October 6, 2021
Flu Season and Influenza Vaccinations
Flu season is upon us. Even though influenza can occur any time of the year, fall and winter are the peak seasons for the influenza virus. Per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, it takes the body about two weeks post influenza vaccination for antibodies to develop (Key Facts About Seasonal Flu Vaccine | CDC, 2021). The CDC recommends all people over the age of 6 months (with a few exceptions) receive an influenza vaccine during the flu season. People with chronic medical conditions are at an increased risk for serious complications if they get influenza so it is very important that they receive their influenza vaccine for protection against the flu. There are several different types of influenza vaccines that may be used- the inactivated flu vaccine, the high-dose flu vaccine, the adjuvanted flu vaccine, the recombinant flu vaccine, and the nasal spray flu vaccine. Influenza vaccines assist with preventing flu-related hospitalizations and flu-related deaths. They also may decrease the amount of missed time for work and/or school due to illness from the flu. It is necessary for patients to receive the influenza vaccine (flu shot) every year as protection against influenza can fade over time.
Per the CDC's Frequently Asked Influenza (Flu) Questions: 2021-2022 Season | CDC, your patients may receive their influenza vaccine (flu shot) at the same time that they receive their COVID-19 vaccine. Talk to your patients about the importance of getting a flu vaccine (and their COVID-19 vaccine if applicable) and encourage them to schedule an appointment to receive these important vaccinations.
Type of Service | HCPCS Code CPT code |
Notes | Link on CMS Medicare Preventive Services website |
---|---|---|---|
Flu Shot & Administration |
CPT codes 90630, 90653, 90654, 90655, 90656, 90657, 90658, 90660, 90662, 90672, 90673, 90674, 90688. 90689, 90694, 90756 |
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Visit the CMS Preventive Services website and Medicare.gov Your Guide to Medicare Preventive Services website to learn more about other Medicare-covered services.
For More Information:
CMS Resources
- Seasonal Influenza Vaccines Pricing | CMS
- Flu Shot | CMS
- MLN Matters Number: MM12421 Influenza Vaccine Payment Allowances – Annual Update for 2021-2022 Season
CDC Resources
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Influenza (Flu)
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) National Influenza Vaccination Week
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Information for Health Professionals (Flu)
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Fight Flu Toolkit
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Prevent Seasonal Flu
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Frequently Asked Influenza (Flu) Questions
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Make a Strong Flu Vaccine Recommendation
- Interim Clinical Considerations for Use of COVID-19 Vaccines | CDC
Other Resources
References
- A Strong Defense Against Flu. (2020, September 11). Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
- Frequently Asked Influenza (Flu) Questions: 2021-2022 Season | CDC. (2021, September 22). Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
- Key Facts About Seasonal Flu Vaccine | CDC. (2021, August 26). Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
- Who Needs a Flu Vaccine and When | CDC. (2021, August 26). Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.