Blue Review
A newsletter for contracting institutional and professional providers

September 2020

Getting A Flu Vaccine Will Be More Important Than Ever This Year

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), it’s likely that flu viruses and the virus that causes COVID-19 will both be spreading this fall and winter. In this context, the CDC says getting a flu vaccine will be more important than ever.1

Although the CDC recommends that all people 6 months and older get a yearly flu vaccine, if someone is suspected of having COVID-19 or has a confirmed case, the flu vaccine should be postponed until they’ve met the quarantine criteria.1

CDC data show that, on average, fewer than half of American adults, and about 60% of kids, typically get the flu shot each year. Experts hope more people will get the flu vaccine this year to try to reduce the burden on hospitals strained by COVID-19. Flu shot manufacturers are increasing output from 175 million doses to as many as 194-198 million doses of flu vaccine for the 2020-2021 season.1

This season’s flu vaccines were updated to better match viruses expected to be circulating in the U.S. and there are two new vaccines licensed for use. Both are for use in adults 65 years and older. The CDC says providers may choose to administer any licensed, age-appropriate flu vaccine (IIV, RIV4, or LAIV4), with no preference for any one vaccine over another.1

Prepare Your Practice
The CDC has additional information such as, Interim Guidance for Immunization Services During the COVID-19 Pandemic, Information for Health Care Professionals 2020-2021 Flu Season, Make a Strong Flu Vaccine Recommendation and Prepare Your Practice to Fight Flu.

Alert Your Patients
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois (BCBSIL) is doing its part in this year’s fight against the flu. We’re working to increase access to free resources for our members. Please share this information with your patients to help encourage them to get the flu vaccine.

  • Our Blue Door Neighborhood CentersSM will be offering flu shots at both our locations in Chicago’s Pullman and Morgan Park neighborhoods.
  • Our Care Van® program is offering flu shot clinics in the Central Illinois area, as well as working with the Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) to provide all immunizations recommended by the CDC.

1CDC, Frequently Asked Influenza (Flu) Questions: 2020-2021 Season, updated Aug. 20, 2020. https://www.cdc.gov/flu/season/faq-flu-season-2020-2021.htm

The above material is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for the independent medical judgment of a physician or other health care provider. Physicians and other health care providers are encouraged to use their own medical judgment based upon all available information and the condition of the patient in determining the appropriate course of treatment. References to third party sources or organizations are not a representation, warranty or endorsement of such organizations. Any questions regarding those organizations should be addressed to them directly. The fact that a service or treatment is described in this material is not a guarantee that the service or treatment is a covered benefit and members should refer to their certificate of coverage for more details, including benefits, limitations and exclusions. Regardless of benefits, the final decision about any service or treatment is between the member and their health care provider.