Flu, RSV, and COVID-19 vaccine recommendations: Fall and winter 2023–2024

Dec. 2023Important Notices
Flu, RSV, and COVID-19 vaccines are recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to reduce the risk of serious illness, hospitalizations, long-term health impacts, and death.

The CDC recommends an annual influenza vaccination for everyone 6 months old and older in the United States.

The agency also recommends an updated COVID-19 vaccine for the 2023–2024 respiratory viral season. Updated vaccines include Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna, and Novavax COVID-19 vaccines. Everyone 5 years old and older should get one dose of an updated COVID-19 vaccine to be up to date and protected against serious illness from COVID-19. Children 6 months to 4 years old need multiple doses of a COVID-19 vaccine to be up to date, including at least one dose of the updated vaccine. People who are moderately or severely immunocompromised may get additional doses of an updated COVID-19 vaccine.

Single-dose RSV vaccines—Abrysvo and Arexvy—are available for adults 60 years old and older using shared clinical decision making. Additionally, Abrysvo is recommended for individuals who are 32 to 36 weeks pregnant, using seasonal administration, to prevent RSV lower respiratory tract infection in infants.

Specific to pediatrics, children younger than 8 months old who were born during or are entering their first RSV season are recommended to receive one dose of Beyfortus (nirsevimab) (50 mg for infants <5 kg and 100 mg for infants ≥5 kg). Children 8 months to 19 months old who are at increased risk of severe RSV disease and are entering their second season are recommended to receive one 200 mg dose of Beyfortus (nirsevimab).

Visit the CDC website for more information about the flu, RSV, and COVID-19 vaccines:
UPMC Health Plan updates the benefit status of vaccines as information is published by clinical and regulatory groups, such as ACIP, CDC, CMS, USPSTF, and AAP, and will follow all published requirements in a timely manner. Member cost share may be applied in certain circumstances, such as use of an out-of-network provider or use that does not follow ACIP recommendations. Patients should refer to the UPMC Health Plan member website for a full list of participating pharmacies and/or contact Member Services for assistance in determining coverage for various vaccines.

The provider of care is ultimately responsible for providing accurate and compliant information on all submission of claims and/or billing information.

Recent Announcements

CME Webinar: Evaluating Antimicrobial Stewardship Techniques in the Outpatient Setting

Please join us for a live, CME-accredited webinar on Tuesday, Nov. 4, from noon to 1 p.m. that will share an overview of evaluating antimicrobial stewardship techniques in the outpatient setting.
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Understanding available resources for substance misuse and addiction

Information available on the internet can be overwhelming when searching on the topic of substance misuse and addiction. UPMC Health Plan has a dedicated webpage containing information and links to treatment service options, harm reduction services, and other supports. The webpage includes local, state, and national resources to help streamline the search process for members and their families who may be experiencing challenges related to substance misuse and addiction, and for providers who may be looking for information on how to best support their patients.
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