Does Aetna Cover Flu Shots

Is It Too Late To Get A Flu Shot

If it turns out you dont have the flu, and you havent received your flu shot, then you can get one on the spot. To schedule your flu shot and/or COVID-19 vaccine or booster at a CVS Pharmacy or MinuteClinic nearest you, visit cvs.com or use the CVS Pharmacy App.

Schedule your flu and COVID-19 vaccines today! These vaccines are an important way to protect yourself and your loved ones from serious illness.

Global Network Of Healthcare Providers

Aetna International’s comprehensive global medical network includes 1.2 million medical providers in the U.S. and another 165,000 worldwide. When you purchase an international medical plan from Aetna, a directory full of medical providers is available to you.

Aetna’s provider directory helps members find doctors, dentists, and hospitals located near them. Their directory can also help members find nearby pharmacies to send prescriptions, vision care doctors, physical therapists, and many other specialists. Members can find the provider directory in their secure member profile through Aetna’s site.

When Does Aetna Medicare Pay For Flu Shots

Flu shots are covered by Medicare Part B, and all Medicare Advantage plans are required by law to cover everything covered by Medicare Part A and Part B. Therefore, all Aetna Medicare Advantage plans cover flu shots.

Furthermore, you wont face any out-of-pocket costs for your flu shot when you receive it from a participating network provider. Flu shots fall into the category of preventive care under the Affordable Care Act .

For those on Original Medicare, the flu shot is free when administered by a health care provider who accepts Medicare assignment. If you have an Aetna Medicare Advantage plan, you can get a flu shot with no costs to meet that go towards deductibles or cost-sharing when provided by an Aetna health care provider.

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Can Severe Problems Occur

• Life-threatening allergic reactions are very rare. Signs of a serious allergic reaction can include breathing problems, hoarseness or wheezing, hives, paleness, weakness, a fast heartbeat, or dizziness. If they do occur, it is within a few minutes to a few hours after the shot. These reactions are more likely to occur among persons with a severe allergy to eggs because the viruses used in the influenza vaccine are grown in hens’ eggs. People who have had a severe reaction to eggs or to a flu shot in the past should not get a flu shot before seeing a physician.
• Guillain-Barré syndrome: Normally, about one person per 100,000 people per year will develop Guillain-Barré syndrome , an illness characterized by fever, nerve damage, and muscle weakness. In 1976, vaccination with the swine flu vaccine was associated with getting GBS. Several studies have been done to evaluate if other flu vaccines since 1976 were associated with GBS. Only one of the studies showed an association. That study suggested that one person out of 1 million vaccinated persons may be at risk of GBS associated with the vaccine.

More facts about the potential side effects of the influenza vaccine.

Who Should Get A Flu Vaccine

Health experts recommend the flu vaccine for all people age 6 months and older.

Until recently, doctors recommended that kids with an egg allergy not get the flu vaccine because it’s grown inside eggs. But now health experts say that because there’s only a tiny bit of egg protein in the vaccine, it’s safe even for people with a severe egg allergy.

Still, if you have an egg allergy, you should get your vaccine in your doctor’s office, not at a supermarket or drugstore.

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Flu Vaccines Protect You

Have you had a flu shot? Most kids have and there’s good reason. Like all vaccines , this one can protect you from a pretty awful illness the flu.

The flu is caused by a virus . The flu vaccine helps your body get ready to defend itself against that virus in case it tries to invade your body.

There are two types of flu vaccines:

• A shot, given with a needle.
• A spray mist, given into the nose.

For the 20202021 flu season, both types seem to work well. You should get whatever type of vaccine your doctor suggests. Some kids can’t get the spray mist, such as those with weak immune systems or some medical conditions like asthma.

Other Preventive Care Covered By Aetna Medicare Advantage Plans

Aetna Medicare Advantage plans can cover a range of additional benefits for preventive care. Coverage can vary, but some Aetna plans may cover:

• Annual wellness visits
• Various screenings and tests for a range of conditions including cancer, cardiovascular disease, depression, diabetes and much more
• Tobacco cessation counseling

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What Is The Pneumonia Vaccine

There are currently two types of pneumococcal vaccines that cover different strains of a common type of bacteria that can lead to pneumonia. This type of bacteria poses risks for young children but can also be risky for those who are older or have compromised immune systems.

The two vaccines are:

• pneumococcal conjugate vaccine
• pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine

According to recent data, the CDC Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices recommend that people who are 65 and older should get the Pneumovax 23 shot.

