Flu Vaccine
Eligibility: Everyone over the age of 6 months, annually
The flu vaccine is an important step to help protect yourself, your loved ones, and your community against the flu and complications associated with the flu. The flu vaccine offers personal protection against the flu and can protect others by reducing the spread of the flu. It can also help us keep as much normalcy as we can by avoiding disruptions to work and school.
Pregnant women, children under the age of 5, people with weakened immune systems, people with chronic conditions, and people over the age of 65 are at a higher risk for flu-related complications.
Annual flu vaccines are typically covered by insurance. The Macon County Health Department carries 317 flu vaccine, which provides flu vaccine at a low cost for individuals who are uninsured or underinsured.
COVID-19 Vaccine
Eligibility: everyone over the age of 6 months, if it’s been at least 2 months since a previous COVID-19 vaccine
Safe and effective, COVID-19 vaccines are the best way to reduce your risk of severe illness and hospitalization due to COVID-19. No vaccine is 100% effective, but coupled with habits to avoid illness like staying home when sick, avoiding crowds, and practicing good hand hygiene, it’s the best defense we have against COVID-19.
An updated fall COVID-19 vaccine was approved in September 2024 to help provide protection against the variant that will be circulating this fall. As time from previous vaccination and COVID-19 infection goes on, your immune system’s protection wanes, which is the reason we need to receive additional vaccinations against COVID-19.
The Macon County Health Department carries the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine, which is approved for ages 12 and up.
The COVID vaccine should be covered by insurance, including Medicare. The Macon County Health Department carries COVID vaccines available for adults who are uninsured and underinsured through the Bridge Access program.
RSV
Eligibility: Age 60 to 74 with certain health conditions, age 75 and older, or pregnant women between 32 to 36 weeks of pregnancy
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a common respiratory virus that causes mild, cold-like symptoms. Most people recover easily from RSV, but infants and older adults are more likely to develop severe illness from RSV and could need hospitalization. Being vaccinated against RSV protects not only the individual but also those around you who may be at risk for severe RSV, like infants.
The RSV is safe and recommended for women who are pregnant between 32 to 36 weeks pregnant. In most cases, the infant does not need the RSV vaccine if the mom receives it during pregnancy, which means the mom is able to pass protection to the infant.
RSV vaccines are covered by Medicare Part D and should be covered by most insurance. Be sure to call your insurance company to check coverage if you have questions.
Pneumonia
Eligibility: Adults ages 65 and older. Adults ages 19-64 years old with certain conditions. Infants during regular childhood immunizations
Pneumonia is a common preventable disease that can cause serious illness and death, especially in older adults. A pneumonia vaccine helps reduce your risk for serious illness.
Children receive pneumonia vaccines as part of their regular childhood immunizations to begin building immune protection in infancy. Adults ages 19-64 years old with certain risk conditions are eligible for a pneumonia vaccine, talk to your doctor to see you if are eligible. Adults ages 65 and older are recommended to receive a pneumonia vaccine.
The Macon County Health Department carries the Prevnar 20, and Prevnar 21 pneumonia vaccines. What you are due for will be determined based on what you have had in the past (if anything). Our knowledgeable nurses are able to look at your immunization history and determine what would be best for you.
Pneumonia vaccines are covered by Medicare Part B and should be covered by most insurance. Be sure to call your insurance company to check coverage if you have questions.
Shingles
Eligibility: Adults over the age of 50
Shingles is a painful rash of blisters that can appear on the body, including the face or torso. This rash can last for weeks, even months or years. The shingles vaccine is more than 90% effective at protecting adults against the virus that causes shingles to prevent this painful rash.
The shingles vaccine is given in two doses, 2-6 months apart. Adults over the age of 50 are recommended to get the shingles vaccine.
Shingles vaccines are covered by Medicare Part D and should be covered by most insurance. Be sure to call your insurance company to check coverage if you have any questions.
