It’s that time again: the season of pumpkin spice, football, and a line-up of viruses just waiting to crash your plans. So, let’s talk about this year’s vaccinations—what’s new, what’s not, and what you really need to know to stay healthy and to keep those around you healthy too.

At Amaze, we get many questions about vaccines at this time of year. This week, there were fewer questions about which vaccines to get and more about whether the COVID vaccine would be covered by a member’s insurance plan. The short answer is, “yes,” if you’d like to be vaccinated against COVID this year, your insurance plan should cover it. The longer answer is …

COVID Confusion Cancelled!

Thanks to lots of moving pieces at the Health and Human Services Department (HHS) in general and at the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) specifically, the availability and affordability of this year’s COVID booster vaccines seemed to be called into question. But this week, the CDC did its best to clear things up by officially accepting the updated

guidelines voted on by a newly assembled Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), which met in September.

Even though the updated guidelines received a ton of media attention (change makes good headlines), it turns out the new ACIP recommendation will not affect, in any meaningful way, anyone looking to get this year’s COVID booster.

The best way to explain the difference between last year’s recommendation and this year’s is that this year ACIP wants to remind those of us younger than 65 that the decision about whether or not to get a COVID booster is a matter of choice and suggests that we discuss the matter with a medical professional. Interestingly, the vast majority of medical professionals are in favor of the boosters, and the new CDC guidelines do not require a prescription for those looking to get a COVID booster.

The most important paragraph in Monday’s release was this: “Like routine recommendations, individual-based-decision-making allows for immunization coverage through all payment mechanisms including entitlement programs such as the [sic] Medicare, Medicaid, Children’s Health Insurance Program, and the Vaccines for Children Program, as well as insurance plans regulated by the Affordable Care Act.” This means there should be no change in insurance coverage for this year’s COVID vaccine. Lack of coverage was the fear, but it turns out to be a non-issue. So, once again, seasonal vaccines are a matter of personal choice. We’re here to help you make an informed decision.

Which Vaccines Should You Get?

Flu Shot

Flu season may be unpredictable, but one thing isn’t: skipping the flu shot is still a bad idea. This year’s formula appears to be a strong match for the circulating strains, and even if it’s not perfect (it never is), it still makes a big difference. Vaccinated people are far less likely to develop severe illness, end up in the hospital, or spread the virus to others. If you’ve ever gotten the flu, you know that a severe case is so miserable that you somehow understand how the virus can be lethal. The flu vaccine is designed to prevent you from getting the flu, but if it doesn’t manage that, it will prevent you from pondering your own mortality if you find yourself stricken.

Key takeaway: The flu shot is still your best annual defense. Get it by mid-November if you can—but it’s never too late.

COVID-19 Vaccine (Booster)

The updated COVID vaccine for 2025 is designed to protect against the currently dominant JN.1 and KP.3 variants (part of the Omicron family for the geeks among us). Many of us have already had COVID, and, oddly enough, that may be more of a reason to get the booster. Research shows that each subsequent COVID infection can increase the risk of long COVID. This is because each bout with COVID can potentially cause new or worsening inflammation and damage to the body. Repeated exposure increases the likelihood of lingering symptoms like brain fog, respiratory issues, or chronic fatigue. Unfortunately, scientists have not yet figured out a way to “cure” long COVID.

If it’s been more than two months since your last shot or infection, it’s time. And yes—you can get it at the same appointment as your flu shot.

Key takeaway: Even if you’ve already had COVID, boosters lower your chances of reinfection and reduce the risk of long COVID, which still has no known cure. Get boosted when you get your flu shot, and you’ll thank yourself later.

RSV Vaccine (for Older Adults and Some Pregnant People)

RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus) isn’t new, but the vaccine options are. Adults 50 and older can get one of two approved RSV vaccine (Arexvy or Abrysvo) both of which protect against serious lung infections. The CDC recommends the one-time-only RSV vaccine for everyone 75 and older and for adults 50+ who are at increased risk for serious lung infection.

The CDC now also recommends women between 32 and 36 weeks of pregnancy get an RSV vaccine to protect newborns during their first months of life.

Key takeaway: If you’re over 50 or expecting, ask your healthcare provider whether RSV vaccination is right for you.

Pneumonia Vaccine (Pneumococcal)

If you’re 65 or older, or if you have certain conditions like COPD, asthma, or diabetes, you may be due for a pneumococcal (pneumonia) vaccine. There are two types (PCV20 and PPSV23) and in most cases, only one is needed for lifetime coverage. It turns out that these vaccines protect us from the bacteria that causes many sinus infections. If you suffer from regular ones, it’s worth a discussion with a provider.

Key takeaway: Check with your medical provider to see if you are a candidate for this vaccine.

Can You Get More Than One Vaccine at a Time?

Yes. The CDC continues to give a thumbs-up to getting the flu shot and COVID booster together. If you need or want a third vaccine you can even add that during the same session. Your immune system can easily handle it, though you may feel a little achy afterward.

If you have certain health issues, your doctor may recommend spacing out the RSV vaccine. Generally, a few days to a week between inoculations is fine—it’s more about comfort than safety.

Side Effects: Still Mild, Still Manageable

Expect the usual: a sore arm, a little fatigue, maybe a low fever or headache for a day or two. It’s your immune system doing practice drills.

And no, worse side effects don’t mean better protection. Some people get a fever, others barely notice. Either way, your immune system is learning the playbook.

The Bottom Line on 2025 Vaccines

Bundle them together or spread them out, but it is a good idea to arm yourself against this season’s viruses. A few minutes in a pharmacy or medical office beats a week in bed with the flu or COVID. Protect yourself, your loved ones, and everyone else you breathe around this winter.