October 2022
Remind Patients To Get Influenza Vaccination
As this year’s flu season approaches, it’s important to remind our members to get a flu shot for themselves and their children 6 months of age and older. If they haven’t, we encourage you to explain the benefits and develop a plan to help them get one.
Your patients may not realize that the flu vaccine reduces the prevalence of illness caused by the influenza virus and helps to reduce symptoms that may be confused with those of COVID-19.1 A flu vaccine is the leading prevention against seasonal influenza. Antiviral drugs may be used to lessen flu symptoms; however, educating patients that these drugs are not a substitute for getting a flu vaccine is vital.2
Vaccine hesitancy and misconceptions are more prevalent than ever. Medical providers remain a trusted source of vaccine information and confidence.3 Getting a flu shot is a part of the Healthcare Effectiveness Data and Information Set (HEDIS®) measure for Illinois HealthChoice Child (0-2 years) and it’s also part of the Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (CAHPS®) survey for the Illinois HealthChoice Adult and the Blue Choice Community MMAI (Medicare-Medicaid Plan)SM population.
Talk to your patients about the risks and benefits of annual flu vaccinations. Consider the following discussion points to help 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 vaccine hesitancy
What’s covered for Illinois Medicaid members?
For the 2022-2023 flu season, below is a list of vaccines that are a covered benefit for Blue Cross Community Health PlansSM (BCCHPSM) and MMAI members.*
- Fluzone high does PF
- Afluria Quadrivalent
- Fluad Quadrivalent
- Flulaval Quadrivalent
- Fluzone Quadrivalent
- Fluarix Quadrivalent
- Flucelvax Quadrivalent
- Flublok Quadrivalent
Review the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website for the most recent updates on 2022 flu vaccine recommendations.
1https://www.cdc.gov/flu/professionals/index.htm
2https://www.cdc.gov/flu/treatment/whatyoushould.htm#benefits
3https://www.cdc.gov/flu/professionals/vaccination/flu-vaccine-recommendation.htm
*Trademarks 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.
HEDIS is a registered trademark of the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA).
CAHPS® is a registered trademark of the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ).