Do You Need A Flu Shot This Year
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention , people over the age of 65 are at a very high risk of developing dangerous complications from the flu.1 If you are over 65 years old and/or have autoimmune issues , getting your Medicare-covered flu vaccine is your best defense at protecting you from the flu or lessening the effects of it.
Should I Get A Flu Shot
Even healthy people can get and spread the flu. The flu can cause serious health problems, especially for those who already have a chronic illness or are too young to be vaccinated. If you catch and spread the flu to someone, it can cause a potentially life-threatening health problem, especially in those at high risk for complications. Recent studies show that flu vaccines significantly reduces the risk of flu when most circulating flu viruses are like the vaccine viruses.
Washington Offering Free Flu Vaccinations At Safeway Albertsons For Uninsured Adults
In collaboration with Safeway and Albertsons, the Washington State Department of Health is offering no-cost influenza vaccinations for uninsured adults.
The goal is to help prevent flu illness during the COVID-19 pandemic as health officials worry that the presence of both viruses could lead to an overcrowding of hospitals and of the states health care system.
Flu shots could help keep hospitalizations low as COVID pandemic continues
Dr. Jeff Duchin, health officer for Public Health Seattle & King County, has previously warned that hospitals, clinics, and doctors offices are likely to be busy caring for COVID-19 and other health needs this fall and winter, so getting a flu vaccine can help keep you and your family away from those settings.
Flu vaccine has been shown to reduce the risk of getting the flu by about half, and importantly also reduces the risk for severe illness and hospitalization for those who do get the flu, Duchin said. That will both reduce your risk for becoming ill and for needing medical attention. It also helps ensure hospitals and medical resources are available for COVID-19 patients and others who need them.
In Washington state, 23 Albertsons and Safeway pharmacies are offering the flu vaccine free through June 2021 for any uninsured adults. There is no administration fee charge and no proof of residency or immigration status required. Find the list of participating locations online here.
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The Flu Vaccine Helps Protect You And Your Family From The Flu
Millions of people get influenza every year. While it may be common, seasonal flu is a potentially serious disease. It can lead to hospitalization and even death, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention .1 Thats why its recommended to get a flu vaccine every year to help protect yourself and your family.2 The flu vaccine can help:
- Weaken or prevent the flu
- Reduce the risk of having to go to the doctor with flu by 40 percent to 60 percent during seasons when the flu vaccine viruses are similar to circulating flu viruses1
Which Flu Shot Is Right For Me
For ages 6 months and older: Inactivated Flu Vaccine Quadrivalent is a standard dose flu shot that protects against four strains of the flu virus. State age restrictions apply.For ages 18 years and older: Flublok® is a QIV formulation that protects against four strains of the flu virus and has triple the amount of each flu strain when compared to standard QIV. Plus, it can be used for persons with known egg allergies and has been shown to be scientifically superior to the standard flu vaccine for patients 50-64 years.For ages 65 years and older: Fluzone® High Dose Quadrivalent is the only licensed high-dose inactivated influenza vaccine and creates a stronger immune response after vaccination.
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Can I Get Free Or Low
Whether you go to a pharmacy, your doctors office, or an urgent care clinic, vaccines can be pricey if you dont have insurance. That doesnt mean you have to give up essential vaccinations.
There are several ways you and your family can get free or low-cost vaccines.
- The Vaccines for Children Program provides vaccines at no cost for children under age 19 who qualify for Medicaid, dont have insurance, cant cover out-of-pocket insurance costs, or are Native American or an Alaskan Native.
- Federally funded health centers provide vaccinations, and the cost may vary based on your income. You can search for local health centers on the Health Resources and Services Administration website.
- Your states health department can also provide information on getting free or low-cost vaccines. The CDC offers on online directory of state health departments.
- Check to see if local community centers, schools, or places of worship are offering vaccinations.
Who Should Get A Flu Shot
The CDC recommends a yearly flu shot for all adults and children 6 months of age and olderunless you’ve had a severe, life-threatening reaction to a flu shot in the past, which is rare. Talk with your doctor about whether the flu shot is safe for you if you’ve had a severe reaction in the past or are allergic to eggs.
While everyone should get a yearly flu vaccine, it’s especially important if you’re 65 or older because you’re in the age group with the greatest risk for serious complications. Your risk is further increased if you have certain medical conditions, including:
- Asthma or COPD
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What Is The Flu
The flu virus can cause fever, sore throat, cough, chills, headache, and muscle aches. Its important to know that flu can be serious, even for healthy individuals. Flu vaccination is especially important for adults over age 65 or those with health conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, lung disease, or other chronic illnesses.
