Friday, September 29, 2023

Florida Blue Flu Shot Coverage

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How Much Do Vaccines And Shots Cost With Insurance

Florida Blue

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.

What Are The Benefits Of The Flu Vaccine

According to the CDC, the flu vaccine prevents millions of illnesses and flu-related doctor visits each year. Getting yours can prevent you from getting the flu, and has been shown to reduce the severity of illness in those who get their flu shot but still get sick.

It reduces the risk of flu-related hospitalizations and is an important prevention method for people with chronic health conditions. The flu vaccine protects you and your baby if youre pregnant, and can be lifesaving for vulnerable children. Getting yourself a flu vaccination can also protect those around you, like your family, friends and coworkers.

Talk To Your Doctor Or Pharmacist

Various factors, such as age and lifestyle, determine when adults and children should get immunizations. Talk to your doctor for more information about recommended immunizations for you and your covered family members. Pharmacists in New Jersey are limited to providing immunizations to members based on age and other criteria. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

Minute Clinic® is a registered mark of CVS Health.

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Please be aware when you travel from the Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield site to another site, whether through links we provide or otherwise, you will be subject to the privacy policies of those sites. Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield cautions you to use good judgment and to determine the privacy policy of such sites before you provide any personal information.

Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association.

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Get Flu Shot Other Vaccinations At Drive

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Need a flu shot or other vaccinations? Were having a series of convenient drive-up vaccination clinics at our Florida Blue Centers to help protect you and your family from the flu and other illnesses.

The clinics are 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on several days through Dec. 9 at Florida Blue Centers throughout the state. They offer flu shots , as well as vaccinations for Hepatitis A and B, Tdap , MMR , pneumonia and shingles.

Call 352-5830 if you have questions. Appointments are recommended and can be scheduled here.

Most Florida Blue health plans include vaccinations. Check your plan for specifics. The clinics are also open to people covered by other health insurance companies, who will pay what is required by their plans. Walgreens will provide vouchers to people who are uninsured so they can get a flu shot.

Getting a flu shot is always important, but even more so this year as COVID-19 continues to be a health concern. There is no vaccine yet for the coronavirus, but a flu shot may help you from having both viruses at the same time. And remember, you cant get the flu from a flu shot. Check out this animated video to see why thats true.

Heres the schedule for the clinics, which run from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., and the telephone numbers for the Florida Blue Centers hosting them:

A few other details before you go to one of the vaccination clinics:

Im Young Healthy And Have Never Had The Flu So Do I Really Need A Flu Shot

Florida Health Insurance Plans

A flu shot is the best way to protect yourself and others from serious illness. The flu can make you very sick for days or weeks, potentially landing you in the hospital or causing you to miss work or important life events. Flu symptoms are similar to COVID-19 symptoms and you may need to quarantine until flu can be confirmed.

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Florida Blue Medicare Provides Top Provider Access 24/7 Support And A Rewards Program

The Annual Election Period for Medicare runs through Dec. 7, and with it comes one of the most important decisions that seniors will make all year which Medicare plan and provider they should choose.

But with so many options, it can be difficult to navigate all of the health and drug plans, or to know where to turn with questions.

Florida Blue has been serving communities throughout Florida for 75 years with 55 of those years providing Medicare plans. Their commitment to senior health and well-being is well-established. With access to top provider networks, 24/7 support services and even a rewards program, many seniors are choosing Florida Blue Medicare.

Picking the right Medicare plan is more important now than ever. COVID-19 has impacted seniors across Florida and many of them have started to use telemedicine and behavioral health services for the first time in their lives. Florida Blue Medicares customized support services, which include around-the-clock behavioral health specialists, are just a phone call or online chat away.

Looking for a Medicare provider? Heres why you should consider Florida Blue Medicare.

Access to top providers

A trusted health care company, Florida Blue Medicare provides its members with access to the state’s top provider networks, which include leading hospitals, clinics and doctors.

Low health care costs

Up to $190 in rewards

The rewards are redeemed as gift cards that members can use at their favorite retailers up to $190 in value.

Jacksonville Residents Turn Out For Free Flu Shots At Florida Blue Center

Jacksonville residents turned out Saturday for free flu shots provided by Florida Blue in partnership with Walgreens as a precaution against the seasonal virus that sickens thousands each year nationwide.

The vaccine can prevent and reduce the severity of complications from the flu virus, but it takes about two weeks before it is fully effective after receiving the shot, Florida Blue officials said.

People had a brief wait before getting the no-cost vaccine administered by Walgreens pharmacist Matthew Montgomery in the lobby of the Florida Blue Center, 4855 Town Center Parkway, at St. Johns Town Center on the city’s Southside.

