Get a vaccine to protect yourself, your loved ones and your community. Vaccines are effective at preventing severe illness and death from the coronavirus and its variants. Get a vaccine booster shot as soon as it is recommended for you to increase your protection. If you have questions, talk to your healthcare providers for advice. For more information, see the Centers for Disease Control.

COVID-19 vaccines and booster shots are 100% free for every individual living in the United States regardless of immigration status.

Below are some answers to frequently asked questions about COVID-19 services for people who are not documented. 

How can I find a vaccine location near me?

There are three easy ways to find a nearby location where you can get the COVID-19 vaccine:

*Search vaccines.gov (vacunas.gov). 

*Text your zip code to 438829.

*Call 1-800-232-0233.  (TTY 888-720-7489)

Can I receive a COVID-19 vaccine even if I am not documented?

Yes. Everyone who lives in the United States is eligible to receive free COVID-19 services, including vaccines, testing, and treatment, even if you do not have insurance, and no matter your immigration status. You do not need a Social Security Number or government ID to receive free COVID-19 services. The doctor, pharmacy, or clinic may ask for this information, but it is only to help them confirm you don’t have insurance.

Will getting tested, treated or vaccinated for COVID-19 affect my immigration status?

No. Your medical information is confidential. Your doctor may not share it with immigration officials. Also, the federal government recently announced that it will not consider testing or treatment related to COVID-19 in a public charge inadmissibility determination, even if Medicaid covers the health care services.

Will I have to pay to receive a COVID-19 vaccine?

You cannot be billed for COVID-19 vaccinations. Everyone who lives in the United States is eligible to receive free COVID-19 vaccination services, even if you do not have insurance. 

What about COVID-19 testing and treatment?

Talk to your provider. If you do not have health insurance, ask your health care provider if they will agree to bill the federal government for other COVID-19 related care, like testing and treatment. You will still be treated or tested for COVID-19 if you are not able to provide a Social Security Number or government ID.

What should I do if I suspect a scam? 

 Unfortunately, scammers are taking advantage of people’s fears. The Federal Trade Commission offers tips to protect you and others. There currently are no vaccines, pills, lotions or other prescription or over-the-counter products available to treat or cure COVID-19 online or in stores. For more information, see consumer.ftc.gov/features/coronavirus-scams-what-ftc-doing. 

• Report suspected scams to your local or state department of consumer affairs. 
• Find contact information for state, local, and tribal governments and agencies at usa.gov/state-tribal-governments. This government directory is available in English and Spanish. 

 Contact your local Office of Immigrant Affairs for help.

Find contact information for state, local, and tribal governments and agencies at usa.gov/state-tribal-governments. This government directory is available in English and Spanish.

How can I protect myself and my loved ones from COVID-19?

For information about how to protect yourself and your loved ones from COVID-19, see cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html. Content is available in English, Spanish, Chinese, Vietnamese, and Korean.

What should I do if I think I have COVID-19?

For detailed information about what to do if you are sick, see cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/if-you-are-sick/steps-when-sick.html. 

•  Know that the U.S. Congress recently approved additional funding to pay for COVID-19 testing for anyone who is uninsured and is not covered by Medicaid, the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), the Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplace, or any other individual or group health plan. The funding will pay for testing at some community health centers, outpatient clinics and doctors’ offices. 
• Immigrants can continue to access services at community health centers, regardless of their immigration status, and at a reduced cost or free of charge, depending on their income. Call first to find out the availability and cost of COVID-19 screening and testing. Health centers may do patient assessments over the phone or by using telehealth. 
• Find contact information for state, local, and tribal governments and agencies at usa.gov/state-tribal-governments. This government directory is available in English and Spanish.
• Find contact information for local health departments at naccho.org/membership/lhd-directory.

I lost my job, or my hours were cut. What can I do?

•  If you have a work permit, you may apply for unemployment insurance with your state’s employment department. 
• While undocumented immigrants cannot receive unemployment insurance, they may be eligible for Disability Insurance or Paid Family Leave. Please check and file with your state’s employment department.
• Find contact information for state, local, and tribal governments and agencies at usa.gov/state-tribal-governments. This government directory is available in English and Spanish.
•  Contact the HOPE Crisis Hotline to receive free virtual support from financial experts on mitigating the financial impacts of COVID-19. For assistance call: 1-888-388-HOPE (4673) or go to OperationHOPE.org. 

What should I do if I need other help or food assistance? 

 Your local or state social service agency provides several services. Contact your local or state social services department to find out if you qualify for assistance.

• Find contact information for state, local, and tribal governments and agencies at usa.gov/state-tribal-governments. This government directory is available in English and Spanish.
• If you don’t qualify for benefits due to your immigration status, other people in your home might. See uscis.gov/greencard/public-charge (Spanish: uscis.gov/es/tarjeta-verde/carga-publica) for more information, and seek advice from an expert to evaluate your circumstances if you are or will be subject to a public charge determination.
• Free food is available at local food pantries. Find your local food bank at feedingamerica.org/find-your-local-foodbank. Different food banks have different procedures. Call first to check your food bank’s requirements. 
• Many school districts also offer free meals for students. Check with your school district office.
• Call 211 for community resources or see the 211 Call Center Search website. See findhelp.org for other local resources. Find out if resources are available at your local Salvation Army at salvationarmyusa.org.

*This article was originally published by the American Red Cross