Skip to Main Content

Print | Bookmark | Email | Font Size: + |

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 influenzaExternal website can fade over time.

Per the CDC's Frequently Asked Influenza (Flu) Questions: 2021-2022 Season | CDCExternal website, 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
HCPCS codes Q2034, Q2035, Q2036, Q2037, Q2038, Q2039, G0008

  • Covers once each flu season
  • Medicare will cover additional flu shots if deemed medically necessary
  • Copayment/Coinsurance waived
  • Deductible waived

Flu Shot & AdministrationExternal website

Visit the CMS Preventive Services websiteExternal website and Medicare.gov Your Guide to Medicare Preventive ServicesExternal website website to learn more about other Medicare-covered services.

For More Information:

CMS Resources

CDC Resources

Other Resources

References

spacer

26 Century Blvd Ste ST610, Nashville, TN 37214-3685 © CGS Administrators, LLC. All Rights Reserved