The flu shots were available to anyone age 18 or older regardless of whether they had health insurance through another provider, or didn’t have health insurance coverage at all. Flu-shot recipients also received a $5 Walgreens gift card while the supplies lasted.

The Town Center Parkway location was among several where Florida Blue and Walgreens held vaccination clinics Saturday.

Eric Deaton was among the first to come in to get vaccinated at the Florida Blue Center at St. Johns Town Center.

“I feel it’s a good thing to get, especially because it’s free and they’re giving you a $5 gift card. So you would kind of be foolish not to take them up on their offer,” Deaton said.

Deaton also said he’s had flu shots in the past. The vaccine works, he said.

“The pharmacists are really good at giving the shots,” she said.

Teresa Stepzinski: 359-4075

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Do You Need A Flu Shot And The Covid

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The flu and COVID-19 are similar enough to cause confusion about vaccines. While the flu and COVID-19 are both contagious respiratory illnesses, they’re caused by different viruses. And their vaccines use different technologies. Thats why health experts urge you to get vaccinated for both conditions.

If youre thinking the flu isnt all that bad, think again. The flu can be severe and even lead to death. It usually comes on suddenly. Signs include fever, chills, a cough, sore throat, muscle aches, headaches and fatigue. Vomiting and diarrhea are more likely in children than adults.

Flu viruses spread by droplets from coughs, sneezing and even talking, similar to COVID-19 and its variants. You may infect others before you even know youre sick. By now, the importance of safe behaviors is well-known. One of the only COVID-19 safety steps not part of flu tips is wearing a mask.

Here are tips to avoid getting or spreading the flu:

  • Keep it clean: Wash your hands often with soap or alcohol-based sanitizer. Disinfect high-traffic areas at home and at work.
  • Keep your hands away: Avoid touching your face. Germs like to hitchhike on fingers that travel from a germy area to your eyes or mouth.
  • Keep your distance: Flu viruses can spread up to 6 feet.
  • Keep covered: Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue. No tissue? Cough or sneeze into your upper sleeve or elbow.
  • Keep your immune system strong: Get enough sleep, manage stress, eat healthy foods and stay active.

Get Your Flu Shot Early During Covid

myBlue. The low-cost health plan from Florida Blue HMO.

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Getting a flu shot early has long made sense to Dr. Paul Kaplan. But in the year of COVID-19, he believes its a no-brainer.

Kaplan gets his shot each September to make sure hes protected by the time early flu season arrives in October. It also keeps him safe when hes around others during Thanksgiving, Christmas and other holiday gatherings, as well as for the rest of flu season.

As with so many other things in our lives today, there are several COVID-19 ties to why its especially critical to get your flu shot early this year. The flu and COVID-19 share many symptoms, such as a cough, sore throat and difficulty breathing. That can make it hard for a doctor to quickly distinguish between the two viruses, said Kaplan, a senior medical director for Florida Blue Medicare.

For example, if you havent had a flu shot, the doctor may first treat you for the flu. That could cause a delay if youre actually sick with COVID-19. But if youve gotten a flu shot, that gives doctors a higher degree of confidence that they can trust a negative test for influenza.

Worst-case scenario is getting the flu and COVID-19 at the same time. Two different potentially deadly illnesses attacking your body simultaneously. No one knows yet how bad the two can be together. A flu shot may be able to prevent that from happening.

The most important thing is getting a flu shot, even if you dont get it early.

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Can You Get A Flu Vaccine And A Covid

Its safe to get both a flu shot and COVID-19 vaccine, even on the same day. You arent likely to experience more side effects, and the effectiveness of each vaccine doesnt change. Getting both simply protects your health and those around you even more, and thats a great reason to get your vaccines as soon as possible.

Along with getting vaccinated, its recommended to continue following the precautions already in place, like wearing a mask in public, washing your hands and physical distancing. These are your best protection to keep you and your family healthy and safe this flu season.

Its Not Too Late To Get Your Flu Shot This Season

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Hopefully, youve gotten your flu shot by now. But if you havent, its not too late to get one to protect you and your family this season. Because COVID-19 continues to be a health concern, theres never been a more important time to get a flu shot. Most Florida Blue members can get a flu shot at no extra cost. Here are some key questions to consider when getting yours.

Q: Can I get the flu from a flu shot?

A: No, you cant. It takes about two weeks after getting the shot for your body to develop immunity so some people may get the flu during that time period.

Q: How important is it for children to be vaccinated?

A: It truly could save their lives. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention published a study in 2017 that found the risk of death was reduced by 51% among kids with underlying high-risk medical conditions when they got a flu shot.

Q: Are there specific flu shots for people 65 and older?

A: Yes, and they have proven to be more effective. The high-dose vaccine has four times the amount of antigen as a regular flu shot. The second is Fluad, which has an additive that creates a strong immune response. Studies show both also brought on more of the mild side effects, like muscle aches and pain or redness at the injection site.

