8 key vaccines to ask about this year
Make sure you’re getting all the immunizations you need to stay well this year — and beyond
Staying current on your vaccines can help protect your health all year long. This includes your annual flu shot. Our helpful guide will tell you which vaccines to ask your doctor about.
Flu vaccine
Everyone needs the flu vaccine, 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.*
You should get your flu shot in the fall, before the flu season begins. For help with scheduling an appointment, call your care team at 1-866-409-1221 (TTY: 711) from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday.
Pneumococcal (Pneumonia) vaccine
Adults 65 years or older should get the vaccine for pneumonia. This is a type of lung inflammation caused by a bacterial or viral infection. 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-Hour Nurse Line at 1-866-409-1221 (TTY: 711) to speak with a registered nurse. If you need urgent or emergency care, call 911 or go to your closest emergency room.
COVID-19 vaccine, or COVID-19 booster
Everyone 6 months or older needs COVID-19 vaccination. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends a second dose for adults aged 65 and older. Get this shot as soon as you’re due. Already vaccinated? Make sure to talk to your provider to see if you’re eligible for a booster shot.
RSV (Respiratory syncytial virus) vaccine
Adults 60 years and older and some younger adults with certain health conditions can get an RSV vaccine. Aim to get it before RSV season begins, which is typically in the fall. Your provider may recommend getting the vaccine between September and January.
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Tdap, or Td booster (Tetanus-Diphtheria-Pertussis) vaccine
This vaccine will protect you against tetanus (lockjaw), diphtheria (throat and nose infection) and pertussis (whooping cough), which are all caused by bacterial infections. Diphtheria and whooping cough are very contagious.
Get your Tdap shot as soon as possible. If you’ve had a Tdap shot before, get a Td booster at least once a decade.
MMR (Measles-Mumps-Rubella) vaccine
Anyone who didn’t receive an MMR shot as a child should get one now. This will protect you against measles, mumps and rubella.
Need to travel soon? You might need a second dose. Check with your doctor to be sure.
Shingles vaccine
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.
Get vaccinated against shingles 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.
Meningitis (Meningococcal meningitis) vaccine
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.*
If you haven’t yet had this vaccine, get it as soon as possible, especially if you’ve been exposed to meningitis.
*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.
*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.
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