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Vaccines

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Not sure which vaccines you actually need? We’ve got you.

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Respiratory illnesses can hit hard, especially after 50. Find out which vaccines are recommended for you, get information on side effects, and learn why just feeling healthy isn’t always enough to help protect against getting really sick.
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Graphic showing 3 out of 5 pill shapes filled in orange, representing that 3 in 5 adults age 50 and older are at higher risk for COVID-19 and RSV
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Graphic showing 3 out of 5 pill shapes filled in light cyan, representing that 3 in 5 adults age 50 and older are at higher risk for COVID-19 and RSV
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Graphic showing 3 out of 5 pill shapes filled in orange, representing that 3 in 5 adults age 50 and older are at higher risk for COVID-19 and RSV
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Graphic showing 3 out of 5 pill shapes filled in light cyan, representing that 3 in 5 adults age 50 and older are at higher risk for COVID-19 and RSV
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3 in 5 people age 50+ are at higher risk.

60% of people 50 and older have at least one condition that puts them at higher risk for COVID-19 and RSV.

Source: CDC

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What keeps you from getting vaccinated?

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I don’t know what’s in it.
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My doctor hasn’t mentioned it.
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I don’t think I need it.
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I’m concerned about side effects.
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I’m too busy.
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I can’t afford it.
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All vaccine ingredients are publicly listed and reviewed for safety by the FDA.

Some ingredients are designed to safely trigger an immune response, while others help protect the vaccine itself against contamination.

Check out the article Vaccine ingredients: What they are and what they do for more information on ingredients, safety, and common concerns.

Read now

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If your doctor hasn’t mentioned vaccination, you can bring it up.

Working together with your doctor or pharmacist is a great way to help decide which respiratory vaccines are right for you.

See more in the article How to talk with your healthcare provider(s) about vaccines.

Read now

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Even if you feel healthy, your immune system changes.

It happens as you get older in ways you don’t always feel. Vaccines can help protect you from getting really sick by teaching your immune system how to fight serious infections.

See which ones could be right for you.

Check your eligibility

answer4

Most side effects are mild and go away in a few days.

This is your body’s way of showing that it’s learning to protect you from future illness.

Still, it’s good to know the difference between a normal response and something more serious. See the article What to know about vaccine side effects to find out more.

Read now

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We can help you find days, times and locations.

That way, getting vaccinated can fit conveniently into your schedule. Same day appointments may also be available.

If you’re eligible for more than one vaccine, you also can typically book shots together to save time.

Book now

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Managing vaccine costs is a real concern.

Just know that if you have insurance, including Medicare or Medicaid, your COVID, RSV, pneumococcal pneumonia, and flu vaccines may be available at no additional cost to you.

Book now

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Take a deeper look.

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  • /vaccines/education/vaccine-side-effects
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Health insurance covers routine vaccines for nearly 80% of adults in the United States.

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Source: U.S. Census Bureau
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True
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That's correct!
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If you have insurance, Medicare, or Medicaid, most recommended vaccines could be covered at no cost to you.

If you’re uninsured, you will typically pay the list price per dose but costs vary by pharmacy.

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It’s actually true.
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Correct answer: If you have insurance, Medicare, or Medicaid, most recommended vaccines could be covered at no cost to you.

If you’re uninsured, you will typically pay the list price per dose but costs vary by pharmacy.

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Related resources

Get more answers to your vaccine questions.

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  • /vaccines/education/what-is-in-vaccines

  • /vaccines/education/vaccine-safety-and-testing

  • /vaccines/education/aging-and-immune-system
  • /vaccines/education/how-do-vaccines-work
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We'll help guide you through vaccines.

The Health Information Center has in-depth, medically reviewed articles on who vaccines are for, how they work, and so much more.

Explore vaccine articles

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Help protect yourself.

Ready to make a respiratory vaccine appointment? We can help. Find dates, times, and locations that work for you.

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Still have questions about vaccines?

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What are some respiratory vaccine side effects?

Side effects reported after vaccination can vary from person to person. Common side effects can include, but are not limited to, pain, redness, swelling at the injection site, fatigue, fever, headache, nausea, diarrhea, and muscle or joint pain. In rarer cases, side effects like fainting or severe allergic reactions can occur. Find out more in the article, What to know about vaccine side effects.

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How do I know which respiratory vaccines to get?

Working with your doctor or pharmacist is a great way to help decide which respiratory vaccines are right for you.

We can help, too. Answer a few questions to get a personalized vaccine list. It takes about 2 minutes.

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Is there a best time to get vaccinated?

Vaccination schedules depend on age, health conditions, and risk factors. Ask your doctor or pharmacist which respiratory vaccines are right for you.

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