Key vaccines to consider this year

Key vaccines to consider this year

Make sure you’re getting all the immunizations you need to stay well this year — and beyond.

An older lady who just got a vaccine

Staying current on your immunizations, including flu shots, can help protect your health all year long. Our helpful guide will tell you which vaccines to ask your doctor about. 

Flu vaccine

Who needs it
Everyone, but especially if you’re 65 years or older or have a health condition. People over the age of 65 are more at risk of getting the flu and having complications.*

When to consider it
It’s recommended to get your flu shot in the fall, before the flu season gets into full swing.

Tdap (Tetanus-Diptheria-Pertussis) vaccine, or Td booster 

Who needs it
Everyone. It will protect you against tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis (whooping cough), which are all caused by bacterial infections. Diphtheria and whooping cough are very contagious. 

When to consider it
As soon as possible. If you’ve had a Tdap shot before, get a Td booster at least once a decade.

A couple looking online together
Have you visited your plan web page?

It has details about your personal coverage and how to make the most of your plan. You can find the website on your Aetna Member ID card.

 

MMR (Measles-Mumps-Rubella) vaccine

Who needs it
Anyone who didn’t receive an MMR shot as a child. This will protect you against measles, mumps and rubella. 

When to consider it
Need to travel soon? You might need a second dose. Check with your doctor to be sure.

Shingles vaccine

Who needs it 
Adults 50 years or older need two doses of Shingrix. Had a different vaccine for shingles? Talk to your doctor — you may need another shot. 

When to consider it
As soon as possible if you had chickenpox as a child. If you didn’t, get the chickenpox vaccine right away — it will be two doses.

Pneumococcal (Pneumonia) vaccine

Who needs it 
Adults 65 years or older should be immunized for this lung inflammation, caused by a bacterial or viral infection.

When to consider it 
Most adults over 65 need one dose of two different vaccine types, a year apart.
 

Have a health question that can’t wait for your next checkup? 

Call the 24/7 Nurse Line at 1-800-556-1555 (TTY: 711) to speak with a registered nurse.

Meningitis (Meningococcal meningitis) vaccine

Who needs it
Meningitis is an inflammation (swelling) of the protective membranes that cover the brain and spinal cord. Adults aged 50 or older may be at higher risk.*

When to consider it
As soon as possible, especially if you’ve been exposed to meningitis.  

COVID-19 vaccine, or COVID-19 booster

Who needs it 
Everyone 6 months or older. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends a second dose for adults aged 65 and older.

When to consider it
As soon as you’re due. Already vaccinated? Talk to your doctor to see if you’re eligible for a booster shot.  

We’ve got you covered  

Your plan web page links to your Explanation of Coverage (EOC), which shows coverage for recommended adult vaccines like flu, shingles and key preventive services. You can access your plan web page by using your smartphone or tablet camera to scan the QR code on your member ID card. You can also type in the URL shown on your member ID card to see your plan web page. Or call a Member Services Advocate at 1-833-570-6670 (TTY: 711) between 8 AM and 8 PM, seven days a week.  

Get anytime access to your plan web page

You can visit your plan web page any time. Just use your smartphone or tablet camera to scan the QR code on your member ID card or type in the URL from your card. You’ll go directly to your plan web page, where you can see your plan information and benefits, check your coverage, watch a helpful video and more.

*FOR FLU RISK OVER AGE 65 SOURCE: Langer J, Welch VL, Moran MM, et al. High clinical burden of influenza disease in adults aged ≥ 65 years: can we do better? A systematic literature review. Advances in Therapy. February 15, 2023, 40(4): 1601–1627. Accessed June 29, 2023.

*FOR MENINGITIS RISK OVER AGE 50 SOURCE: Guedes S, Bertrand-Gerentes I, Evans K, et al. Invasive meningococcal disease in older adults in North America and Europe: is this the time for action? A review of the literature. BMC Public Health. February 23, 2022, 22: 380. Accessed June 29, 2023.

For language services, please call the number on your member ID card and request an operator. For other language services: Español | 中⽂ | Tiếng Việt | 한국어 | Tagalog | Pусский | ةيبرعلا| | Kreyòl | Français | Polski | Português | Italiano | Deutsch | ⽇本語 | فارسی | Other languages…

See Evidence of Coverage for a complete description of plan benefits, exclusions, limitations and conditions of coverage. Plan features and availability may vary by service area.  

©2023 Aetna Inc. 
Y0001_NR_34934_2023_C 
1903109-27-01