Your chances of catching a viral illness are higher at certain times of year, like back to school, when temperatures begin to drop and during the fall and winter holidays.
Viruses can cause varying degrees of illness, from minor to very severe. They spread quickly, especially if they're airborne like COVID-19, Respiratory Syncytial Virus, cold or flu. An airborne virus can stay in the air long enough to reach someone else, even if they aren't standing close. It can also spread when the virus is on an infected person's hands or something they've touched.
Why Are Vaccines Important?
Vaccines are an important part of staying safe and healthy.
- Flu, RSV and COVID-19 are contagious. They’re caused by a virus, like the common cold. Unlike colds, you can get a shot to protect yourself. Flu, RSV and COVID-19 can spread before you have any symptoms. This is why others can give it to you before they know they have it. It takes about two weeks for a vaccine to start protecting you.
- They prevent serious complications. You might be able to fight off an illness within a few days, but why get sick if you don’t have to? Flu, RSV and COVID-19 can lead to complications like bronchitis, sinus infections and pneumonia, which could become life-threatening.
- Immunizations are important to protect people at risk, such as the very young, the very old and people with weak immune systems or serious illnesses. Some at-risk people can’t get immunizations. When people who can get vaccinated do, everyone is better protected.
- Germs are world travelers. Vaccine-preventable diseases are still around, even the ones that aren’t common in the U.S., like measles. They can spread to people who aren’t vaccinated or cannot get vaccinated.
Who Needs Vaccines?
- Adults and children older than six months should get a yearly flu shot.
- The RSV vaccine is recommended for older adults, those with weakened immune systems and infants younger than eight months whose mother was not vaccinated during the third trimester.
- Most adults should get a yearly COVID-19 vaccine. If your children are ages 6 months to 17 years old, ask their provider if they need the COVID-19 vaccine.
Are Vaccines Safe?
Before a vaccine is approved for use in the U.S., it goes through testing to make sure it’s safe and works well. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration evaluates the results of clinical studies. Safety is closely watched during use. Like other medicines, vaccines can cause side effects. They’re mostly mild.
Resources for TRS-Care and TRS-Active Care
100% Covered Vaccines
Your TRS health plan covers immunizations at no cost to you.
Provider Finder®
You can use Provider Finder® to find the right place to get your vaccinations.
TRS-Care Medicare Advantage Resources
Covered Vaccines
Vaccines, including those for the flu, Hepatitis B, pneumonia, or COVID-19 are covered at $0. Learn the facts about vaccines from this UnitedHealthcare resource. For more information about plan coverage call UnitedHealthcare toll-free 1-866-347-9507, TTY 711, 7 a.m.-6 p.m. CT, Monday-Friday or sign in or register on your member website at retiree.uhc.com/TRS-CareMA.