However, both vaccines may be needed in certain circumstances when there is greater risk. These situations can include:

• if you live in a nursing home or long-term care facility
• if you live in an area with many unvaccinated children
• if you travel to areas with a large population of unvaccinated children

Here is a comparison between the two available vaccines:

Pneumonia vaccines can prevent serious infections from the most common strains of pneumococcal bacteria.

Possible side effects

Do I Have To Pay For Vaccines With Medicare

You pay nothing for vaccines covered by Part B flu, pneumonia and Hepatitis B as long as your provider accepts Medicare.

Your cost for vaccines covered by Part D will depend on your specific plan. You may pay a copay or coinsurance, but it will depend on your plan and the provider.

The location where you get vaccinated may also affect your cost. For example, your costs may be lower if you get a vaccine at a pharmacy versus in a doctors office.

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Its Just The Flu After All Nothing Simple Bed Rest And Liquids Cant Cure Right

And pneumonia: It might take some time and antibiotics. But it, too, is treatable, right?

Not quite. Theres more to it than that.

Most people do get better from the flu without problems, but the flu and pneumonia can be deadly. They both can lead to serious health problems, or can make an existing disease worse.

Aetna Global Health Benefits

Aetna International’s team of representatives and clinicians train extensively to answer all of your medical and plan questions. To prove how great they are, Aetna has won the “Best International Private Health Insurance Provider” and “Health Insurer of the Year” awards.

You can rely on Aetna International because of their:

MEMBER SUPPORT

Aetna’s representatives can help locate medical providers, arrange for reimbursement, and answer any questions about claims or benefits.

EXTENSIVE EXPERIENCE

Aetna is continuously learning through its customers and growing its global footprint to reach expats wherever they travel.

CLINICAL EXPERTISE

Aetna can help coordinate medical care, obtain prescription drugs, and handle medical emergency or evacuation services.

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Medicare Coverage For The Pneumonia Vaccine

Most preventive vaccines are covered under Part D, the prescription drug part of Medicare. Medicare Part B covers a few specific vaccines, like the two pneumonia vaccines. Medicare Advantage plans, sometimes called Part C, also cover the pneumonia vaccines, along with other vaccines you may need.

If you are enrolled in original Medicare , or a Part C plan, you are automatically eligible for the pneumonia vaccines. Since there are two types of vaccines for pneumonia, you and your doctor will decide if you need one or both vaccines. Well get into the details of the two different types a little later.

Should I Get A Flu Shot Preventing Seasonal Flu

This question may run through your mind every year as summer ends and the leaves start changing. But this year more than ever, go get your flu shot! Its the number one way to avoid getting the seasonal flu according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention . You can help yourself and your family stay healthy and happy into the holidays, and avoid spreading the flu to others.

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Who Should Not Get A Flu Shot

Talk with a doctor before getting a flu vaccine if you:

• Have a severe allergy to eggs
• Have had a severe reaction to an influenza vaccination
• Children younger than 6 months of age
• People who have a moderate-to-severe illness with a fever
• People with a history of GuillainBarré Syndrome that occurred after receiving the influenza vaccine and who are not at risk for severe illness from influenza should generally not receive the vaccine. Tell your doctor if you ever had Guillain-Barré Syndrome. Your doctor will help you decide whether the vaccine is recommended for you.

You can get a flu vaccine at the same time you have a respiratory illness without fever or if you have another mild illness.

Seasonal Flu And Vaccines

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention , the influenza virus causes millions of illnesses, hundreds of thousands of hospitalizations and thousands of deaths every year.

The flu vaccine is the single best way to prevent seasonal flu. Thats why its important to get your flu vaccine each year.

The flu vaccine can help protect you and those around you from the flu virus. It can reduce doctor visits, missed work and school days and hospitalizations. Dont wait until youre suffering with flu symptoms including body aches, fever and cough to go for your flu shot. Get your vaccine now, before you are sick.

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Get Your Flu Shot Today

Getting a flu shot is a simple way you can help yourself and others be healthier this flu season. If your UnitedHealthcare health plan is provided through your employer:

• Your flu shot is covered at $0 out-of-pocket1
• You can get a flu shot at more than 50,000 locations

Medicare: Is The Flu Shot Covered

Healthcare expenses can add up in a hurry.

But you don’t have to worry about the cost of an annual flu shot if you have Medicare Part B, the portion of Medicare insurance that covers medical services to keep you healthy. The flu shot and the administration fee are fully covered by original Medicare Part B and Medicare Advantage plans. There is no copay or deductible as long as you get the shot from a Medicare-enrolled provider. Getting your annual flu shot is especially important if you’re 65 or older, because seniors tend to get sicker with the flu compared to younger adults and children.

