Harvard University Group Health Plan (HUGHP) covers appropriate immunizations as recommended by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices. This includes but is not limited: to flu vaccine*, travel immunizations, and COVID vaccines**.
Note: Age restrictions may apply per CDC guidelines. Some vaccines received at an in-network participating retail pharmacies may charge an administration fee for the vaccine.
* The flu vaccine is available at one of the Harvard University Health Services (HUHS) flu clinics. You do not need to have your primary care provider at HUHS to qualify. All HUGHP members are eligible to receive a flu shot at HUHS. Appointments to receive a flu shot at HUHS can be made by calling (617) 495-8414 or (617) 495-2001.
**The COVID-19 vaccine and administration will be covered at any retail pharmacy, provider’s office, and/or vaccination site.
Get coverage for vaccines using your HUGHP insurance ID card at the following locations:
- Your HUGHP PCP or your child dependents with their pediatrician
- Participating CVS Minute Clinics in Massachusetts. Not all CVS Minute Clinics are participating. Make sure to search for a CVS Minute Clinic location on the BCBS Find-A-Doctor website or use the Provider Directory list for locations near Cambridge.
- If you have a primary care provider at the Harvard University Health Services clinic, call your provider’s office to schedule an appointment.
- Travel immunizations recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are covered when they are done in your PCP’s office. A copayment, coinsurance, and/or deductible may apply. View your plan benefits for details.
Get coverage using your Express Scripts Prescription ID card:
You can receive a flu shot and some preventive vaccines at a participating retail pharmacy under your prescription benefits. Participating pharmacies include but are not limited to:
- Rite Aid
- Walgreens
- CVS Pharmacy (your ESI Rx card is not valid at a CVS Minute Clinic). While some CVS pharmacies are included in the prescription coverage, CVS locations with Minutes Clinics are not, (only participating locations are covered). Therefore, we recommend that you use Rite Aid or Walgreens Pharmacy if using your prescription coverage.
Note: Some pharmacies may charge an administration fee for the vaccine. For additional coverage on vaccines, you can call Express Scripts at 1-800-892-5119.
COVID-19
Effective January 1, 2024, at-home COVID tests will no longer be covered, aligning with how other over-the-counter products are already managed.
COVID-19 antibody test
HUGHP members will be covered for the COVID-19 antibody test when the following conditions are met:
- The test is ordered for medical reasons (i.e., you exhibited signs of the illness; however, you had not been tested for the illness)
- The test is ordered by a network physician
- The test is performed by a network lab
Consult with your physician to determine if they recommend that you be tested.
Note: the test will not be covered if it is ordered for administrative reasons (i.e., return to work/school/public health study), or a travel requirement.
Important: If you are a POS member currently out-of-state and the ordering provider is not located in your current state, please contact our office at (617) 495-2008 for a list of network labs.
Vaccine locations
Harvard University Health Services is not the only source of vaccination for members of the Harvard community. It is strongly recommended that individuals seek vaccination opportunities from all sources available to them. This may include state vaccination sites, community-based sites, and other healthcare providers. Many of these locations may have a greater vaccine supply than the University does at this time.
When receiving the vaccine at state vaccination sites, community-based sites, or other clinical settings, please present your BCBSMA medical ID card. If you are receiving the vaccine at a retail pharmacy, please present your Express Scripts pharmacy card.
