Francisco Department of Public Health (SFDPH), please click here.
• The National Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), please click here.

Symptoms
People with COVID-19 have had a wide range of symptoms reported – ranging from mild symptoms to severe illness.

People with these symptoms or combinations of symptoms may have COVID-19:

•   Cough
•   Shortness of breath or hard time breathing
•   Fever
•   Chills
•   Muscle pain
•   Headache
•   Sore Throat
•   New loss of taste or smell
• Feeling very tired or weak
• Nausea or vomiting
• Diarrhea

There may be other symptoms as well.

Please call your PCP for any other symptoms that you are worried about.

A PCP is your main doctor, nurse practitioner, or physician’s assistant. Your PCP works with you and a care team to help you meet your health goals.

For more information about symptoms, visit the CDC’s symptom guide website.

It also has a link to the CDC’s Self-Checker, a guide to help make choices and find the right medical care. Read More

When to Contact Your Doctor

There is no cost to SFHP members for needed screening, testing, or health care for COVID-19.

If you are sick, call your health care provider first. They may be able to help by phone without having to go to the doctor’s office.

You can also call a doctor at Teladoc^® for free any time of the day or night. Learn more at teladoc.com/sfhp or 1(800) 835-2362.

People over 65 and people with chronic health issues like heart or lung disease or diabetes are at higher risk for serious problems. Learn more at the “Am I at High Risk” section below on this webpage.

Emergency Warning Signs

Get medical help right away by calling 911 if you have any of these emergency warning signs:

• Trouble breathing
• Pain or pressure in the chest that doesn’t go away
• New confusion or inability to wake up
• Bluish lips or face
• Cannot stay awake or not able to stay awake

You can take an ambulance to the hospital if needed. If you are unsure about what to tell the ambulance driver on where to go, or have any questions about ambulance coverage, please call SFHP customer service at:

• Local Callers 1(415) 547-7800
• Toll-Free Callers 1(800) 288-5555
• TTY for People Who Are Deaf, Hard-of-Hearing, or Have Speech Disabilities 1(415) 547-7830 or 1(888) 883-7347 toll-free or 711

Please talk with your PCP for any symptoms that are severe or that you are worried about.

A PCP is your main doctor, nurse practitioner, or physician’s assistant. Your PCP works with you and a care team to help meet your health goals.

Call 911 if you have a medical emergency: Tell the operator that you have, or think you might have, COVID-19. If you can, put on a well-fitting mask, ideally a surgical or N95 mask, that covers the nose and mouth area before help comes.

For more about emergency warning signs, visit the CDC website. Read More

Testing

If you want to get tested for the coronavirus, please call your PCP.

You can find out about coronavirus testing at the city’s website. Learn More

If you need help contacting your PCP. Our Customer Service team wants to help you:

• Local Callers 1(415) 547-7800
• Toll-Free Callers 1(800) 288-5555
• TTY for People Who Are Deaf, Hard-of-Hearing, or Have Speech Disabilities 1(415) 547-7830 or 1(888) 883-7347 toll-free or 711

Here are some of the best ways to protect yourself and others from the coronavirus.

The coronavirus passes to other people through close contact (being within about 6 feet). When an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks, droplets from their mouth or nose are launched into the air. Depending on how good the air flow is, the droplets in the air can be inhaled.

Learn how to protect against the coronavirus at the CDC’s “How to Protect Yourself & Others”. Read More

Learn More at the CDC’s web page on the most recent guidelines on how to protect yourself and others from the coronavirus.

If you are Exposed To Coronavirus

Follow San Francisco’s current guidance at their coronavirus website for if you have had a close contact or a positive test. Read More

Get Vaccinated
You can find information about San Francisco resources like:

• Coronavirus Testing
• COVID-19 Vaccines
• COVID-19 Booster Vaccines
• What to do if you have had a close contact or positive test

By clicking on San Francico’s coronavirus website, or you can calling 311.

Wear a Mask

N95 respirators, double masks, and well-fitting medical masks are more effective against protecting yourself against the coronavirus.

As of April 2022, masks are no longer required in most public indoor settings, it is recommended to carry one with you as different places have different rules. People may choose to continue to wear their masks, even if it is not required.

