Vaccines
Vaccines can help keep you and your family healthy.
Vaccines are widely recognized by health professionals as safe and effective for helping prevent the spread of illnesses and disease, reducing hospitalization, and protecting vulnerable individuals. Whole person health care, including preventive care like screening and vaccinations, can also help lower health care costs. We encourage individuals and caregivers to speak with their doctor to discuss any question or concerns about vaccines.
Why are vaccines important?
Vaccines are an important part of a comprehensive, whole person approach to prevention, which also includes regular wellness visits, health screenings, chronic condition management and support for mental health and well-being. By getting vaccinated, you can help protect yourself, your loved ones, and your community.
What types of vaccines are available and how do I know which ones are recommended for me?
Your doctor can provide guidance on the recommended vaccine schedule based on your age, health status, and other factors.
There are many types of vaccines available, including those that protect against flu, pneumonia, and measles. Other routine vaccinations protect against:
- Chickenpox (Varicella vaccine)
- COVID-19
- Diphtheria (Tdap vaccine)
- Flu (Influenza vaccine)
- Hepatitis A and B
- Human Papillomavirus (HPV vaccine)
- Measles (MMR vaccine)
- Mumps (MMR vaccine)
- Pneumococcal (Pneumonia)
- Polio
- Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV)
- Rubella (MMR vaccine)
- Shingles
- Tetanus
- Whooping Cough (Pertussis)
If I’m behind on my shots, where can I go to get them?
Start by contacting your doctor to discuss your options. They know you and your health history best and can help provide guidance on how to get recommended vaccines. Additionally, many local pharmacies offer flu shots and other routine vaccinations.
Florida Blue members can log into their member account and search the online provider directory (OPD) to find an in-network doctor or pharmacy nearby.
Are vaccines covered by my Florida Blue insurance plan?
As part of our mission to help people and communities achieve better health, we make vaccines available based on medical coverage guidelines informed by evidence-based clinical standards of care, which follow the same preventive care protocols recommended by the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF), the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) among other federal organizations.
Most Florida Blue health plans cover routine vaccinations at no extra cost when using an in-network doctor or pharmacy. You can also check your plan details by logging in to your Florida Blue member account or by calling the phone number on the back of your member ID card.