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Stay safer and healthy this flu season by getting your flu shot. Flu shots are covered benefits for our members and qualify as a preventive care activity through the CarePlus Rewards program. Ask your doctor if getting a flu shot is right for you.
How does the flu shot work?
The flu vaccine causes antibodies to develop about 2 weeks after vaccination. These antibodies protect against the influenza virus.1
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends everyone 6 months and older to get a flu vaccine. A flu vaccine can reduce your risk from the seasonal flu and potential complications.2 It is also the best way to protect those around you.
People 65 years and older are at high risk of developing serious complications from the flu.3
Chronic conditions like asthma, heart disease/stroke, diabetes and chronic kidney disease can also place you at a higher risk for complications.3
Children younger than 5 years-old are also at high risk for developing serious flu-related complications.4
September and October are generally good times to get your vaccine. The flu most commonly peaks in February and can continue through May, so protect yourself and loved ones at the start of the flu season.1
Flu symptoms can include fever, cough, sore throat, runny nose, headache, fatigue, body aches and chills. If you develop these symptoms, contact your doctor right away. You doctor can prescribe antiviral drugs that can treat the flu and prevent serious complications.5
Contact your primary care physician (PCP) today to set up an appointment to administer the flu shot. You can also go to any in-network pharmacy and present your CarePlus member ID card along with your photo identification.
You may obtain in-network pharmacy locations by using the “Find a pharmacy” selection in our online searchable directory. Just select “Pharmacy” and then follow the instructions, or request a copy of our printed bilingual directory from our Member Services department at 1-800-794-5907 (TTY: 711). From October 1 - March 31, we are open 7 days a week, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. From April 1 - September 30, we are open Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. You may always leave a voicemail after hours, Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays and we will return your call within one business day.
Sources
1 Key Facts about Seasonal Flu Vaccine. (2021, November 18). Retrieved on April 26, 2022,from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, https://www.cdc.gov/flu/prevent/keyfacts.htm
2 Prevent Seasonal Flu. (2021, November 18). Retrieved on April 21, 2022, from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, https://www.cdc.gov/flu/prevent/index.html
3 People at Higher Risk of Flu Complications. (2021, November 18). Retrieved on April 21,2022, from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, https://www.cdc.gov/flu/highrisk/index.htm
4 Flu and Young Children. (2021, October 25). Retrieved on April 21, 2022, from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, https://www.cdc.gov/flu/highrisk/children.htm
5 Key Facts About Influenza (Flu). (2021, August 26). Retrieved on April 21,2022, from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, https://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/keyfacts.htm
6 Who Needs a Flu Vaccine. (2021, October 27). Retrieved on April 21,2022, from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, https://www.cdc.gov/flu/prevent/vaccinations.htm
7 Flu Season. (2021, September 28). Retrieved on April 26, 2022, from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, https://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/season/flu-season.htm
8 Flu and People 65 and Older. (2021, August 26). Retrieved on April 26, 2022, from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, https://www.cdc.gov/flu/highrisk/65over.htm
