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With COVID cases on the rise in our area, team members and patients alike are asking about the updated COVID vaccine that is currently awaiting authorization. Similarly, with winter just around the corner, questions about flu vaccines and the recently authorized RSV vaccine are also common. Employee Health and clinical leaders wish to provide the following updates on respiratory illness vaccines, including patient-facing messages:

COVID

• An updated COVID-19 vaccine is expected this fall, pending authorization by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). 
• Once authorized, UVA Health will move quickly to make it available to team members and patients. It’s expected that the UVA Health insurance plan will cover 100% of the cost of this vaccine for members.
• While strongly encouraged, the updated COVID vaccine will not be required for team members.
• Stay tuned for details in the coming weeks on how you can get the updated COVID vaccine. 
• Patient message: Authorization of an updated COVID-19 vaccine is expected this fall. UVA Health will move quickly to make it available by appointment at our pharmacies and clinics. Patients’ insurance will be billed for the vaccine. Watch the news for updates or check in with your primary care clinic this fall.

Flu

• An annual flu vaccine is required for all UVA Health Tier 1 employees (the vast majority of Medical Center team members are Tier 1) per Health System Policy OCH-002.
• Stay tuned for details in September on where and when you can get your flu shot as part of the Flu Free in ’23 team member vaccination initiative. 
• Patient message: UVA Health strongly encourages an annual flu shot for all community members to protect themselves and others during flu season. To get a flu shot, patients should contact their primary care provider to determine when vaccines are expected to be available in their clinic. UVA Health pharmacies will have flu vaccines available, as well.

Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV)

• An RSV vaccine has been authorized for individuals 60 years of age and older. 
• Medicare recipients must receive the vaccine at a pharmacy for it to be covered. UVA Health will offer this vaccine via appointment at its pharmacies. Stay tuned for details.
• Patient message: UVA Health recommends those 60 and older discuss the potential benefits and other considerations of RSV vaccination with their primary care provider. These shots will be available to eligible individuals via appointment at UVA Health pharmacies.