The short answer: Fall is the time to get your flu shot. If you are 65 or older, ask for an "enhanced" flu shot. Ask your doctor about a COVID-19 shot and a one-time RSV shot too. Medicare pays for these shots. You can get more than one at the same visit if your doctor agrees.
Why Seniors Need These Shots
Flu, COVID-19 and Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) can make older adults very sick. They can lead to pneumonia or a hospital stay. Getting your shots before the holidays helps protect you when more people are out and about.
Flu Shot: Ask for an "Enhanced" One
If you are 65 or older, doctors recommend one of three enhanced flu shots. They are made to give older adults stronger protection:
- High-dose (Fluzone High-Dose)
- Adjuvanted (Fluad). This one has an added ingredient that boosts your body's response.
- Recombinant (Flublok)
A new mRNA flu shot called mFLUSIVA is also available for adults 50 and older this season. Ask your doctor or pharmacist which one is right for you. If the enhanced shot is not in stock, do not wait. Take what is available. (Sources: National Council on Aging (NCOA) and PBS NewsHour.)
When to go: September and October are the best months. Avoid getting it in July or August, because protection can fade before flu peaks in late winter. (Source: NCOA.)
COVID-19 Shot
Several medical groups, including the American Academy of Family Physicians and the Infectious Diseases Society of America, say older adults should get a fall COVID-19 shot. They also advise a second dose about six months later. (Source: PBS NewsHour.)
Federal advice has been slower and less clear this year, so medical groups have stepped in with their own guidance. That can be confusing. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about the best timing for you. If you had COVID-19 recently, you may be told to wait a few months before your shot. (Source: Your Local Epidemiologist.)
RSV Shot: One Time Only
RSV is a common virus that can cause serious lung illness in older adults. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends one RSV shot for:
- All adults 75 and older
- Adults 50 to 74 who have a higher risk of severe RSV. Your doctor can tell you if that is you
It is a single dose, not a yearly shot. If you already had it in a past year, you do not need another. (Source: CDC.) Ask your doctor whether you should also get a pneumonia (pneumococcal) shot, since pneumonia often follows the flu. (Source: NCOA.)
What Medicare Covers
- Flu shot: Covered by Medicare Part B. You pay nothing if your provider accepts assignment, which means they accept Medicare's approved price. (Source: Medicare.gov.)
- COVID-19 shot: Also covered by Part B at no cost when your provider accepts assignment. (Source: Medicare.gov.)
- RSV shot: Covered by Medicare Part D (drug coverage), not Part B. With Part D you pay nothing for recommended adult vaccines. If you go to a pharmacy, make sure it is in your Part D plan's network, or you could be charged. If you have no Part D plan, you may have to pay. (Source: Medicare.gov.)
If you have a Medicare Advantage plan, call the number on your plan card and ask which pharmacies to use. Bring your red, white and blue Medicare card to every visit. Our Medicare Open Enrollment guide can help you check your drug plan for 2027, and our Medicare options guide explains how the parts fit together.
How to Get Your Shots: 4 Easy Steps
- Make a short list. Write down which shots you have had this year and which you want to ask about.
- Call your doctor or pharmacy. Ask which shots they have in stock, and whether you can get them on the same day.
- Find a nearby place. Use vaccines.gov to search by ZIP code.
- Bring your Medicare card and any insurance cards, plus a photo ID.
Some Florida senior health fairs also offer wellness screenings. Check our events calendar and our roundup of October and November senior events. Call the organizer first to ask if shots are offered.
Skip the Scams
Medicare will not call you to sell you a "special" or "free" shot. Never give your Medicare number to a caller who contacted you first. Learn more in our scam alert for Florida seniors.
Where to Get Free Help
- 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227): questions about what Medicare covers
- Florida SHINE (Serving Health Insurance Needs of Elders): free, unbiased Medicare help at 1-800-96-ELDER (1-800-963-5337). See how to get a SHINE counselor.
- Your doctor or pharmacist: the best place to ask which shots you need
- Find a clinic or pharmacy: the Florida senior resource directory and vaccines.gov
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical, financial, or legal advice. Readers should consult a qualified healthcare provider for medical concerns, a financial advisor for financial planning, and an attorney for legal matters. The resources and programs mentioned are subject to eligibility requirements and availability, which may vary. While we strive for accuracy, the information provided may not reflect the most recent updates. Always verify details with official sources or professionals before making decisions based on this content.