You and your family are best protected from severe illness when you stay up to date with your
preventive care services. Below are updates on three important preventive care services. As always, be
sure to discuss which preventive care services are most appropriate for you with your health care
provider.
Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV)
While most people experience Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) with cold-like symptoms, the virus can
develop into something more serious for certain populations. Infants, young children, and older adults
may be likely to develop severe RSV and require hospitalization. The Food and Drug Administration
(FDA) recently approved preventive care services for RSV, including vaccines for adults ages 60 and
older and RSV monoclonal antibodies for children ages 0-24 months.
Beginning on August 30, 2023, both the RSV vaccine and RSV monoclonal antibodies are covered
preventive care services.
For adults ages 60 and older, the RSV vaccine is covered at no cost to you when provided by an
Empire Plan participating medical provider or at a vaccination network pharmacy.
For infants and children ages 0-24 months, RSV monoclonal antibodies are covered at no cost to
you when administered by an Empire Plan participating medical provider. This treatment is not
available at retail pharmacies.
COVID-19
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommends COVID-19 primary series vaccines for everyone age
six months and older, and COVID-19 boosters for eligible individuals ages five years or older. Vaccine
recommendations vary depending upon age, the date the first vaccine was received, and the time
elapsed since the last dose. COVID-19 vaccines, including recommended updated boosters, provided
by an Empire Plan participating medical provider or at a vaccination network pharmacy will be covered
at no cost to you.
Influenza (Flu)
With flu season approaching, now is the time to consider getting a flu vaccine. Flu vaccines are covered
at no cost to you when provided by an Empire Plan participating medical provider or at a vaccination
network pharmacy.
More information about preventive care services can be found in The Empire Plan Preventive Care
Coverage Guide. For specific benefit coverage details and limitations, refer to your Plan documents or
call The Empire Plan toll free at 1-877-7-NYSHIP (1-877-769-7447).