For more information on any mask requirements, no matter your vaccine status, like:

• Seeking healthcare (including any waiting rooms)
• At long-term care facilities and adult and senior care centers
• Inside homeless shelters, cooling and heating centers, and emergency shelters
• Inside a jail
• Inside all Department of Public Health buildings
• In public hearing rooms while in session

Visit San Francisco’s Know When Mask’s Are Needed website

Washing Hands

Washing hands well, is one of the best ways to stop the spread of COVID-19.

To learn more, see the CDC’s Handwashing web page or watch this video that shows all the steps to washing hands well.

Last updated 5/13/2022

Accessing Your Health Benefits

Here you can find information on how to use your health benefits during the coronavirus pandemic. This page contains information on:

• How to reach your doctor
• Pharmacy and drug coverage
• Emotional health support

How to Reach Your Primary Care Provider (PCP)
A PCP is your main doctor, nurse practitioner, or physician’s assistant. You can still see your PCP for many of your health needs. Call your PCP’s office to make or change your appointment. If you are sick, call your PCP first. They may be able to help by phone without having to go to the PCP’s office.

You can also call a doctor at Teladoc^® for free any time of the day or night. Learn more at teladoc.com/sfhp or 1(800)835-2362. Teladoc^® will communicate the care plan for you, with your PCP who can help prevent future health issues and answer any questions you have.

If you do not know who your PCP is please call our Customer Service Team:

• Local Callers 1(415) 547-7800
• Toll-Free Callers 1(800) 288-5555
• TTY for People Who Are Deaf, Hard-of-Hearing, or Have Speech Disabilities 1(415) 547-7830 or 1(888) 883-7347 toll-free or 711

Pharmacy Help / Frequently Asked Questions

How can I get my medications?

You can still go to your pharmacy to pick up medications and supplies.

Many pharmacies are offering FREE home delivery during the COVID-19 pandemic, including all Walgreens and CVS stores. Please call your pharmacy to learn how to get prescriptions delivered.

Does San Francisco Health Plan cover items to protect me from coronavirus?

SFHP now covers some items needed to protect against coronavirus. SFHP will cover these items while the coronavirus pandemic lasts. The new items that are covered during this time are below.

• Your doctor will need to send a prescription to a pharmacy for the items to be covered
• SFHP only covers a limited amount of each item (the limit is below)
• For Healthy Workers HMO members, these items are covered with a copay of up to $5

Support for Emotional Health

The coronavirus (COVID-19) has caused major changes in our lives. You may feel stressed, nervous, sad, bored, upset, or lonely. You are not alone.
Some tips for handling your stress:

• Take breaks from watching or reading the news or being on social media
• Stay in touch with supportive people in your life by phone, text or online groups
• Take care of your body by eating healthy foods, exercising, getting outside and getting sleep
• Limit alcohol drinks to 1-2 a day
• Call for help over the phone if your emotions make it hard for you to do the things you normally do

Read More

Hotlines if you need to talk with someone

Local Suicide Prevention: 1(415) 781-0500

National 24/7 Lifelines: Suicide Prevention 1(800) 273-8255 or text 838255

If you are being hurt by someone you live with: Domestic Violence 1(800) 799-7233

The Mental Health Association of San Francisco offers a peer-run 24/7 support line at 1(855) 845-7415 or online chat at: https://www.mentalhealthsf.org/

Links for the 24/7 MHA support services is at: https://www.mentalhealthsf.org/covid-19/

CalHOPE is a no-cost call line. Call to talk about struggles and get support: 1(833) 317-HOPE (4673) or 1(855) 845-7415

For a mental health appointment

Members can now use the phone or make video calls to schedule mental health appointments, start intake, and get help with medications from a psychiatrist when those services are needed.

• 24-Hour Behavioral Health Access Helpline 1(415) 255-3737 TDD 1(888) 484-7200
• Beacon Health Options 1(855) 371-8117

If you would like help because you are drinking too much or using drugs call:

• Treatment Access Program 1(800) 750-2727

More resources for handling your stress

Our partner, Beacon has tips on how to care for yourself and your family during the coronavirus pandemic: Learn More

SAMHSA (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration) tips on handling your mental health:

Coping with stress: Learn More

Talking with children about COVID-19: Learn More

Virtual Behavioral Health Treatment (BHT)

Members who receive Behavioral Health Treatment (BHT) or Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) care can now use video chat for those services. BHT is a therapy that can help children with autism and some other behavior issues. Learn More

Last updated 5/13/2022

Getting Help with Basic Needs

City and community partners have put together lists of places to help you get food, money, housing and other basics. The links below lead to legal help, child care, diapers for children, shelter, meals and medicine delivery, friendly phone calls, and many more things.

