KEA Advisors is encouraging all employees receive a season flu shot, here is some information regarding coverage, recommendations and timing of flu shots from the CDC.
BCBS offers 100% coverage of flu shots as long as you go to an in-network provider or pharmacy, if going to a pharmacy, you need to confirm that it is a “Vaccine Pharmacy”. Use the links below to confirm.
Seasonal Flu Shot Info:
From the CDC regarding who and when you should receive the seasonal flu vaccine.
Groups Recommended for Vaccination
Routine annual influenza vaccination is recommended for all persons aged ≥6 months who do not have contraindications.
A licensed vaccine appropriate for age and health status should be used. Consult package information for age indications.
Emphasis should be placed on vaccination of high-risk groups and their contacts/caregivers. When vaccine supply is limited, vaccination efforts should focus on delivering vaccination to (no hierarchy is implied by order of listing):
Children aged 6 through 59 months
Adults aged ≥50 years
Persons with chronic pulmonary (including asthma), cardiovascular (excluding isolated hypertension), renal, hepatic, neurologic, hematologic, or metabolic disorders (including diabetes mellitus)
Persons who are immunocompromised due to any cause, including (but not limited to) medications or HIV infection
Women who are or will be pregnant during the influenza season
Children and adolescents (aged 6 months through 18 years) receiving aspirin- or salicylate-containing medications who might be at risk for Reye syndrome associated with influenza
Residents of nursing homes and long-term care facilities
American Indians/Alaska Natives
Persons who are extremely obese (BMI ≥40 for adults)
Caregivers and contacts of those at risk:
Health care personnel, including all paid and unpaid persons working in health-care settings who have potential for exposure to patients and/or to infectious materials, whether or not directly involved in patient care;
Household contacts and caregivers of children aged ≤59 months (i.e., <5 years), particularly contacts of children aged <6 months, and adults aged ≥50 years;
Household contacts and caregivers of persons with medical conditions associated with increased risk of severe complications from influenza.
Timing of Vaccination
Vaccine should be administered by the end of October, but vaccination should continue to be offered as long as influenza viruses are circulating locally and unexpired vaccine is available.
Vaccination too early in the season (e.g., July or August) may lead to suboptimal immunity later in the season, particularly among older adults.
Children aged 6 months through 8 years who require 2 doses (see Figure) should receive their first dose as soon as possible after vaccine becomes available, and the second dose ≥4 weeks later.
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