Protect yourself with vaccines
Stay well by being up to date on all your immunizations.
The flu shot isn’t the only vaccine (shot) that can help keep you and your family healthy. Our helpful guide will tell you which shots to ask your doctor about.
RSV vaccine
Who it’s for: Infants and older adults
RSV stands for respiratory syncytial virus. It’s a common virus that can cause cold-like symptoms. Babies and older adults are more likely to get seriously sick from RSV. Children with chronic lung or heart diseases are also at risk. In some cases, RSV can even lead to a visit to the hospital.
If you’re 60 or older ask your provider if the RSV shot is right for you. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) also recommends the shot for pregnant women and infants. Children at high risk of illness could also benefit. Ask your provider if the RSV shot is right for you or your child.
Meningitis (Meningococcal) vaccine
Who it’s for: Adolescents
Meningitis is swelling of the protective membranes that cover the brain and spinal cord. The CDC recommends that all kids get two doses of the meningitis shot: one at age 11 or 12 and a booster at age 16. Didn’t get this shot when you were younger? Ask your doctor if you should get it now.
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Tdap vaccine
Who it’s for: Adolescents and adults
This shot helps protect you from:
- Tetanus (lockjaw)
- Diphtheria (throat and nose infection)
- Pertussis (whooping cough)
Diphtheria and whooping cough can spread easily from person to person. Tetanus can infect you through open cuts or burns.
Here’s what the CDC recommends:
- Kids should get a single dose of Tdap around age 11 or 12.
- Pregnant people should get a dose of Tdap during each pregnancy. It’s best to get the vaccine early in the third trimester. This can help protect your baby from pertussis after birth.
- Adults who have never gotten a Tdap shot should get one as soon as they can.
Adults should also get a Tdap or Td booster at least once every 10 years. (The Td booster protects against tetanus and diphtheria, but not pertussis.) If you ever get a severe wound or burn, your doctor may give you a Td booster to protect against tetanus infection.
Flu vaccine
Who it’s for: Everyone over six months old
The CDC says that everyone six months and older should get a flu shot every year. It’s best to get your flu shot in the fall before the flu season begins.
Pneumococcal (Pneumonia) vaccine
Who it’s for: Children and older adults
Pneumonia is a lung infection that can cause serious illness in young children and older adults. The CDC recommends all children under 5 and adults over 65 get this shot. People with certain medical conditions may need the shot, too. Ask your provider if this shot is right for you or your children.
COVID-19 vaccine, or COVID-19 booster
Who it’s for: Everyone over six months old
Everyone six months or older should get an updated COVID-19 shot. The CDC recommends a second dose for adults aged 65 and older.
Already got the shot? There may be a new shot that can protect you from newer strains of COVID. Ask your provider if there’s a new vaccine, and if you should get it.
MMR vaccine
Who it’s for: Infants and young children
This shot helps protect you from measles, mumps and rubella. Children should get two doses of MMR: one at 12 to 15 months old and a second at four to six years old. Didn’t get the MMR shot as a kid? Talk to your doctor about getting it now.
Shingles vaccine
Who it’s for: Older adults
Shingles is a painful rash that can lead to serious problems. It’s caused by the same virus that causes chicken pox. Anyone that has had chicken pox could get shingles later in life.
But now there is a vaccine, called Shingrix, that can help prevent shingles. The CDC recommends that adults 50 years or older get two doses of Shingrix. Had a different vaccine for shingles? Talk to your doctor — you may need another shot.
HPV vaccine
Who it’s for: Adolescents
Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is the leading cause of cervical cancer. It can cause other cancers too. HPV is spread through sexual contact. HPV infection is extremely common. Nearly everyone will be infected with it at some point in their life.
That’s why the HPV vaccine is so important. It protects against strains of HPV that are most likely to cause cancer. The CDC recommends that all kids get two doses of the HPV shot around 11 or 12 years old. Ask your child’s doctor for more info about HPV and the vaccine.
Where to get vaccines
You have lots of options on where to get your shots, including:
- Your family doctor’s office
- Some pharmacies and retail health clinics
- Federally Qualified Health Clinics (FQHCs)
You can go to vaccines.gov for help finding a local pharmacy that offers vaccines. From there, you can call or go to their website to schedule an appointment.
Depending on your benefits plan, these shots may be covered at no extra cost to you. Call Member Services or the number on your ID card to see what’s covered. They can also help you schedule an appointment for vaccines.
Additional sources
RSV vaccine recommendations: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Tdap vaccine recommendations: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Flu vaccine recommendations: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Pneumonia vaccine recommendations: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
COVID-19 vaccine recommendations: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
MMR vaccine recommendations: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Shingles vaccine recommendations: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
HPV vaccine recommendations: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
