Health First Colorado Flu Shot

How Can I Find A Top

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Where Can I Get A Flu Shot

Upcoming Flu Clinic:

Wednesday, Dec. 1 from 12 – 6 PM at Park County Public Health Bailey Office, 81 Main St. Bailey, CO 80421. Please pre-register for an appointment by calling 719-836-4162.

Local pharmacies located inside Safeway and King Soopers are making it easy to protect yourself and your family with flu shots, made available at no cost to the individual with most insurance . Walk-ins are welcome, so get your vaccination today. Click below to learn more about safety precautions, facts about the flu, and how to get your vaccination today.

How Has The Covid

Both Pfizer and Moderna relied on mRNA technology for their COVID-19 vaccines. This vaccine technology has evolved over the years. Initially, for conventional vaccines, manufacturers used a tiny amount of a live virus and injected it into people to encourage their bodies to fight infections. The new mRNA vaccines instead send messages to cells that teach them to recognize and fight infections. The mRNA technology is now being used to create a raft of new vaccines. This genetic material stays in the outer part of the cell and never reaches the cell DNA, so it cannot change our cells in a permanent manner.

These vaccines have worked for COVID-19. Now vaccine makers are asking what other problems we have in the world. Could mRNA vaccines help prevent flu, shingles, RSV and even Ebola? The potential for fighting any given pathogen is endless, said Levin, who is also an infectious disease professor for the University of Colorado School of Medicine on the Anchutz Medical Campus.

Of course, testing is essential to learn when mRNA vaccines will work and when they might not.

Its conceivable that they will work for some pathogens and wont for others, he said.

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Seasonal Flu Prevention And Care

Influenza is caused by the influenza virus that infects the respiratory tract, affecting the nose, throat and lungs.

The flu can cause severe illness and life-threatening complications, like bacterial pneumonia and dehydration. It can also cause chronic medical conditions to worsen.

Because each flu season is different and the virus evolves over time, the infectious disease specialists at UCHealth continually monitor the latest developments. Were equipped with the latest tools for detecting, treating, and preventing the flu in our communities.

Are Video Visits With A Primary Care Doctor Online Covered By Health First Colorado

Most insurers provide coverage for video visits at the same cost as in-person visits. You can search on Zocdoc specifically for Doctors who accept Health First Colorado for video visits by selecting your carrier and plan from the drop-down menu at the top of the page. We recommend you check with your insurance carrier directly to confirm your coverage and out of pocket costs for video visits.

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Pharmacy Administration Of Vaccines

Health First Colorado members may receive the following vaccinations by an enrolled pharmacist at a Health First Colorado-enrolled pharmacy:

To submit vaccine claims, please use these guidelines:

• The pharmacy’s NPI is the billing provider
• The pharmacist’s NPI is the rendering provider
• A product code, as well as an administration code, must always be included in any claims for vaccination.

Pharmacists must follow the Board of Pharmacy Rules outlined in 3CCR 719-1, 19.00.00.

For additional information related to provider registration or claim submission, please visit the Quick Guides and Webinars web page.

How Do Traditional Flu Vaccines Work

There are many different kinds of conventional flu vaccines. Some are tailored to older people. Other flu vaccines are formulated for babies and children. There are nasal vaccines and traditional shots.

Conventional flu vaccines work by recognizing a protein on the surface of the flu virus and stimulating an immune response. The protein is called hemagglutinin .

There are conventional vaccines where vaccine makers grow the flu virus in eggs, then they selectively remove and purify the hemagglutinin, Levin said.

The vaccines then recognized the hemagglutinin and generate antibodies to fight various strains of the flu.

There are also special vaccines for people who are allergic to eggs, where vaccine makers grow the virus in cells in culture, and not in eggs. The flu antigens can also be made in the laboratory by the recombinant technology used for many medicines, such as insulin

And doses can vary. Older people can get larger doses of a flu vaccine so they can get better protection, Levin said. Another approach is to add a chemical, called an adjuvant to the vaccine, which can amplify the immune response to the flu antigen.

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Which Health Benefits Does Medicaid Provide Me

According to Health First Colorado, the states main Medicaid provider, Medicaid benefits for all patients include access to healthcare providers, preventive care and wellness services, laboratory services, maternity services, hospitalization, and many more helpful benefits. Because of current federal health law, Colorodians on Medicaid plans are entitled to essential health benefits for providers that have applied and are authorized to provide care for Medicaid patients.

Since AFC Urgent Care Denver walk-in clinics are approved as Medicaid providers, patients can then receive a majority of our services for nominal copays. Depending upon your specific Medicaid plan, you could have even more benefits to take advantage of.

