Layer Up On Protection by Getting Vaccinated

Vaccines have been in the news a lot lately, and you might be wondering: Who can I trust for accurate information about vaccines and my health? We’ve got you! Your healthcare provider, local pharmacist, and Public Health–Seattle & King County are here to help you find trustworthy information and make informed decisions. Pour a hot cup of your favorite fall beverage, settle in, and read on to learn more about how vaccines can help you stay healthy and enjoy the activities you love this fall.

What’s new with fall vaccines?

• Updated flu vaccines: All flu vaccines were updated to protect against flu virus types that are predicted to circulate this season.
• mRNA flu vaccine: This fall, there’s an additional option for many adults age 50 and older. mFLUSIA (produced by Moderna) uses mRNA technology and may offer somewhat better protection. But coverage by health insurance will depend on your plan. If you are age 50-64 with Medicare or Medicare Advantage Plans, the mRNA flu vaccine should be covered. Call your health insurance plan to confirm.
• Updated COVID-19 vaccines: COVID vaccines were updated to offer better protection against strains of COVID that are circulating.

What vaccines do I need this fall?

For maximum protection, get your flu shot in September or October. Get your COVID shot as soon as it becomes available. Adults age 65+, adults with risk factors, and those who have never been vaccinated are at high risk of COVID-19 complications. Check with your doctor or pharmacist to see whether you need an RSV vaccine. Flu, COVID, and RSV vaccines can be safely given together. For more information, see the Washington State Department of Health’s recommendations and this helpful flyer.

More information:

• Flu: Everyone age 6 months and older should get a flu vaccine, even if they’ve been vaccinated before. For better protection, adults age 65 and older should get an enhanced vaccine, such as a high-dose, recombinant, adjuvanted, or mRNA vaccine, if available. If unavailable, then get a standard flu vaccine.
• COVID-19: COVID-19 vaccine is available in Washington state without a prescription. People at high risk of COVID-19 complications include children age 6 months to 23 months, children and adults with risk factors, pregnant individuals, adults age 65+, and those who have never been vaccinated. It’s important for people age 65+ to get another dose approximately 6 months later to boost protection.
• RSV: All people age 75+ and age 50-74 at increased risk of severe RSV, such as people with chronic heart or lung disease, should get a one-time RSV vaccine. Pregnant people and some infants are also recommended to get an RSV immunization.   
• Other vaccines: Depending on your health conditions, job, and lifestyle, you may need other vaccines to stay healthy. Fall is an ideal time to connect with your healthcare provider to see if you need vaccines to protect against shingles, pneumonia, whooping cough, and other diseases.

Where can I get vaccinated?

Vaccines are available at:

• Healthcare providers (including Community Health Centers).

• Pharmacies. Call in advance for specific vaccine availability and cost, and to make an appointment.

Find vaccination options for friends and families on our website: www.kingcounty.gov/findaclinic.

How much should I expect to pay?

Most health insurance plans cover the cost of vaccines, including Medicare, Medicare Advantage Plans, Medicaid (Apple Health), and private health insurance. If you have Medicare, some routine vaccines, like RSV, shingles, and Tdap, are covered under Part D prescription drug coverage. They may also be covered if you have a Medicare Advantage Plan or supplemental plan with drug coverage. Contact your plan to find out which vaccines are covered.

If you are uninsured, use this map to find locations for no-cost vaccinations. Make sure to call the vaccine location in advance to ask about availability and cost, and to schedule an appointment. Most facilities require that you enroll as a patient before getting vaccinated. You may be charged an administration fee (a charge for giving the vaccine), but you don’t have to pay if you can’t afford it.

Where can I get more information about vaccines?

Visit Public Health’s Immunizations website for local vaccine resources. Public Health was honored to partner with older adults in King County this summer to develop a brochure focused on older adults and to record personal stories. Thank you for sharing your stories and wisdom with us!

• Brochure about vaccines for older adults. Available to print and download in many languages. To request free printed copies, use our online ordering form or contact vaccineinfo@kingcounty.gov.
• Short videos with local older adults sharing their personal stories about vaccines. Posted on our website and available directly on YouTube.
  • “I remember life before vaccines,” Betty’s story
  • “This country defeated a horrible disease,” Walter’s story
  • “It’s something you don’t forget,” Bobbi’s story
  • Analuz’ story (en Espanol/Spanish)

Got more questions? Reach out to your healthcare provider, pharmacist, or Public Health–Seattle & King County at vaccineinfo@kingcounty.gov. Don’t miss a game or festival this fall. Stay up to date on your vaccines and stay healthy!

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