Make a Plan for Fall Vaccines

Fall is here! One thing that you can count on is viruses spreading as seasons shift and we spend more time indoors with friends and family. The good news is that we have powerful tools to keep us from getting really sick from infections—vaccines. Did you know that vaccines protect us from “the big three” respiratory viruses–flu, COVID-19, and RSV? Think of vaccinations like a cozy blanket shielding us from severe illness. When we get vaccinated, our bodies learn to recognize viruses. Then, when viruses come our way in our everyday lives, our immune systems are prepped to respond. Make a plan to get vaccinated so you can stay healthy and enjoy your favorite activities. Don’t miss your family potluck, Seahawks game, Husky tailgate, or your grandchild’s birthday party this fall!

Who should get vaccinated this fall?

• Updated flu vaccine: Everyone ages 6 months and older should get a flu vaccine, even if you’ve been vaccinated before. Adults ages 65 and older should get a high dose, recombinant, or adjuvanted flu vaccine if it’s available. Learn more about the importance of flu vaccination for people 65 years and older: Flu and People 65 Years and Older | CDC
• RSV immunizations: Everyone 75 years and older should receive one respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccine. Adults ages 50-74 with risk factors for severe RSV should also receive a single dose. Additionally, RSV immunization is recommended for pregnant people and infants.
• Updated COVID-19 vaccine: Getting vaccinated protects against severe illness and Long COVID.
  • The Washington State Department of Health issued a standing order for the COVID-19 vaccine, making it possible for people 6 months and older to get vaccinated without an individual prescription.
  • Medicare and Medicaid (Apple Health) continue to cover the cost of COVID-19 vaccine. Many private health insurance plans still cover COVID-19 vaccination. To find out whether you’re covered, call your health insurance company or the Office of the Insurance Commissioner. Adults ages 19 and older who are uninsured can get no-cost COVID-19 vaccine from Adult Vaccine Program (AVP) providers. We anticipate that AVP providers will have COVID-19 vaccine sometime in October.
  • Continue to check the Public Health Insider blog and kingcounty.gov/findaclinic for updates this fall that are guided by the best available science to support the health of people in King County.

Where can people get vaccinated in King County?

• Health care provider offices and pharmacies, including Community Health Centers (CHCs). Call in advance for vaccine availability, cost, and to make an appointment. 
• School-based health centers (for children in a district with a school-based health center).
• Mobile vaccine clinics for children living in South King County and children who are uninsured or underinsured, experiencing homelessness, or who recently arrived in the U.S. and do not have a doctor.

How much will vaccination cost?

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

If you are uninsured, use this map to find vaccination locations for no-cost vaccinations. Make sure to call the vaccine location in advance to ask about availability, 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.

Do you need help enrolling in health insurance, finding a healthcare provider, or accessing vaccines? Contact the Community Health Access Program at chap@kingcounty.gov or call 1-800-756-5437 for assistance. 

Make a one-year vaccination plan with your healthcare provider

Are you up to date on all of your vaccinations? Vaccines like pneumococcal, shingles, and Tdap are important for older adults. Make an action plan for getting up to date on vaccines this year. Print this calendar tool created by the National Adult and Influenza Immunization Summit and complete it with your healthcare provider. Fill in your appointments, ask your provider to mark the vaccines you need, and plan when you will get vaccines during the upcoming year. Extra bonus: For those who want to learn more about the diseases prevented by vaccines, check out the second page!

Where can I learn more about vaccines for older adults?

For adult immunization information: Materials and resources on adult immunizations – PHSKC

For the latest vaccine news in King County: Read the Public Health Insider blog

By making a vaccination plan now, you can enjoy a healthy respiratory illness season!

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