Respiratory Virus Season Shots

Getting recommended shots is important for protecting yourself and your family from serious illness caused from respiratory viruses. Always talk to your health care provider to determine which shots are best for you.

General Immunization Guidance from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania

Can you get one or more of these shots at the same time? Yes, you can. View the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention webpage:

Related content on UPMC HealthBeat:

Jump to a respiratory virus:

What's in a Flu Shot?

Watch more

 

Flu Shots

Who should get a flu shot?

Even if you’re healthy, you can still get the flu and spread the virus to others. That’s why the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that everyone 6 months old or older to get an annual flu shot. (The CDC recommends that children ages 6 months to 8 years old who are getting the flu shot for the first time receive two doses four weeks apart.1) 

 

Where can I get a flu shot?

You can get a free flu shot at your primary care provider’s (PCP) office or in-network pharmacies. This includes many local independent pharmacies. Children can visit their pediatrician to receive a flu shot.

  • Schedule online with a pharmacy. Many pharmacies will give the shot to adults and children. When you show your health insurance member ID card at the following pharmacies, your shot should be free*. 

* Review a list of participating pharmacies2

  • UPMC-GoHealth Urgent Care.
    • Find a convenient location near you. 
    • Please note: Flu shots are available only for children 6 years old or older at UPMC-GoHealth Urgent Care locations.
  • UPMC employees.

What if you already paid or were charged for your flu shot?

  • If you have to pay for your shot, we will reimburse you.
    • All you have to do is complete the digital flu shot reimbursement form on the UPMC Health Plan member site. In the top-right corner, select Documents and Forms. Next, choose Forms and Guides from the dropdown list. You can also fill out and submit a paper flu shot reimbursement form.
  • For University of Pittsburgh faculty and staff:
    • Log in to my.Pitt.edu and follow this path. Click My Resources, then Human Resources. Select MyHealth Access, Menu, then Forms and Guides.  

     

    Back to Top

    COVID-19 Shots

    Who should get a COVID-19 shot?

    For the latest recommendations, see:

    Where can I get a COVID-19 shot?

    You can go to in-network pharmacy and show your member ID.

    How much do COVID-19 shots cost?

    The COVID-19 shot is free when you go to in-network pharmacy and show your member ID.

    Can children get COVID-19 shots?

    You and your child may have lots of questions about COVID-19 shots. We can help.

    RSV Shot

    Who should get an RSV shot?

    Pregnant people, all adults who are 75 or older, and adults ages 50 to 74 who are at increased risk of severe respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) should get an RSV shot. Those who are at risk include people:

    • With chronic heart or lung disease.
    • With a weakened immune system.
    • Who have certain other medical conditions, such as severe obesity or severe diabetes.
    • Who live in a nursing home or other long-term care facility.

    Also see: 

    • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
    • American Academy of Obstetricians and Gynecologists

    For childhood RSV recommendations, see:

    • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
    • American Academy of Pediatrics

     

    Where can I get the RSV shot?

    • Adults should confirm their coverage and check with an in-network pharmacy to learn if the RSV shot is in stock.
    • Children must get an RSV shot at their pediatrician’s office.

    What does the RSV shot cost?

    • There is no cost for an RSV shot if you visit an in-network pharmacy. Confirm with your pharmacy that they offer RSV shots and have them in stock.
    • There is no cost for children when they receive an RSV shot at a pediatrician’s office. Confirm with your child’s pediatrician that they offer RSV shots and have them in stock, then make an appointment. 

     

    Back to Top

    1Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Flu and Children. Reviewed June 16, 2026. Accessed Sept. 3, 2026. https://www.cdc.gov/flu/highrisk/children.html 

    2The listed pharmacies are in-network for members who reside in Pennsylvania as of September 2025. If you are an out-of-state member or need further assistance finding a pharmacy, please contact a Health Care Concierge at the phone number on your ID card or call 1-844-220-4785 (TTY: 711) Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

    3UPMC Community HealthChoices participants who are enrolled in a Medicare plan will receive coverage for the vaccine(s) through their Medicare benefits. If UPMC Health Plan does not provide your primary insurance coverage, speak with your primary insurer about vaccination coverage.

    4UPMC Health Plan’s use of this material does not imply or constitute endorsement or recommendation by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, Department of Health and Human Services, or the U.S. government of UPMC Health Plan, its affiliates, or their respective services.