For People at Higher Risk of Severe Illness from Coronavirus

Precautions for People at Higher Risk

People at higher risk for severe illness from COVID-19 are older adults and, people of any age with certain health conditions, including:

Cancer
Chronic kidney disease
Chronic lung disease
Dementia or other neurological conditions
Diabetes (type 1 or type 2)
Stroke or cerebrovascular disease

Down syndrome
Heart conditions
HIV infection
Having a weakened immune system
Liver disease
Substance use disorders

Overweight and obesity
Pregnancy
Sickle cell disease
Having had a solid organ or blood stem cell transplant
Smoking, current or former

Get a COVID-19 vaccine

Get a vaccine to protect yourself, your loved ones and your community. 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.

Search vaccines.gov (vacunas.gov).

Text your zip code to 438829.

Call 1-800-232-0233.

(TTY 888-720-7489)

After being vaccinated, continue to protect yourself.

If you have a weakened immune system, you may NOT be fully protected even if you are fully vaccinated. Talk to your healthcare provider about how to protect yourself.
Continue to wear a mask in public, stay 6 feet apart from others, avoid crowds and poorly ventilated indoor spaces.
Self-monitor for symptoms of COVID-19, especially if you've been around someone who is sick. If you have symptoms of COVID-19, get tested and stay home and away from others.

In addition to following the steps above, we recommend that you take these sensible precautions.

Create a personal support network of trusted individuals who can help set up your phone, computer or tablet and check in with you by phone or video calls, text or email to ensure your wellness. They can also help you with errands, groceries, online shopping and setting up telemedicine (i.e., medical appointments over the phone or by video). Share your important health and medical information with them and be sure they know how they can help you.
Limit visits with family members, especially young children. While you may need family members to help run errands, keep about 6 feet away from them. Have visitors leave food or grocery items at the door rather than entering the home. Avoid inviting young children into your home.
Have a 1-month supply of medications and a 2-week supply of food on hand.
- Along with prescription medications, have a 1-month supply of over-the-counter medications like cough suppressants and fever reducing drugs. Ask your physician or local pharmacy if prescriptions can be delivered. Be sure to have a thermometer on hand in case you need to check for a fever.
- A 2-week supply of food also includes water, household cleaning supplies, personal hygiene items, and medical supplies or equipment. Contact your local grocery stores to see if they offer online ordering and home delivery. Find out if there are local nonprofit services to assist with food or meal delivery.
Have a plan for if you get sick. Make a list of medications and medical contacts, and know where to find health care documents like advance directives (a living will). Determine who will care for you at home should you become ill, and tell them what sort of care you would want if you became too ill and unable to speak for yourself.
Consider using telemedicine services, which enables you to communicate with your doctor over video, phone or email, rather than face-to-face.
Beware of scams. Unfortunately, scammers are taking advantage of people’s fears and the Federal Trade Commission has tips to help protect you and others. No over-the-counter or online products (including vaccines, pills and lotions) exist to treat or cure COVID-19. Beware of “viral videos” suggesting potentially dangerous or toxic home preventatives, such as drinking excessive amounts of water or mouthwash.

Coronavirus Safety Tips

Accessible Resources

What to Do If You Are Sick

Coping with Stress and Economic Impact

Information for Family Caregivers

People Who Are Not Documented

Individuals Who Are Not Insured

Preparing for Disaster

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