October 2019
Talk to Your Patients About Getting a Flu Vaccine
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that, from Oct. 1, 2018, through May 4, 2019, there have been 37.4 million to 42.9 million flu illnesses, 531,000 to 647,000 flu hospitalizations and 36,400 to 61,200 flu deaths in the U.S.1 The CDC recommends that people who are 6 months of age or older and have no contraindications, receive a yearly flu vaccine. This is the first and most important step in protecting against influenza and its potentially serious complications.2
Children 6 months to 8 years old who are receiving their first vaccination, and those children who have previously received only one dose of vaccine, should get two doses of the vaccine this flu season.3 To prevent missed opportunities, you may want to discuss and offer a flu vaccine during an office visit, if applicable.
A flu vaccine is the leading prevention against seasonal influenza. Antiviral drugs may be used to lessen symptoms of the flu; however, educating patients that these drugs are not a substitute for getting a flu vaccine is vital.4
For the 2019-2020 flu season, below is a list of vaccines that are a covered benefit for Blue Cross Community Health PlansSM (BCCHPSM) and Blue Cross Community MMAI (Medicare-Medicaid Plan)SM members:
- Afluria Quadrivalent
- Fluad
- Fluarix Quadrivalent
- Flublok Quadrivalent
- Flucelvax Quadrivalent
- Flulaval Quadrivalent
- Fluzone High-Dose PF
- Fluzone Quadrivalent
Please remember, it’s vital to review the Table of Approved Vaccines for 2019-2020 on the CDC website for the most recent updates on newly available products and the approved age ranges.
You may want to talk to your patients about the flu vaccine. There are several misconceptions regarding this vaccine, so it’s 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:
- Benefits of the flu vaccine
- Side effects that could occur after receiving the vaccine
- Flu symptoms
- Effectiveness of the flu vaccination
- Patients' concerns/issues regarding this vaccine
As a reminder, while many BCBSIL members’ health benefit plans include influenza vaccination coverage with no member cost sharing when using a participating provider, there are some exceptions. It is important to check eligibility and benefits information to confirm details regarding copays, coinsurance and deductibles before administering the influenza vaccine to BCBSIL members.
1CDC, 2018-2019 U.S. Flu Season: Preliminary Burden Estimates. Sept. 6, 2019. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/burden/preliminary-in-season-estimates.htm
2CDC, National Center for Immunization and Respiratory, Aug. 27, 2018. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/flu/prevent/keyfacts.htm?CDC_AA_refVal=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cdc.gov%2Fflu%2Fprotect%2Fkeyfacts.htm
3CDC, Children & Influenza (Flu), Sept. 19, 2018. https://www.cdc.gov/flu/protect/children.htm
4CDC, Flu treatment, April 22, 2019. Retrieved from: https://www.cdc.gov/flu/treatment/index.html
Third party brand names are the property of their respective owners.
The information mentioned here is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for the independent medical judgment of a physician. Physicians are to exercise their own medical judgment. Pharmacy benefits and limits are subject to the terms set forth in the member’s certificate of coverage which may vary from the limits set forth above. The listing of any particular drug or classification of drugs is not a guarantee of benefits. Members should refer to their certificate of coverage for more details, including benefits, limitations and exclusions. Regardless of benefits, the final decision about any treatment, medication or vaccination is between the member and their health care provider.