 Help getting food

Information and help for people needing food. Learn More

 Help applying for public benefits

Apply for Calfresh (money for food), Calworks (money and aid for those with kids), Medi-Cal (health insurance), cash needs, and IHSS in-home support. Learn More

 Help to stay in your home

Find legal help and current city rules to protect you from evictions. Learn More

Note: As of April 1, 2022, there are no eviction protections for tenants who are unable to pay rent that is due on or after this date. San Francisco’s local eviction moratorium, unanimously passed by our Board of Supervisors and signed by Mayor Breed, was eliminated by a state law that went into effect on April 1, 2022. Learn More

 Help with getting low cost internet

Find help with low cost internet service. Learn More

 Help if someone is hurting you

Find help with shelters and services for people dealing with domestic violence. Learn More

Need help with more things? See the lists below:

For families with children and youth with special health care needs and disabilities

Families can find help with food, household bills, mortgage and rent, and unemployment. You can also find help with special education and learning at home.

Click here for a list from Support for Families of Children with Disabilities

For those experiencing homelessness

Our unsheltered neighbors and those working with them can find help with clothing, food, showers, hand washing sinks, legal help, and pet care

Click here for a list from Project Homeless Connect

For our undocumented neighbors

Resources for undocumented immigrants in SF during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Find help with rent and cash needs

Call 1(415) 324-1011, anytime from 8am-8pm Monday-Saturday, to apply for $500 cash help through Catholic Charities. Read More

For our LGBTQ neighbors

Find help with rent, legal needs, trans led peer support

Click here for a list of LGBTQ community resources from the city

Help for teens and young adults

Youth-friendly support for sexual health, mental health, and help with housing, food, and safety. Learn More

For anyone needing help

Both lists help with food, childcare, shelter, diapers, friendship lines, jobs, money support, rent help, legal help

UCSF Community Resources Read More

Mass resource list from the Freedom Community Clinic Read More

Help for older adults and people with disabilities

Find help with food and meal deliveries, help with home care, and friendship line.

Call 1(415) 557-5000; Monday – Friday 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m or go to the San Francisco Human Services agency website.

Social support for seniors

Please contact Department of Disability and Aging Services (DAS) for more resources at 1(415) 557-6555. Read More

For anyone looking for health and wellness workshops

The YMCA is offering free online group exercise classes that are open to anyone. These classes are designed to help with staying active during shelter in place. Read More

SFHP has also created a list of wellness classes that can be accessed on our website. Read More

Last updated 5/13/2022

Check here to learn about higher risk for getting very sick. People with health issues like lung disease, asthma, liver disease, or diabetes, and older adults are at higher risk. Learn More

Last updated 5/13/2022

Mental Health Association Peer-run Warm Line / Friendship line  Click Here »

Non-emergency mental and emotional support. You can call or video chat any time of the day or night. Call 1(855) 845-7415.

Department of Homelessness and Supportive Housing Coordinated Entry and Community Access Points  Click Here »

Programs and housing opportunities for people dealing with homelessness. You can also call 1(415) 487-3300 ext 7000.

GLIDE  Click Here »

In-person services like to-go free meals program, COVID-19 testing, harm reduction clinic, and walk-in resource center. Case management, legal help, Men in Progress classes and Family Resource Center all by phone or online.

St. Anthony’s  Click Here »

Resources like clothing, food, and spaces to wash hands and refill water bottles. Fresh meals can be picked up curbside and free clothing can be scheduled over the phone.

In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS)  Click Here »

IHSS workers help adults with disabilities and older adults with daily living activities like cooking, cleaning, bathing, and food shopping.

Catholic Charities  Click Here »

Housing support, like help with rent, housing case management, and homelessness prevention.

