Various immunizations throughout your lifetime can help your body fight disease and protect communities. As you schedule annual checkups with your family doctor, ask whether you’re up-to-date on routine vaccinations.
Vital Vaccination
Why is vaccination a big deal? On an individual level, some shots – such as tetanus and diphtheria (Td) – are boosters for vaccines you received as a child. You may think you’re still protected, but immunity can wane with time.
On a community level, vaccination protects people around you who may not be able to receive immunizations. This concept of “herd immunity” means that immunocompromised people – those with cancer or other conditions that tax their immune systems – are safer when people near them can’t spread disease.
What’s New in 2023
- XBB COVID-19 booster. The newest version, expected to be available in late September/early October, will protect against XBB subvariants, descendants of the Omicron strain. XBB infections are now dominant in the U.S., with cases expected to increase as the weather cools. View more information about when you need to schedule your booster.
- Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) vaccine. Adults older than 60 should receive this shot to mitigate the respiratory effects of the virus. Symptoms are generally cold- and flu-like; however, some older adults can develop life-threatening complications.
- The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) also announced a new tool to protect infants and toddlers from RSV. The CDC recommends that these little ones receive one shot of a monoclonal antibody vaccine to reduce the risk of serious illness. Each year, 58,000-80,000 children younger than 5 are hospitalized with RSV complications.
Check with your family doctor if you have questions about these vaccines.
Your Shot is Covered
U-M’s benefit plans cover preventive vaccinations, so there’s no copay for members. These immunizations are covered under both U-M’s pharmacy and medical plans, which means you can receive your shot at your doctor’s office, local clinic or pharmacy.
The following vaccines are covered:
- COVID-19 initial and boosters
- Influenza. On-site clinics will begin early this fall; watch this space for dates and locations.
- Hepatitis A and B
- HPV
- Measles, mumps and rubella (MMR)
- Meningococcal
- Polio
- Pneumococcal
- Shingles
- Tetanus, diphtheria and whooping cough
- Varicella (chicken pox)
- RSV
Keep in mind that some of these immunizations require more than one dose to be most effective.
Look Forward for Flu Shots
Faculty and staff working remotely, as well as spouses, Other Qualified Adults (OQAs) and retirees, can also get free flu vaccinations at their doctor’s offices, local clinics or network immunizing pharmacies. When a flu shot is administered at a pharmacy, there is no cost when either the member’s medical or prescription drug insurance card is provided. Do not, however, use both cards.
All In for Vaccination
Should you receive all these vaccines? Some are dependent on your individual health, while others are recommended at certain ages. Here’s a good conversation starter for your next visit with your family physician.
Aside from helping protect yourself and others, vaccination:
- Keeps you healthy.
- Keeps you healthy abroad. Certain vaccines are recommended before travel to specific countries. Others may require proof of vaccination before you’re allowed to cross their borders.
- Decreases unexpected expenses. Medical bills and time off work can put a dent in your household budget.
