It’s time to vax up

With cold and flu season in full swing, it’s important to get vaccinated for COVID-19, flu and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).

For the first time ever, all three vaccines are available in the U.S., and public health officials encourage those who are eligible to get the trio of shots.

“It’s clear that if people have to go back to the pharmacy on two different occasions, there’s always an attrition rate,” said Dr. Andrew Pekosz, a professor at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. “So, if you have the time, you can plan to get the RSV separately from the COVID and influenza vaccines, but it’s better to take all three at the same time, rather than risk not going back for a vaccination.”

Getting all three shots will help avoid another tripledemic, which flooded hospitals last year.

“We must use all available tools to protect those most at risk, including infants and young children, pregnant people, older adults, and those with chronic health conditions,” said Dr. Mandy Cohen, director for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

MESSA fully covers the flu, COVID-19 and RSV shots when you go to a payable provider, including:

• Your in-network provider.
• Select retail pharmacies. Most pharmacies will administer vaccines for free and bill MESSA.
• Public health departments. Most public health departments require payment. If you pay for a vaccination, complete a claims reimbursement form and send it to MESSA with your receipt. Find the form at messa.org/forms under Member Claims.