Q: How long should I wait between getting a flu shot and a COVID-19 vaccination?

Q: How do I know if I have a cold or the flu?

Q: How do I know if I have the flu or COVID-19?

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Florida Blue Will Offer Free Flu Shots For Everyone Age 3 And Up On Saturday

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. Florida Blue will be offering free flu shots to everyone age 3 and up regardless of health insurance coverage starting on Nov. 7.

Florida Blue will be sponsoring four different sites around Jacksonville to give out free flu shot. If you have health insurance, bring your card. If not, it will be covered by the Duval County Medical Society.

A flu shot is the best way to stay healthy this winter and help our hospitals remain available for COVID-19 patients. So far, more than 208,000 adults in the First Coast area have gotten a flu shot.

All times are 10 a.m. through 1 p.m.

The Sanctuary at Mt. Calvary

Address: 2360 Kings Rd, Jacksonville, FL 32209

Open Arms Community Church, and First Timothy

Address: 2763 Dunn Ave # 1, Jacksonville, FL 32218

All People International, and Greater Macedonia

Address: 1880 Edgewood Ave W, Jacksonville, FL 32208

Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens

370 Zoo Parkway, Jacksonville, FL 32218

Cox Media Group

The Vaccines Will Be Given Out Between 10 Am And 1 Pm On Sept 29 Oct 16 And 27 And Nov 3 And 13

Florida Blue gives free flu shots, more dates coming

Florida Blue is offering free flu shots and other vaccines on five specific days at its centers in the greater Tampa Bay region.

Those who receive a flu shot at one of the Florida Blue Centers in Tampa, Pinellas Park, Clearwater and Sarasota will also receive a $10 Walgreens gift card, while supplies last.

Anyone three and older can get a shot. No insurance is needed.

The vaccines will be given out between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. on Sept. 29, Oct. 16 and 27, and Nov. 3 and 13.

The sites will also offer vaccines for COVID-19, pneumonia, shingles and T-D-A-P, though there may be a cost for uninsured patients.

The vaccines are being provided at four locations:

  • Tampa Center, 201 N. West Shore Blvd., Tampa, 33609, 282-9922
  • Florida Blue – Pinellas Park Center, 3758 Park Blvd., #5, Pinellas Park, 33781, 342-1512
  • Florida Blue Sarasota Center, 285 N. Cattlemen Rd., Sarasota, 34243, 308-2042
  • Florida Blue Clearwater Center, 2570 Countryside Blvd., Ste. 1, Clearwater, 33761, 977-3700

To schedule appointments, which are encouraged but not necessary,

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Vaccinations Keep You And Your Family Safe

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Its the time of year to get your kids back to school. Its also the perfect time for annual checkups and to make sure theyre up to date on their vaccinations, regardless of whether theyre attending classes at school or from home.

Concerns over COVID-19 may have kept you from getting annual exams, vaccines and other health care needs for you and your child. But nows the time to get back on track with your health and the health of your children.

Dr. Kelli Tice Wells said staying healthy during the pandemic should be a priority.

“Maintaining physical and mental health checkups with your primary care doctor is an important tool to help prevent or detect serious illnesses and diseases as well as to monitor certain conditions, said Wells, senior medical director for medical affairs at Florida Blue.

For instance, your childs annual well-child checkup is more than just looking at immunization records and keeping them on track. Its an opportunity for your childs doctor to document development and overall general health.

If you have safety concerns about going to your doctors office, call and ask what theyre doing to keep patients protected. Some of those measures include wearing face masks and performing temperature checks.

You can get a flu shot at your doctors office and at pharmacies like Publix, Walgreens, Walmart and Winn-Dixie. You may also be able to earn rewards when you get your flu shot.

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Seasonal Flu Coverage And Benefits

One of the most important steps you can take to protect your health and well-being is to get an annual flu shot. Each year thousands of people are hospitalized because of complications from the flu. Thats why we encourage all our members to get their yearly flu vaccination.

Most Independence Blue Cross members with prescription drug coverage will pay $0 for a flu shot at an in-network pharmacy or provider.¹ Members will not need a referral, precertification, or preapproval to get their seasonal flu vaccine.

Whether in or outside of our service area, members should be able to receive a flu shot from in-network providers without having to pay upfront or submit a form for reimbursement.

Find an in-network provider

To find an in-network pharmacy or provider near you, log in at ibx.com.

Please note: For members who have 100 percent coverage for services in accordance with the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act of 2010 and the Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act of 2010, no cost-share should be applied for the vaccine and administration of the vaccine when it is administered by an in-network provider.

Coverage is subject to the terms and conditions of the applicable benefit plan. Individual benefits must be verified.

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