Behavioral Health Access Center (BHAC)  Click Here »

Help with substance abuse treatment and mental health care in San Francisco. BHAC has a 24-Hour Access Helpline to reach therapy sessions, emotional support groups, group therapy, case management and help with medication from a psychiatrist when needed. You can call: 1(415) 255-3737, any time of the day or night.

Project Open Hand  Click Here »

Healthy meals for people who are sick and facing a lack of food.

SF Marin Food Bank  Click Here »

Free culturally-fit and easy-to-access foods for people who need support.

Here are some additional contact information for other community resources;

Centro Legal de la Raza (Legal Support): 1(510) 437-1554
East Bay Community Law Center: 1(510) 548-4040 ext 201
Tennant Rights: oaklandtenentrights.org
SF Tenants Hotline: 1(415) 487-9203
National Tenants Hotline: 1(888) 495-8020

For any other references not listed, please call 211,

Will a COVID-19 vaccine protect me from getting sick with COVID-19?

Yes. COVID-19 vaccines work by teaching your immune system how to recognize and fight the virus that causes COVID-19, and this protects you from getting sick with COVID-19.

Being protected from getting sick is important because even though many people with COVID-19 have only a mild illness, others may get a severe illness, have long-term health effects, or even die. There is no way to know how COVID-19 will affect you, even if you do not have an increased risk of having severe problems. Learn more about how COVID-19 vaccines work.

Is the vaccine free?

Yes. The vaccine is free of charge. No one can be denied a vaccine because they cannot pay.

Read more at the Department of Managed Health Care’s Know Your Health Care Rights.

I heard there are different COVID-19 vaccines. Which one will I get?

We do not have a way of knowing which vaccine you will get at the time of scheduling, but you can ask at your appointment. Three COVID-19 vaccines are authorized or approved for use in the United States to prevent COVID-19. Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna (COVID-19 mRNA vaccines) are preferred. You may get Johnson & Johnson’s Janssen COVID-19 vaccine in some situations.

More information about each vaccine can be found on the CDC website here.

Fully Vaccinated

Fully vaccinated means a person has received their primary series of COVID-19 vaccines as listed below.

• Two doses for the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine, 21 days apart.
• Two doses for the Moderna vaccine, 28 days apart.
• One dose for the Johnson & Johnson vaccine.

Do I still have to take precautions after I get the vaccine?

Everyone ages 12 years and older should get a booster shot after they have completed their COVID-19 vaccine primary series. People ages 12 to 17 years old can only get the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 booster shot. People ages 18 years and older should get a booster dose, and either Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna (mRNA COVID-19 vaccines) are preferred.

Currently, a booster shot is not recommended for children younger than 12 years old. Learn more

Is the COVID-19 vaccine safe?

COVID-19 vaccines are safe and effective. Millions of people in the United States have gotten COVID-19 vaccines under the strongest safety monitoring in U.S. history. The CDC recommends you get a COVID-19 vaccine as soon as you are eligible. More information on vaccine safety can be found here.

Will the COVID-19 vaccine impact my day to day life?

After getting the vaccine, you may have some side effects, which are normal signs that your body is building protection. The most common side effects are pain and swelling in the arm where you received the shot. Also, you may have fever, chills, tiredness, and headache. These side effects may affect your ability to do daily activities, but they should go away in a few days. Learn more about what to expect after getting a COVID-19 vaccine.

Will I get an allergic reaction to the COVID-19 vaccine?

Serious allergic reactions are very rare. You can learn about allergic reactions here.

When will I be able to get the COVID-19 vaccine?

You can learn when it will be your turn to get the vaccine here.

How much time does it take to get the COVID-19 vaccine?

Scheduling the vaccine most often only takes a few minutes, and the appointment will take about half an hour. If you do not have health questions, it is good for you and your community to get the COVID-19 vaccine when it is your turn.

If you do have health questions, please contact your primary care provider (PCP). Your PCP is the doctor, nurse practitioner, or physician’s assistant who is in charge of your health care.

If you would like help finding the phone number of your primary care provider, please call SFHP customer service at 1(415) 547-7800.

You can also call a doctor at Teladoc® for free any time of the day or night. Learn more at teladoc.com/sfhp or 1(800) 835-2362.

How can I make a COVID vaccine appointment?

