January 2019
Remind Your Patients: It’s Not Too Late for a Flu Shot
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Weekly U.S. Influenza Surveillance Report for the week ending December 22 (week 51), the proportion of people seeing their health care provider for influenza-like illness (ILI) was 3.3 percent, which is above the national baseline of 2.2 percent.1 Influenza A(H1N1)pdm09, influenza A(H3N2), and influenza B viruses continue to co-circulate.1
A new survey from NORC (formerly known as National Opinion Research Center) at the University of Chicago reports that as of mid-November 2018, 43 percent of adults reported that they had gotten a flu vaccination. However, 41 percent of adults said they have not been vaccinated and do not intend to do so.2
The CDC reports that the majority of influenza viruses characterized antigenically and genetically are similar to the cell-grown reference viruses representing the 2018–2019 Northern Hemisphere influenza vaccine viruses.1
It is not too late to get a flu vaccine. The CDC continues to recommend influenza vaccination for everyone 6 months of age and older as the best way to prevent illness and protect against flu complications. The intranasal flu vaccine (e.g. Flumist®), which was not recommended the past two flu seasons, is now one of several available influenza vaccines endorsed by the CDC for select eligible populations 2 years of age and older.3
Typically, the peak of flu season occurs in February, but activity can last as late as May.
As a reminder, you may want to talk to your patients about the flu vaccine. There are several misconceptions regarding this vaccine, so it is important to educate patients about the risks and benefits of getting a yearly flu vaccine. The following discussion points may help you help your patients feel more informed and aware of their health care:
- Potential health risks of influenza infection
- Relative benefits and effectiveness of receiving the flu vaccine
- Potential side effects that could occur after receiving the vaccine
- Any patient concerns/issues regarding influenza vaccination
While many of our members’ health benefit plans include influenza vaccination coverage with no member cost sharing, there are some exceptions. It is important to check eligibility and benefits information for details regarding copays, coinsurance and deductibles before administering the influenza vaccine to our members.
Additional information such as information for Health Care Professionals and weekly flu reports can be found on the CDC’s Influenza (Flu) page at cdc.gov/flu.
1CDC, Weekly U.S. Influenza Surveillance Report, https://www.cdc.gov/flu/weekly/index.htm
2NORC at the University of Chicago, 41 Percent of Americans Do Not Intend to Get a Flu Shot this Season, Dec. 5, 2018. http://www.norc.org/NewsEventsPublications/PressReleases/Pages/41-percent-of-americans-do-not-intend-to-get-a-flu-shot.aspx
3CDC, Frequently Asked Flu Questions 2018-2019 Influenza Season, Aug. 30, 2018, https://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/season/flu-season-2018-2019.htm
The information mentioned here is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for the independent medical judgment of a physician. Members should refer to their certificate of coverage for more details, including benefits, limitations and exclusions. Regardless of benefits, the final decision about any medication is between the member and their health care provider.
Checking eligibility and/or benefit information is not a guarantee of payment. Benefits will be determined once a claim is received and will be based upon, among other things, the member’s eligibility and the terms of the member’s certificate of coverage applicable on the date services were rendered. If you have any questions, please call the number on the back of the member’s ID card.