FAQ: Respiratory Vaccine Appointments for Patients 50+

Respiratory season is here, and depending on your age and health status, it may be recommended for you to get vaccinations for flu, COVID-19, RSV, or pneumococcal infection. The below FAQ can serve as a starting place as you make your vaccine appointments and take steps to stay healthy.

Last Updated 10/17/2025

Coverage, Access, and ACIP Recommendations: What Consumers Should Know about Respiratory Vaccines Heading into Fall

Last Updated 10/15/2025

Recent changes to recommendations for respiratory vaccines have left patients and providers with pressing questions about vaccine access and coverage. Following its most recent meeting in September, the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommended COVID-19 vaccines for those 6 months and older based on “individual decision-making.” This change in recommendation illuminated the need for stakeholders to have clarity on the impact of ACIP recommendations on respiratory vaccine insurance coverage.

CVEEP hosted a timely discussion on this topic as experts in healthcare coverage, public health, and vaccine policy broke down the relationship between ACIP recommendations and coverage among different types of insurance plans, what to expect at your vaccination appointments this year, and how to advocate for yourself as a patient seeking fall vaccines.

Vaccines | Infectious Respiratory Diseases

Posters: Life Doesn’t Paws When You’re Sick

Vaccines against respiratory illnesses can help you stay on the ball.

Last Updated 10/14/2025

Infectious Respiratory Diseases | Vaccines

Healthy Holidays Start Now: Protect Yourself and Your Loved Ones

The holiday season is a time for gathering with family and friends, but it’s also the time of year when flu, COVID-19, pneumococcal disease, and RSV spread most easily. Don’t let “sick season” ruin your holiday season. Getting vaccinated is a simple step that helps protect you from serious illness, so you don’t miss out on memories that make the holidays special.

Last Updated 10/14/2025

Vaccines | COVID-19 | Flu | Pneumococcal Disease | RSV

Your Fall Vaccine Visit: What to Expect and How to Prepare

During respiratory season, recommended vaccines are especially important, particularly among individuals aged 50 and older, to protect against serious illness caused by respiratory diseases such as flu, COVID-19, pneumococcal disease, and RSV. Getting vaccinated this fall is one of the simplest ways to stay healthy and protect the people around you.

Last Updated 10/14/2025

Vaccines

Understanding Vaccine Technologies: From Early Methods to mRNA Innovation

Vaccines have transformed human health by preventing or reducing the severity of diseases that once claimed millions of lives. The progress from early vaccine developments to today’s mRNA technology reflects decades of innovation, collaboration, and scientific advancement.

Last Updated 10/09/2025

Vaccines

Q+A: Understanding Vaccine Post-Approval Safety Systems

In the U.S., long-standing vaccine safety systems are in place to ensure that vaccine safety is closely monitored at every step, even after a vaccine is approved. These systems include multi-stage clinical trials, ongoing safety studies, regulatory review while a vaccine is being developed, and continuous safety monitoring once a vaccine becomes publicly available. Post-approval monitoring ensures that the vaccine’s benefits continue to outweigh any risks and back up demonstrated safety that was seen during clinical trials.

Last Updated 10/09/2025

Vaccines

Q+A: Understanding the Vaccine Pre-Approval Process

In the U.S., long-standing vaccine safety systems are in place to ensure that vaccine safety is closely monitored at every step of vaccine development. These systems include multi-stage clinical trials, safety studies, and regulatory review.

Last Updated 10/09/2025

Vaccines | Infectious Respiratory Diseases

The Risks are Real: Dr. James Bigham

Dr. James Bigham, a pediatrician at the University of Wisconsin, emphasizes that vaccines are proven to reduce the risk of severe illness—not only protecting your family but also strengthening the health of your entire community.

Last Updated 09/04/2025

Vaccines | Infectious Respiratory Diseases

The Risks are Real: Dr. Catherine DeAngelis

Dr. Catherine DeAngelis, University Distinguished Service Professor Emerita at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine discusses the importance of helping to prevent the serious side effects of respiratory illness through vaccination.

Last Updated 08/28/2025