Stay Protected This Spring With Vaccines

What’s on your spring bucket list? Whether it’s a neighborhood barbeque, a Mariners game, or a getaway to your favorite vacation spot, don’t let illness get in your way. Think of vaccinations like an insurance plan. Invest a few minutes of your time upfront getting the shots, and then enjoy the pay off—less worry and better health for you, your family, and your community.  

What’s new this year?

Additional dose of COVID-19 vaccine for older adults: If you’re 65 or older, make sure to get two doses of the updated COVID-19 vaccine, spaced six months apart. If needed, you can get the second dose as soon as two months after the first. This way, you can be protected before COVID-19 surges, travel, life events, and healthcare visits. If you are moderately/severely immunocompromised, talk to your doctor about getting additional COVID-19 doses. 

Why get another COVID-19 vaccine? Over time, the protection you get from vaccination decreases. People ages 65 and older are at greatest risk of severe COVID-19 illness, so it’s especially important to get that second dose. And, good news, this season’s vaccine provided additional protection against hospitalizations. Unlike flu and RSV which are seasonal, COVID-19 surges can happen throughout the year. Getting an additional COVID-19 dose can help protect you and your loved ones during any possible surges this spring or summer.

Pneumococcal vaccine starting at age 50: The age for pneumococcal vaccination was recently lowered from 65 to 50 years old. If you’re 50 or older and haven’t already gotten a pneumococcal vaccine, protect yourself from pneumonia and other infections with a pneumococcal shot.

What vaccines do older adults need?

Are you up to date on all of your vaccinations? Talk with your doctor about recommended vaccines for you.

• RSV
• Shingles (Herpes Zoster)
• Tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis
• Flu
• COVID-19
• Pneumococcal

Do older adults need to get a vaccine to protect against measles? You’ve probably been hearing about measles outbreaks in the U.S. If you were born before 1957, you are considered immune and do not need to get a measles vaccine (MMR). If you were born in 1957 or later and do not have evidence of immunity against measles, you should get at least one dose of MMR vaccine. Some adults need two doses, separated by at least 28 days:

• Students in programs after high school
• Healthcare workers
• International travelers six months of age and older. Find more information about measles and international travel here
• People with HIV infection
• Household contacts of immunocompromised people
• Adults who got an inactivated vaccine between 1963 and 1967

During an outbreak, some other people may be advised to get a second dose. For more information about the MMR vaccine: About the measles vaccine (PHSKC)

Where can I get vaccinated?

• Healthcare providers, including community health centers. Call in advance for specific vaccine availability, cost, and to make an appointment.
• Community vaccine clinics. Visit Where to Get Vaccinated in King County to find a calendar of upcoming community vaccine events, including events hosted by the Washington State Department of Health’s Care-a-Van.

What if I have difficulty leaving my home? Homebound residents in King County may qualify for Public Health’s In-Home COVID-19 Vaccination Program. Flu and RSV vaccines may be given at the same time as COVID-19 vaccine when doses are available. Most health insurance plans are accepted (Kaiser Permanente plans and some VA plans are out of network). No-cost vaccinations are available for anyone who is uninsured, including household members. Call 206-848-0243 or email vaccineinfo@kingcounty.gov to request an in-home vaccine appointment.

• Check out these In-Home COVID-19 Vaccination Guide videos to understand the process: English (1:41), Español (1:56)

What if I don’t have a healthcare provider? Contact the Community Health Access Program at chap@kingcounty.gov or call 1-800-756-5437 for help enrolling in health insurance, finding a healthcare provider, or accessing vaccines.

How much will vaccination cost? What if I’m uninsured?

Most insurance plans cover the cost of vaccines, including Medicare, Medicare Advantage Plans, Medicaid (Apple Health and Molina), and private health insurance. Healthcare facilities may charge an administration fee (a charge for giving the vaccine), but they must waive or reduce the fee if you can’t afford it. If you have Medicare, you must have part D (or a Medicare Advantage Plan or supplemental plan with similar drug coverage) to cover the RSV vaccine. Check with your insurance provider for coverage details.

If you are uninsured, use this Vaccination Map for Children and Uninsured Adults to find locations for no-cost vaccinations. Most facilities require that you enroll as a patient before getting vaccinated. You may be charged an administration fee, but you don’t have to pay if it is unaffordable. Vaccine availability varies, and not all locations have all vaccines. Be sure to call the healthcare facility of your choice to check if they have the vaccines you’re looking for and to make an appointment.

Where can I learn more about vaccines for older adults?

For information about adult vaccinations: Recommended Vaccinations for Adults (CDC)

For adult immunization resources: Immunizations for adults (PHSKC)

Get up to date on vaccinations to stay healthy and enjoy spring and summer in the Pacific Northwest!

Contributor Elisabeth Beaber, PhD, MPH, leads the Adult Immunization Program in the Communicable Disease Epidemiology & Immunization Section of Public Health—Seattle & King County.