There are different ways to schedule vaccines. Here are a few:

• Call your primary care provider to find out if you can get the vaccine at your regular hospital or clinic. If not, you may be able to get a vaccine at another place in the same network.
• San Francisco has a phone number for COVID-19 vaccine appointments at community sites, like Moscone Center. The number is 1(628) 652-2700.
• Check the City and County of San Francisco’s website for vaccine sites with open appointments.
• CVS and Walgreens have appointments. You can schedule online or call them directly.

You can also sign up for updates about new appointments and places to get the vaccine from the state of California.

I know about a vaccine site close to me, but I can’t find it on the SF city website. Why?

The SF city website shows vaccine sites with open appointments. If there aren’t any appointments free, then that place won’t be listed on the website.

If you want to go to a specific place, it is good to check back often since supplies and appointment times are always changing.

What will happen during my COVID vaccine appointment?

The steps will be a little different based on where you get the vaccine. In general here is what you can expect:

• You will have to wear a well-fitting mask in a medical facility.
• You will likely need to fill out some paperwork before getting the vaccine. If you are going to a location that allows you to walk up without an appointment, they may ask for more paperwork.
• Bring proof that you are eligible for the vaccine in case you are asked. (A work badge, paystub, photo ID, W2, license or credential are examples of proof to show that you are eligible).
• You will likely be asked to stay for 15 minutes after you get the vaccine. This is so that staff can make sure you are feeling well.

Do I need to take a test before scheduling my COVID-19 vaccine?

No. If you feel healthy with no symptoms, and do not have a known COVID-19 exposure, there is no need to take a test.

Can I bring a family or household member to get the vaccine with me?

If your family or household member is also eligible and able to go to the same site, you can try to make appointments close to each other in order to go together.

Will I have to give any personal information to get the vaccine?

You will likely need to give your name, birthday, health plan ID number, and address to schedule the vaccine. If you do not know your health plan ID number, we can look it up for you.

Will I need to give my Social Security Number to schedule the vaccine?

You will not need to give your social security number to schedule the vaccine. The San Francisco Health Plan and your primary care provider already have the number, and the place where you get the vaccine will view it when they give you the vaccine.

What should I do if my second vaccine appointment gets cancelled?

Call the place where you got your first dose. It is best to get your second dose from the same place as your first dose. This is because they will know which vaccine you had and all the other information needed to give a second dose safely.

Should I get the vaccine if I just had COVID-19, if I am pregnant, or if I have other health questions?

If you have any questions about the vaccine and your health, please talk to your primary care provider (PCP). Your PCP is the doctor, nurse practitioner, or physician’s assistant who is in charge of your health care.

If you would like help finding the phone number of your primary care provider, please call SFHP customer service at 1(415) 547-7800.

I just had COVID-19, should I get the vaccine?

Yes, you should get the vaccine even if you already had COVID-19. That is because experts do not yet know how long you are protected from getting sick again after having COVID-19. Even if you have already had COVID-19, it is possible, while rare, that you could be infected with the virus that causes COVID-19 again. Learn more about why getting the vaccine is a safer way to build protection than getting infected.

If you were treated for COVID-19 with monoclonal antibodies or convalescent plasma, you should wait 90 days before getting a COVID-19 vaccine. Talk to your primary care provider if you are not sure what treatments you received or if you have questions about getting the vaccine.

I was just exposed to COVID-19, should I wait to get the vaccine?

If you have been exposed, follow the CDC quarantine guidelines before getting the vaccine.

I am not feeling well, is it safe to get the vaccine?

No. People who have COVID-19 or who have symptoms should wait until they have recovered and have met the criteria for coming out of isolation. People who were exposed who don’t have symptoms should also wait until they meet the criteria before getting vaccinated. Talk to your primary care provider if you have any questions.

If I have an underlying health condition, or other health questions, should I get the vaccine?

If you have a health condition or any health-related questions about getting the vaccine, you can talk with your primary care provider.

If I am pregnant, can I get the vaccine?

Yes. If you are pregnant, you may choose to get the vaccine. There is no evidence that the COVID-19 vaccine causes problems with pregnancy.

If you have questions about getting the vaccine, talking with your primary care provider might help you make an informed decision. Learn More

I am usually very healthy, do I need to get the vaccine?

Since COVID-19 is a new disease, it is a good idea to get the vaccine for you and your community.