New Vaccine Options to Keep You and Your Loved Ones Healthy

Spring is here! Hang that down jacket at the back of your closet, dig out your sunglasses—reliable sunshine is within striking distance!

With so much to look forward to, why let illness keep you down? Staying up to date on vaccinations gives you the best chance at a healthy season ahead. And this year, you’ve got a few new vaccination options!

What’s new?

Updated COVID-19: If you’re 65 or older, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that you get an additional dose of COVID-19 vaccine this spring. Just make sure it’s been four months since your last COVID-19 shot. 

“Is COVID really still a risk?” you might ask. “Why do I need another dose?” Good questions! The pandemic may officially be over, but COVID-19 is here to stay and can be especially dangerous for older adults. Most COVID-19 deaths and hospitalizations last year were among people aged 65 and older. Over time, the immunity (protection) COVID-19 vaccine gives you can fade. An additional dose can restore immunity you might have lost since your last dose and help keep you out of the hospital.

RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus): RSV is a common virus that causes infections in the lungs and breathing passages. Until recently, we had no reliable way to prevent RSV infection, and each year, tens of thousands of older adults suffered the consequences. Fortunately, RSV vaccines are now available for everyone ages 60 and older to protect against serious illness, hospitalization, and death. Only one dose is needed. Talk to your healthcare provider or pharmacy to decide if RSV vaccination is right for you.

What other vaccines do I need?

Many other vaccines are available to help keep you, your loved ones, and your community healthy. Are you up to date on all of your vaccinations?

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

Additional vaccines may be recommended for some adults because of health conditions, lifestyle, or other factors.

Where can I get vaccinated?

You can get vaccines at many pharmacies and other healthcare providers. Contact your healthcare provider or pharmacy for more information. For help finding a healthcare provider, contact the Community Health Access Program.

How much will it cost?

Vaccines are available at no cost if you have Medicare or Medicaid insurance plans (including Apple Health). They are also covered by most private insurance plans. If you are uninsured or underinsured, some healthcare providers have limited quantities of vaccine available through the Adult Vaccine Program. Use this map to find a provider. Be sure to select “Adult Provider” and “Adult and Child Provider” in the menu at the top left corner of the map. 

How can I get a COVID-19 vaccine if I have difficulty leaving home?

King County offers in-home COVID-19 vaccination at no cost. The program is for anyone who has difficulty leaving home due to a disability, health condition, injury, etc. Call the In-Home COVID-19 Vaccine Program at 206-848-0243 or e-mail vaccineinfo@kingcounty.gov to schedule an appointment.

How can I organize a COVID-19 vaccine event in my community?

If you would like to arrange for a group COVID-19 vaccine event (e.g., at a senior living community or senior center, or for a community, faith, or social group whose members are mostly aged 65 and older), e-mail vaccineinfo@kingcounty.gov to discuss options. Resources will be prioritized for people who face barriers to accessing healthcare and/or are at highest risk of serious illness.

Vaccines aren’t just for kids—it’s never too late to vaccinate!

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