Do You Need The Flu Shot If You’ve Received The Covid
Video transcript
If youve already gotten the COVID-19 vaccine, it is also recommended and important that you get the flu shot this year. One covers you against the influenza virus, and the other covers you for the COVID-19 viruses. Theyre two distinct vaccines.
Every year, the flu vaccine is different.
This year, we suspect that the cases for the flu may increase.
Once you get the flu shot, it takes two weeks to become effective in your system. So the earlier you get it, the less exposure you have to others who are sick within your community.
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Cdc Shingles Vaccine Recommendations
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends Shingrix vaccination for anyone 50 years and older, even if you have already had shingles, if you had another type of shingles vaccine, and if you dont know whether or not youve had chickenpox in the past.
You should not get the vaccine if you are allergic to any of the components, are pregnant or breastfeeding, currently have shingles, or you have lab tests that definitively show that you do not have antibodies against the varicella-zoster virus. In that case, you may be better off getting the varicella vaccine instead.
Breaking Down The 4 Parts Of Medicare: A B C And D
Medicare Part A: This part of Medicare helps cover hospital care, skilled nursing facility care, hospice care, home healthcare and nursing home care.
Medicare Part B: This part of Medicare helps cover medically necessary doctors’ services, outpatient care, medically necessary chiropractic care, home health services, durable medical equipment and many other preventive services.
Medicare Part C: This part of Medicare has the same coverage, benefits and rights as Original Medicare but the plans are administered by private insurance companies.
Medicare Part D: This is coverage for prescription drugs that is administered by private insurance companies. Please know that you should check and compare plans each year based on your needsplan premiums, deductibles, coinsurance, copays and the drugs that are covered will vary each year.
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Does Medicaid Cover Vaccines For Adults
In addition to the COVID-19 vaccine, the CDC recommends 13 vaccines for adults:
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Tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis
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Measles, mumps, rubella
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Meningococcal A, C, W, Y
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Meningococcal B
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Haemophilus influenzae type B
Under Medicaid, coverage for these vaccines, and others, depends on the policies of the state you live in. A recent study found that 22 out of 51 state Medicaid programs covered all 13 recommended vaccines.
For those who live outside of those states, there may be free and low-cost vaccine options that can help. Or, if you have coverage but the cost is still too high, a coupon, like those available from GoodRx, may help you save money.
Are Flu Shots Covered By My Blue Cross Plan
If you have an HMO plan, your annual flu shot is free.
For many PPO members, getting an annual flu shot also comes at no cost. Heres how you can see:
- Log in to your online account on bcbsm.com and search for immunizations or
If youre not sure which type of plan you have, your ID card will tell you.
Can I get reimbursed for a flu shot?
Reimbursements for flu shots depend on what plan you have. If you have Non-Medicare Blue Preferred PPOSM, or if you’re a BCN member, you may be eligible for a flu shot reimbursement.
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Is It Safe To Get Vaccinated At A Drug Store
Drug stores are an excellent place to be vaccinated, Schaffner says.
Today, pharmacists are well-trained in vaccines and their indications, as well as safety protocols and inoculation technique, he explains.
In the era of COVID-19, pharmacies are also taking extra safety precautions: People coming in to be vaccinated are required to answer COVID-19 screening questions, wear masks, and maintain physical distancing at immunization sites, while pharmacists, pharmacy technicians, and nurse practitioners administering vaccines must wear masks and gloves.
How Do I Provide Feedback On The Services I Receive
We value your feedback and continually strive to improve. You can let us know how we are doing by calling us at 877-466-8028. Comments are documented and investigated, and a resolution is communicated to you within 14 calendar days. Complaints may also be reported to our Specialty Pharmacy accrediting body by calling ACHC at 855-937-2242.
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What Do I Need To Know About Flu Shots
Who is this for?
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan and Blue Care Network members under age 65. If you’re a Medicare member, please visit our Medicare flu and pneumonia shots page to learn more.
There’s never been a more important time to get your flu shot. You can learn about it here. You might also want to know the symptoms of the flu versus COVID-19.
Can You Get The Covid & Flu Vaccine At The Same Time
Yes, there is no conflict between the COVID-19 and flu vaccines. You can get both within the same season, and even at the same time. There has even been discussion about combining the two vaccines together at some point.
And, yes, you can get infected with the flu and COVID-19 at the same time too. So, get both vaccines!
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Options To Get Your Flu Shot With Our Medicare Advantage Plans
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Schedule an appointment with your doctor
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Visit your doctor before the flu season begins.
Don’t have a doctor?