Before scheduling an urgent care visit, please contact any of our AFC urgent care locations to determine if there are any benefits you qualify for outside of essential care services. As a reminder, urgent care is not a substitute for an ER whenever you experience a life threatening emergency.

Flu Vaccinations Are Administered Without Seeing A Provider

• Flu vaccinations are administered at CMM locations on a walk-in basis for adults, children and babies beginning at 6-months old.
• Vaccinations are available beginning mid-September and administered as supplies allow.
• Vaccinations are available Monday-Friday at Colorado Mountain Medical locations in Vail, Avon, Edwards and Eagle.
• Most insurances cover the vaccination cost at 100%.
• For uninsured patients, the cost of a vaccine for all ages 6 months and older is $58 with a 15% discount for payment at time of service.
• For additional locations in Eagle County offering flu vaccinations visit VailHealth.org/Flu

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It’s Not Too Late To Get The Flu Shot

DENVER – The number of people hospitalized for the flu keeps growing but health experts said it’s not too late to protect yourself and get a flu shot.

Pharmacists said since the new year they’ve seen a double digit increase in people wanting a flu shot.

The Colorado Department of Health and Environment reports 748 flu hospitalizations for the current flu season. They don’t keep track of those with the flu who stay at home to recover.

“Get some chicken soup, comfort foods and lots of rest,” said Safeway Pharmacy Director David Rogers.

Health experts say it’s never too late to get a flu shot to be vaccinated against the potentially deadly disease.

“I thought I could have a good immune system and fight it off but no, when the flu hits you it can be rampant,” said flu shot recipient Michael Long.

In the first two weeks of 2014 Safeway has seen about a 20 percent spike in customers seeking flu shots.

“Colorado is one of the 25 states on widespread flu activity by the Centers for Disease Control,” said Rogers.

This week the Food and Drug Administration reported the medicine Tamiflu oral suspension is in short supply because of increased demand.

Rogers doesn’t think there’s reason to panic, “Because pharmacies can compound the pediatric suspension with the capsules.”

Rogers also points out there is plenty of flu vaccine available and if you can fight the flu you won’t have to treat it.

In:

First published on January 8, 2014 / 4:33 PM

Was Your Flu Shot A Waste Of Time This Year

So every year we hammer home the message: get your flu shot! Well that’s still good advice.

But what do you say when you hear that the strain that’s out there causing the most problems has mutated — so the vaccine is not as effective as it should be.

The answer is still: get your flu shot!!! Don’t freak over the headline that the flu shot doesn’t work — that’s simply not true.

Here’s what you need to know:

Typically four strains of flu are covered in each year’s flu shot.

This year, one of the four — something called H3N2 — has mutated.

Studies show that about half of the people who get the vaccine are protected against H3N2, but half are not — and they are getting sick.

So far this year the strain that’s the most common is this mutated strain.

And it’s a harsh one — particularly in older people, children, and people with health problems. The advice: still — get your flu shot. You need protection against the other strainsand you’ll at least get partial protection from the mutated strain — so it’s not a waste.

So far the season is mild but expected to get worse as flu spreads across the country. The people who are getting sick are really getting sick. Of you would have a sudden onset of fever, chills, aches, and cough — even if you’ve had a flu vaccinesee your doctor: we do have prescription medicines like tamiflu that can lessen the symptoms and length of the flu.

I got my vaccine and didn’t even whimper. But I will if I get influenza.

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People At High Risk Of Complications From The Flu

• people with health conditions, such as:
• cancer and other immune compromising conditions
• diabetes
• kidney disease
• neurological or neurodevelopmental conditions
• children up to 18 years of age undergoing treatment for long periods with acetylsalicylic acid

Who Is Eligible To Participate In The Clinical Trials For The Mrna Flue Vaccines

The first phase of the Pfizer mRNA flu vaccine clinical trial aims to test the vaccine on people ages 65 to 85 since older adults are at the greatest risk if they get sick with the flu . If the clinical trials for mRNA flu vaccines go well, later phases will test the new vaccines on younger adults and possibly in children.

The study participants will need to be able to come to the Anschutz Medical Campus in Aurora.

Like all clinical trials, they will get compensated for their time and effort, Levin said.

Along with qualifying based on their age, study participants need to be healthy and cant have a history of heart disease.

In rare cases about 1 out of every 100,000 young men who received mRNA COVID-19 vaccines experienced heart abnormalities called myocarditis. This was not a problem for older people.

Levin said those who experienced myocarditis recovered.

But, out of an abundance of caution, we are now looking to avoid potential heart issues in older people to make sure there are not problems.

Well get an EKG on everybody when we screen them. And after the first dose, well do another EKG.

