A quick vaccine check-in
Living with a condition like diabetes, heart disease or asthma? Check out which covered vaccines can help protect your health this year.
If you have a chronic condition — like diabetes or heart disease — your body may have a harder time fighting off infections. Illnesses like the flu, RSV or pneumonia can lead to more serious complications, longer recovery times or even hospitalization.
Vaccines are one way to help protect yourself from serious illness — and they’re covered by your plan. Use these questions to help think about your vaccine plans and where you may need more information.
1. Do you plan to get a flu shot this season?
a. Yes
b. No
c. Unsure
What is the flu vaccine?
The flu vaccine helps your body fight off influenza — or “the flu.” This illness can cause:
- Fever
- Cough
- Body aches
- Sore throat
- Tiredness
Getting the vaccine lowers your chances of getting sick. And if you do get sick, the symptoms are usually milder.*
When should you get it?
Get your flu shot in September or October so your body is ready before flu season. Shots are available at pharmacies, your primary care provider’s office and community clinics. Those with chronic conditions may get a stronger shot for extra protection. Even if you get your vaccine later in the season, it can still help protect you.
2. Do you need the RSV vaccine?
a. Yes
b. No
c. Unsure
What is the RSV vaccine?
The RSV vaccine helps protect against complications from RSV (respiratory syncytial virus). The virus often causes mild, cold-like symptoms. But for people with certain health conditions, it can lead to serious lung infections.
When should you get it?
It’s usually given between September and January, before RSV season. Adults with certain health risks, and everyone 75 and older, may get one dose.* Your provider can help you decide what’s best for you.
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With your Aetna® plan, you can get $0 copays on Tier 1 prescriptions — and on 200+ medications used to manage C‑SNP qualified conditions. Just be sure to fill them at an in-network pharmacy. You can also have eligible prescriptions delivered to your home with our mail-order service.
3. Have you been vaccinated for pneumonia?
a. Yes
b. No
c. Unsure
What is the pneumonia vaccine?
Pneumococcal vaccines protect against serious infections like:
- Pneumonia
- Bloodstream infections
- Meningitis
These infections can be serious, especially for older adults or people with health conditions like heart disease, diabetes or lung problems. A vaccine helps your body learn how to fight the germs before they make you sick.
Who should get it?
Adults 50 and older, or younger adults with certain health risks, may need one or more doses.* Shots are usually given at provider offices or pharmacies. Mild illnesses, like a cold, usually aren’t a reason to wait. Your provider can help you decide when to get this vaccine.
Protect your health — get vaccinated
Covered vaccines include flu, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), pneumonia, shingles and Tdap. You can get covered preventive vaccines at in-network locations like local retail pharmacies, your provider’s office and clinics. Call us at the number on your member ID card for more information. Or visit AetnaMedicare.com/FindPharmacy to find a pharmacy near you.
4. Is your Tdap up to date?
a. Yes
b. No
c. Unsure
What is the Tdap vaccine?
The Tdap vaccine protects against tetanus, diphtheria (a serious throat infection), and pertussis (whooping cough). Tetanus can get into the body through cuts or wounds. Diphtheria and pertussis spread when people cough or sneeze. These illnesses can be serious, especially for babies and those with weakened immune systems.
When should you get it?
Adults who haven’t had a Tdap vaccine should get one now, then a booster (Tdap or Td) every 10 years.* Adults who will be around newborns should get a booster at least two weeks before contact. You can also get shots after certain wounds or burns.
5. Have you had a shingles vaccine?
a. Yes
b. No
c. Unsure
What is the shingles vaccine?
The shingles vaccine, called Shingrix, helps protect against shingles and the problems it can cause. The same virus that causes chickenpox causes shingles. It can result in a painful rash and lasting nerve pain.
Who should get it?
Adults 50 and older should get two doses, 2–6 months apart.* Adults with weakened immune systems may also need two doses. This vaccine can be given with other shots. Even if you’ve had shingles before, vaccination helps prevent it from coming back. Your personal care team can help you schedule a vaccine appointment today. Call them at 1-833-595-1008 (TTY: 711) from 8 AM to 8 PM, 7 days a week.
Keep your vaccines on track
If you answered “No” or “Unsure” to any question, check with your doctor. They can help you figure out which vaccines you need, when to get them and where to go. If you’re managing a chronic condition, staying up to date on vaccines is an important part of your overall care plan.
*FOR FLU VACCINE INFORMATION: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Who needs a flu vaccine. September 18, 2025. Accessed March 9, 2026.
*FOR RSV VACCINE INFORMATION: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. RSV vaccine VIS. February 28, 2025. Accessed March 9, 2026.
*FOR PNEUMONIA VACCINE INFORMATION: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Pneumococcal Vaccination. February 25, 2026. Accessed March 9, 2026.
*FOR TDAP VACCINE INFORMATION: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Tdap (Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis) Vaccine VIS. February 28, 2025. Accessed March 9, 2026.
*FOR SHINGLES VACCINE INFORMATION: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Shingles Vaccination. August 19, 2025. Accessed March 9, 2026.
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. This material is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice. Health information programs provide general health information and are not a substitute for diagnosis or treatment by a physician or other health care professional. Contact a health care professional with any questions or concerns about specific health care needs. Providers are independent contractors and are not agents of Aetna. Provider participation may change without notice. Aetna is not a provider of health care services and, therefore, cannot guarantee any results or outcomes. The availability of any particular provider cannot be guaranteed and is subject to change. Information is believed to be accurate as of the production date; however, it is subject to change. For more information about Aetna plans, refer to our website. The formulary and/or pharmacy network may change at any time. You will receive notice when necessary. Participating health care providers are independent contractors and are neither agents nor employees of Aetna. The availability of any particular provider cannot be guaranteed, and provider network composition is subject to change.
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