December 6, 2018
Protect Your Patients from Influenza this Season
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a reminder regarding the importance to continue flu vaccination through the holiday season and beyond.
People 65 years and older are at a greater risk of serious complications from seasonal influenza. The CDC recommends that everyone 6 months of age and older receive the influenza vaccine every year. It is not too late to get vaccinated – to protect your patients, your staff, and yourself.
Communicate the importance of flu vaccination for people who are at high risk of developing serious flu-related complications:
- People at high risk of serious flu complications include young children, pregnant women, people with certain chronic health conditions such as asthma, diabetes, heart disease, or lung disease, and people aged 65 years and older.
- The flu is more likely to lead to hospitalization or death for people at high risk.
Medicare Part B covers one influenza vaccination and its administration each influenza season for Medicare beneficiaries. Additional seasonal influenza vaccinations may be covered, if medically necessary. Medicare provides coverage of the flu vaccine without any out-of-pocket costs to the Medicare patient. No deductible or copayment/coinsurance applies.
References
- CDC Influenza
website
- Preventive Services Tool
- MLN Matters Special Edition Article SE18015 2018-2019 Influenza (Flu) Resources for Health Care Professionals
This document was developed through the A/B Medicare Administrative Contractor Provider Outreach & Education Collaboration Team. This joint effort ensures consistent communication and education throughout the nation on a variety of topics and will assist the provider and physician community with information necessary to submit claims appropriately and receive proper payment in a timely manner.