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What Are The Signs Of The Flu

In most people, the flu causes a fever, body aches, and other cold-like symptoms. A person who has the flu will sleep a lot and feel sick, but will get better in a week.

But the flu, also called influenza , can make some people really sick. They may even need to go to the hospital. That’s why a flu vaccine is recommended for just about everyone.

Flu Vaccine Facts And Myths

People come up with all kinds of excuses to avoid getting the flu vaccine. Chances are good that some of the advice you have been given by friends and relatives about getting a flu shot was incorrect. Lets see if you can separate flu facts from myths. Take the CDCs Flu IQ interactive quiz to test your knowledge. The quiz is an easy way to learn whats true about the flu.

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Does A Person With Medicare Get Flu Shots For Free

If a person has Medicare Part B, a Medicare Advantage plan, or private health insurance, they can get a flu shot for free.

The Affordable Care Act requires that insurance companies cover the cost of the flu shot. Plus, under the ACA, insurers cannot charge a copayment, per the Department of Health & Human Services.

A person should check with the site providing the shot to make sure they accept assignment from Medicare or accept Medicare Advantage. People with private insurance should check their plan to make sure they can get the shot from a particular location for free.

Some insurance plans cover the shot only if a person receives it from their doctor. Other plans provide coverage if the shot comes from certain other locations as well.

Indications For Tdap Vaccination

In addition to the standalone tetanus shot, it is also recommended that you get at least one Tdap booster as an adult, which protects against tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis . It is also recommended during the third trimester of pregnancy.

However, the Tdap vaccine is currently not covered under the Part B benefit and may or may not be covered by your Medicare Advantage plan or Part D plan. Check your plan’s formulary.

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Meningococcal Vaccine Also Available

A meningococcal vaccine is not recommended for all adults. This vaccine may be recommended for you if you have certain risk factors due to your age, health, job, or lifestyle. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist to see if you need this vaccine.

This vaccine is available through local pharmacies as well as in a doctors office.

How To Fight The Flu

The flu shot is your best defense to protect yourself against the flu virus.

Heres when to get it:

• Every year. The flu virus changes each year. So the vaccine you get is updated to protect you from new strains.
• . Still, getting it in December or January offers protection since flu season can last as late as May.

There are other ways to protect yourself, like washing your hands often or wiping down surfaces with disinfectant.

And if you do get the flu, ask your doctor about antiviral drugs. They can shorten the time you have the flu.

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Aetna International Member Services

Aetna International values its members beyond giving you the peace of mind your health care needs will be taken care of. You can count on Aetna to provide exceptional support as well, no matter where you are in the world or which Aetna international plan you are on.

We encourage you to maximize your plan benefits by getting to know the services and tools Aetna offers, including:

• 24/7/365 Member Service Center to help you locate the best doctors and hospitals and to answer your benefits and claims questions
• Case management services to help coordinate each aspect of your medical care, including transportation in emergency situations.

How To Get A Flu Shot With An Aetna Medicare Plan

To use your Aetna Medicare Advantage plan to receive a fully-covered flu shot, youll first want to schedule an appointment with a participating provider. Simply log into your secure online Aetna account and use the companys provider search tool to locate a participating pharmacy, clinic, doctors office or other provider near you who offers flu shots.

You can also use the online Aetna Find a Pharmacy search tool to locate an Aetna-participating pharmacy near you where you may receive the flu shot at no cost.

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How Much Do Vaccines And Shots Cost With Insurance

Without health insurance, shots and vaccines are paid out-of-pocket. This means something like the shingles vaccine could cost you around $200 if you are uninsured.

With insurance, many preventive shots are covered, although you are still responsible for any copay or deductible your health plan has. The cost of vaccines and shots depends on two factors: the type of shot or vaccine, and your insurance coverage.

For Blue Cross Blue Shield plans offered by CareFirst, vaccinations are completely free. You will pay no out-of-pocket copayment or coinsurance, and you will not have to pay toward your deductible.

Vaccines Covered By Medicare Part B

Medicare Part B covers three important vaccines as part of its preventive care benefits.

Covered vaccines include the following:

• Flu vaccine: Annual vaccine given in one shot before or during flu season, usually November through April
• Pneumonia vaccine: One-time vaccine given in two shots at least one year apart
• Hepatitis B vaccine: One-time vaccine given in two to four shots over one to six months for people who are medium to high risk, including people with diabetes

Part B also covers vaccines you may need if youre exposed to a harmful virus or bacteria by accident. You might need a tetanus shot, for example, if you step on a rusty nail. Or you may need rabies shots if youre bitten by a stray dog.

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