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Call our 24/7 Nurse Line at
1-855-493-7019 (TTY: 711) to speak with a registered nurse, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. If it’s an emergency, dial 911.
Key vaccines to consider this year
Make sure you’re getting all the immunizations you need to stay well this year — and beyond.
Staying current on your immunizations, including flu shots and COVID-19 boosters, can help protect your health this fall and throughout the year. Want help figuring out which ones you need? That’s where our helpful guide comes in.
This handy chart will tell you which vaccines you need and when, so you know what to ask your doctor about. And if you’re wondering about the difference between vaccines and immunizations, they are essentially the same. Vaccines are the actual injection or dose that helps protect you from diseases and viruses, while an immunization is the process of getting the vaccine and building immunity against the disease or virus.
Flu Vaccine
Who needs it
Everyone, but especially if you’re 65 years or older or have a health condition. People over the age of 65 are more at risk of getting the flu and having complications.*
When to consider it
It’s recommended to get your flu shot in the fall, before the flu season gets into full swing.
Tdap (Tetanus-Diptheria-Pertussis) Vaccine, or Td booster
Who needs it
Everyone. It will protect you against tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis (whooping cough), which are all caused by bacterial infections. Diphtheria and whooping cough are very contagious.
When to consider it
As soon as possible. If you’ve had a Tdap shot before, get a Td booster at least once a decade.
MMR (Measles-Mumps-Rubella) Vaccine
Who needs it
Anyone who didn’t receive an MMR shot as a child. This will protect you against measles, mumps and rubella.
When to consider it
Need to travel soon? You might need a second dose. Check with your doctor to be sure.
Shingles Vaccine
Who needs it
Adults 50 years or older need two doses of Shingrix. Had a different vaccine for shingles? Talk to your doctor — you may need another shot.
When to consider it
As soon as possible if you had chickenpox as a child. If you didn’t, get the chickenpox vaccine right away — it will be two doses.
Get medical advice anytime you need it.
Call our 24/7 Nurse Line at 1-855-493-7019 (TTY: 711) to speak with a registered nurse, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. If it’s an emergency, dial 911.
Pneumococcal (Pneumonia) Vaccine
Who needs it
Adults 65 years or older and certain younger people with certain health conditions should be immunized for this lung inflammation, caused by a bacterial or viral infection.
When to consider it
Most adults over 65 need one dose of two different vaccine types, a year apart.
Meningitis (Meningococcal meningitis) Vaccine
Who needs it
Meningitis is an inflammation (swelling) of the protective membranes that cover the brain and spinal cord. Adults aged 50 or older may be at higher risk.*
When to consider it
As soon as possible, especially if you’ve been exposed to meningitis.
COVID-19 Vaccine, or COVID-19 booster
Who needs it
Everyone 6 months or older. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends a second dose for adults aged 65 and older.
When to consider it
As soon as you’re due. Already vaccinated? Talk to your doctor to see if you’re eligible for a booster shot.
We’ve got you covered
Your Allina Health I Aetna Medicare Advantage plan includes coverage for recommended adult vaccines like flu, shingles and Tdap. To learn more, call a Member Services Advocate at 1-833-570-6671 (TTY: 711) between 8 AM and 8 PM, seven days a week. Or go to AllinaHealthAetnaMedicare.com/Login to log in to your secure member website and read your Evidence of Coverage document. Once you’re on the site:
- Select “Plan Overview.”
- Under “Medical,” choose “What’s Covered.”
- From here you can access your plan documents on the right-hand side of the screen. To learn about immunization coverage, view the “Medical Benefits Chart” in Chapter 4, Section 2 of your Evidence of Coverage document.
*FOR FLU RISK OVER AGE 65 SOURCE: Langer J, Welch VL, Moran MM, et al. High clinical burden of influenza disease in adults aged ≥ 65 years: can we do better? A systematic literature review. Advances in Therapy. February 15, 2023, 40(4): 1601–1627. Accessed June 29, 2023.
*FOR MENINGITIS RISK OVER AGE 50 SOURCE: Guedes S, Bertrand-Gerentes I, Evans K, et al. Invasive meningococcal disease in older adults in North America and Europe: is this the time for action? A review of the literature. BMC Public Health. February 23, 2022, 22: 380. Accessed June 29, 2023.
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See Evidence of Coverage for a complete description of plan benefits, exclusions, limitations and conditions of coverage. Plan features and availability may vary by service area.
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