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Visit any location for these chain pharmacies
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Our in-network flu shot providers bill us directly so you wont have to pay up front.
ACME Pharmacy -
Get a flu shot out of network
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You can also go to a flu shot provider that is not in our flu network. With this option, you need to:
- Send a copy of your receipt to the claims address on your Aetna ID card
- Include your member ID on the receipt
When Should I Get The Flu Shot
Early fall is the best time to get your flu shot. Getting vaccinated early is important, because the flu is highly contagious and spreads rapidly.
Getting the shot before the flu season is in full force gives the body a chance to protect itself. Peak months for the flu season in Michigan are November, December, January, February, March and April.
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Measles Mumps & Rubella
Measles, mumps, and rubella are infections that can lead to significant illness. More than 95% of children receiving the MMR vaccine will be protected from the three diseases throughout their lives.
- All children should get the first dose of MMR vaccine at age 12 to 15 months and second dose at age 4 to 6 years.
- All adults with no evidence of immunity should get 1 dose the MMR vaccine and 2 doses if in the high-risk group.
Why Is Getting Your Flu Shot So Important
It is important to get your annual flu shot for many reasons. First and foremost is that the flu vaccine can help prevent you from getting the flu. Second, according to the CDC, vaccinated people are less likely to go to the doctor for the flu2 and also have a reduced risk of hospitalization with the fluby 33% in adults age 65 and older.3 The flu shot can also help protect or reduce the effect of flu symptoms in people with chronic health issues related to heart disease,2 as well as people who have diabetes.3
Explore Medicare
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What About Medicaid Vaccine Coverage For Children
Coverage is more substantial for children: Medicaid covers all recommended vaccines for enrollees younger than 21 years old, under the Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnostic, and Treatment benefit. The federally funded Vaccines for Children program also provides free vaccines for those who might otherwise skip vaccination because of an inability to pay. These coverage options are especially important because up through the age of 18, there are 13 separate vaccines the CDC recommends for most in that age group, many of which require more than one dose.
More Ways You Can Help Protect Yourself Against The Flu
After you get your flu shot, continue to take steps to protect yourself and others from the flu and from COVID-19. That means frequent hand-washing, wearing a cloth mask and keeping a safe distance when youre in public spaces. Here are more ways you can help protect yourself and your community:
If youre feeling sick, stay home
Wash your hands throughout the day, especially after youve been in a public place or if you sneeze or cough
Avoid close contact with others and maintain a physical distance from others when youre in public spaces
Wear a cloth mask to cover your mouth and nose when youre around others. This helps protect others in case you may be infected
Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces daily, like doorknobs, tables, countertops, phones and more
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Why Get A 2020 Flu Shot
People who are 65 and older are at high risk of having serious health complications from the flu.When people with Medicare get their yearly flu shot, it helps lower the number of medical visits, hospitalizations, and deaths. An essential part of protecting your health during this flu season is getting the flu shot.
This year, due to COVID-19, flu shots are more available than in the past. If youre having trouble finding a place to get your flu shot, find a location near you.
How Do I Get My Prescription
Safeway Specialty Care uses our pharmacies across the nation to provide convenient options for you. You can choose to pick up a prescription at your local Albertsons Companies pharmacy and work with the pharmacy team you have already come to know and trust. We can also arrange to deliver the medicine to a location that is convenient for you, like your home or healthcare provider’s office, through local courier or mail.
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Medicare Coverage For Shingles Vaccine
Shingrix is not the first shingles vaccine, but it is the only one currently on the market in the United States.Instead of using a live virus,the vaccine uses a protein from the virus to trigger an immune response. It is administered in two doses two to six months apart.
This shingles vaccine has been shown to decrease the risk for shingles by 97% for people between 50 and 69 years old and by 91% for people 70 and older. It reduces complications as well. The risk for post-herpetic neuralgia goes down by 91% and 89%, respectively, in those age groups.
Because the vaccine works well, it is important to know if and when Medicare covers it.
How Do I Contact You
We are available via phone or email. Once established with us, you will be provided with your care coordinators direct telephone number.
For HIV, Hepatitis C, and Diabetes products, contact:
MedCart Specialty Pharmacy
For all other therapeutic needs, contact:
Albertsons/Safeway Pharmacy
Sante Fe Springs, CA 90670
Phone: 877-466-8028
Our Albertsons/Safeway care coordination center hours are Monday through Friday, 7am-7pm MT
Our MedCart Specialty Care hours are Monday through Friday, 9am-6pm ET
If you would like to speak with a pharmacist after-hours, please call 877-466-8028.
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