Cold winter weather brings a rise in respiratory infections, such as influenza (flu), RSV and COVID-19. Thankfully, these infections can often be prevented with vaccines. Many health insurance plans, including Tufts Health Plan, covers these shots at no cost to their members.
What vaccines can do
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, immunizations can help reduce your chances of getting these illnesses. People who get vaccinated and still get respiratory illnesses are much less likely to face serious risks – such as severe respiratory disease, hospitalization and death – when compared to those who don’t get the shots.
As a Special Olympics Massachusetts (SOMA) athlete, these vaccines can help you stay healthy so you can practice and compete during the winter months. Washing your hands frequently and avoiding large crowds and people who are sick can also help you say active in SOMA activities.
Talk with your provider
If you’re not sure which vaccines are right for you, talk with your provider and decide together based on your preferences, age and health conditions.
You can get the flu, RSV and COVID-19 vaccines at the same time. Experts say you should get them as early as possible before you are exposed to someone who is sick. You can get your vaccines from your provider, walk-in clinics or the pharmacy.
For more information or to schedule flu, RSV, or COVID-19 vaccines, visit vaccines.gov. Or call your provider or local pharmacy.
Disclosures
Tufts Health One Care is a health plan that contracts with both Medicare and Medicaid (MassHealth) to provide benefits of both programs to enrollees.
Tufts Health Plan complies with applicable Federal civil rights law and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation or gender identity.
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For information on Tufts Health One Care and other options for your health care, call the MassHealth Customer Service Center at 1-800-841-2900, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m., (TTY: 1-800-497-4648), or visit www.mass.gov/eohhs/consumer/insurance/one-care/.