Immunizations and vaccines

Protection against infectious diseases

Vaccines are the best way to protect children, adolescents, and adults against infectious diseases. Thanks to vaccines, many infectious diseases that were once common in this country are now under control.

If you’re holding off on getting vaccinated because you’re worried about side effects — don’t. In most cases, vaccines cause no side effects or only mild reactions such as fever or soreness at the injection site. Very rarely do people experience more serious side effects, like allergic reactions. Public health officials do not release vaccines unless the preventive benefits of the vaccine far outweigh any potential risks.

Learn about additional ways to protect yourself and help slow the spread of illness.

Recommended vaccines

Keep track of which vaccines you and your family should receive and when. Review the recommended immunization schedules from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for children, adolescents, and adults.

Seasonal vaccines

Influenza (Flu)

Getting an annual flu shot is one of the most important steps you can take to protect your health and well-being. Each year, thousands of people are hospitalized because of complications from the flu. The CDC recommends that everyone 6 months of age and older, especially if they’re at high risk of flu complications, get a yearly flu shot.

IBX members can get their flu vaccine at no cost at their doctor’s office, a retail health clinic, an in-network pharmacy, or a wellness event, such as those offered by employers for their employees.¹ In addition:

• If you pay for your flu shot out of pocket, you can get reimbursed for up to $50 per member per vaccine.
• You do not need a referral, precertification, or preapproval to get your seasonal flu vaccine.

Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV)

RSV is a common respiratory virus that usually causes mild, cold-like symptoms. It can be more serious in infants and older adults, who are more likely to develop severe RSV and need hospitalization.

IBX members who meet the CDC criteria outlined below can get the RSV vaccine (for adults) and monoclonal antibody products (for infants and young children) at no cost.

The CDC recommends the following individuals receive vaccination against RSV:

• Infants under 8 months of age, regardless of risk, who are born during the current RSV season or entering their first RSV season²
• Children 8 to 19 months of age who are at an increased risk of severe RSV and who are entering their second RSV season²
• Adults 60 years of age and older
• Pregnant individuals at 32 through 36 weeks gestational age

COVID-19

COVID-19 is a disease caused by a virus named SARS-CoV-2, which can be very contagious and spread quickly. It can cause older people and those with underlying medical conditions like cardiovascular disease, diabetes, chronic respiratory disease, or cancer to develop serious illness. Vaccines and boosters are available to help reduce the risk of severe disease, hospitalization, and death.

IBX members:

• COVID-19 vaccines are covered at no cost when obtained from an in-network provider or pharmacy.
• If the vaccine is administered by an out-of-network provider or pharmacy, standard cost-sharing will apply. Check your benefits to confirm if you have out-of-network coverage. Log in at ibx.com to find a provider.
• If you received the vaccine at the pharmacy and paid out of pocket for it, you can use the Prescription Reimbursement Request Form to submit for reimbursement.

Learn more about IBX COVID-19 coverage.

Other important vaccinations

Shingles (Herpes Zoster)

Shingles is a painful viral disease caused by the reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus. This is the same virus that causes chickenpox, which means if you had chickenpox in the past, you’re at risk of getting shingles. And, as you get older, that risk increases.

The CDC recommends the following individuals receive two doses of the shingles vaccine called Shingrix (recombinant zoster vaccine):

• Adults 50 years and older
• Adults 19 years and older who have weakened immune systems because of disease or therapy
• Anyone who received the Zostavax vaccine (Zostavax is no longer available for use in the U.S. as of November 18, 2020. If you received Zostavax in the past, you should get the Shingrix vaccine. Talk to your healthcare provider to determine the best time to get Shingrix.)

IBX members who meet the CDC criteria above can get the Shingles vaccine at no cost.