Stay healthy

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.

AmeriHealth makes it easy for members to stay protected by offering coverage for routine preventive vaccines at no cost. This benefit is part of the preventive care services required under the Affordable Care Act.

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

Find an in-network provider

To find an in-network pharmacy or provider near you, log in at amerihealth.com.


AmeriHealth Medicare Advantage members

Learn about coverage and cost sharing for vaccines.

Recommended vaccines

Keep track of which vaccines you and your family should receive, as well as 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.

Although most people get the flu vaccine between September and November, the flu season typically lasts through April, with most cases occurring between late December and early March. The flu vaccine can take up to two weeks to work, so it’s important to get vaccinated as soon as possible.

AmeriHealth 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.

For more information about the dangers of flu and the benefits of vaccinations, visit www.cdc.gov/flu.

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.

AmeriHealth 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 the SARS-CoV-2 virus, 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.

AmeriHealth covers the COVID-19 vaccine for 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 amerihealth.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.

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.)

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

1 Refer to your health plan benefits to see how these vaccines are covered.

2 For most of the U.S., the RSV season is typically in the fall and winter.

Coverage is subject to the terms and conditions of the applicable benefit plan. Individual benefits must be verified.