Vaccines and immunizations

 

Vaccines help you and your family stay safe.  When you get a vaccine, it helps protect your body from that disease or virus.  Vaccines also make it harder for viruses to spread, which helps protect the people around you too.   

Flu and COVID-19 Vaccines

Stay healthy by getting your annual flu shot and updated COVID-19 booster.  In fact, you can get both shots at the same time.  You can also space them a few weeks apart if you are someone who feels unwell after getting your shots.  Flu and COVID shots are free for all members.  To see frequently asked questions or for more details, click here.   If you have questions about your health or your child’s health, please talk with your doctor. 

Routine and Age-Related Vaccines

Many preventive vaccines are needed for school, work, or life events such as pregnancy.  Preventive vaccines are fully covered by VHP with no copayment for VHP members.  Examples include: 

• Hepatitis B
• MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella)
• Tdap (Tetanus, diphtheria, and whooping cough) or Td (tetanus, diphtheria)
• Chickenpox (varicella)
• HPV (human papillomavirus)
• Shingles (zoster)
• RSV (respiratory syncytial virus)

Please refer to our Drug Formulary for a full list of covered vaccines:   VHP Drug Formulary.  Any vaccines outside of this drug formulary may require prior authorization.  

Below are the preventive vaccines recommended by the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) for each age group:

• Infants and children immunization schedule (birth to 6 years)
• Pre-teens and teens immunization schedule (7 to 18 years)
• Adult immunization schedule (19 years and older)

For more information, visit:  CDC.gov/vaccines.  If you have questions about your health or your child’s health, please talk with your doctor.

Travel Vaccines

When you are traveling, you may need specific vaccines to enter different countries.  It is important to plan ahead for any vaccines you may need.  Some vaccines may only be available at travel clinics or require many doses over a few weeks to work properly.

To find out which vaccinations are recommended for your destination, visit:  CDC Travel.

If you have questions or need help, call VHP Member Services at (888) 421-8444 or email [email protected].   

Where To Get Your Vaccines

You can get vaccinated at various pharmacy locations and clinics.    

• Visit any VHP network pharmacy, including Walgreens, Safeway, Costco, or CVS.  Please call ahead or schedule a time online prior.
• Go to any Valley Medical Center pharmacy.  Please make an appointment first at: myHealth Online - Schedule an Appointment (sccgov.org). 
• Check to see if your primary care physician or pediatrician offers vaccines. 
• Call (408) 792-5200 to make an appointment with the Santa Clara County Public Health Pharmacy Travel and Immunization Clinic.

Be sure to check with the pharmacies first to see if they have the vaccines you need in stock, and bring your VHP ID Card.

Disclaimer

VHP recommends that you talk with your doctor directly for the most accurate and up-to-date vaccine information or if you have any specific questions regarding your health or your child’s health.  If you have any questions about whether VHP will cover the cost of a vaccine, please contact VHP Member Services at  (888) 421-8444, email [email protected], or refer to your formulary available online.