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Considerations For Getting A Covid

Its safe for your health care provider to administer a COVID-19 vaccine at the same time as other vaccines. If youre 12 years of age or older, you may get the flu shot at the same time as a COVID-19 vaccine. You may also get it any time before or after you receive the flu shot.

For children aged 5 to 11, the National Advisory Council on Immunization recommends a 14-day interval between a COVID-19 vaccine and other vaccines. This is to help better monitor for possible side effects from COVID-19 vaccines. Provinces and territories will decide on an interval for this age group as part of their vaccination programs.

Talk to a health care provider or consult your provincial or territorial public health authority for the latest guidance.

Learn more about:

• COVID-19: Vaccine safety and side effects

What Is The Immunization Registry

Colorado has an immunization registry, a central place for health care providers to keep track of immunizations. This helps providers know what shots you/your child have had and which ones are still needed. The information in the registry is completely confidential.

Under Colorado law, you can choose to opt out of participating in the registry. If you opt out, you/your child’s immunization history will not be in the registry, and you will need to keep track of this information. You can decide to opt out of the registry at any time. For more information and an opt-out form visit the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment .

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How Curbside Flu Shots Work

Make an appointment.

Patients who already see a UCHealth primary care provider can either go to My Health Connection or call their primary care clinic to schedule an appointment. Some clinics may offer same day availability or Saturday appointments, but schedules vary from location to location.

Bring your mask, ID and insurance card.

To keep you and medical personnel safe, dont forget to bring a mask and wear it during your appointment. You may need to show your ID and insurance card, too.

Go to your location at your allotted time.

When you drive up to your providers office, look for signs or a canopy in the parking lot or by the front of the building for instructions. You may need to call a number to let the office know you have arrived and describe your vehicle. You may be asked to pull up to a specific spot. In case of bad weather, you will receive instructions on where to go.

Complete any needed paperwork.

Before you receive the flu shot, you may be asked to sign a few forms, such as a flu questionnaire. Unless you are a self-pay patient, you will not be billed at the time of the vaccine. This will all be done at your vehicle.

Roll up your sleeve and roll down your window.

Make sure the medical provider can easily access the vaccine site usually the upper arm . Babies who are more than six months old and children typically receive vaccines in their thigh.

Thats it!

Clinical Trials For Entirely New Mrna Flu Vaccines Launching Soon Will They Work Better

An entirely new type of flu vaccine could better protect people from influenza, and clinical trials of the vaccines are starting this month.

The new flu vaccines are based on mRNA technology, the same method that was used to create the most common and successful U.S. COVID-19 vaccines, those made by Pfizer and Moderna.

These vaccines use messenger RNA to teach cells to make proteins. These proteins dont cause illness, but are the same type that wed get during a COVID-19 or flu infection. The vaccines then train the immune system to prevent actual infections.

The first group of participants in Colorado 50 people ages 65 to 85 could start receiving mRNA flu vaccines as early as mid-August. Thats when Dr. Myron Levin, an expert on infectious diseases and vaccines, expects to enroll older adults for the first round of testing at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus. Patients at the UCHealth Seniors Clinic will be able to volunteer for the study, as will other older adults.

The Colorado site is one of about 25 across the country where Pfizer will be conducting early tests on a new mRNA flu vaccine.

In the coming weeks, Levin also expects to enroll volunteers for another clinical trial realted to mRNA flu vaccines. Moderna has created a new vaccine that aims to provide combined protection against both flu and COVID-19, including the most recent variants of COVID-19.

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Vaccine Administration Codes And Reimbursement Rates

The following codes should be used for all vaccine administration, including VFC vaccine administration for members 18 years old and younger. Report these codes in addition to the vaccine and toxoid code.

Flu Vaccinations Made Curbside

Many UCHealth primary care clinics have begun offering curbside influenza vaccinations for the first time. This year, many clinics began administering the vaccine a few weeks earlier, in September, to help reduce risk for individuals getting and spreading influenza. Flu shots can take can take up to a few weeks for the vaccine to become effective. In some populations, such as the elderly and people with chronic health conditions, the flu can lead to complications that may develop into more serious illness requiring hospitalization.

While its always important to get your flu shot, this year its of particular importance, says Angie Hauck, operations manager at UCHealth Primary Care Highlands Ranch and UCHealth Primary Care Castle Rock. Flu viruses and the virus that causes COVID-19 will both spread this fall and winter and healthcare systems could be overwhelmed by having to treat both.

Some locations are offering curbside flu vaccines to patients when that is the purpose for their visit. Patients who need to be seen in the clinic for another reason can receive the flu shot during their appointment. Other locations have a separate entrance and designated area for flu shots and may offer both clinic and curbside options. Contact your primary care provider to find out about location-specific flu shot options.

This makes things easier for our patients and I believe it improves their satisfaction.

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