Achoo! Don’t Let the Flu Slow You Down

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that everyone six months of age and older get a flu shot each year. The flu season typically runs from October to April, but the CDC recommends getting vaccinated by the end of October. Five to 20 percent of the population in the United States is hit with the virus and roughly 200,000 people are hospitalized, according to the CDC.

A flu shot can help protect you and those around you from becoming ill and spreading the flu. Flu shots are especially important for young children and older people who are more susceptible to complications from the flu, as well as their caregivers and health care personnel.

Where to get vaccinations

We encourage you to visit your doctor’s office for a flu shot. You can also go to one of the many flu shot clinics and retail locations such as grocery stores and drugstores that commonly offer flu shots. You may also receive a one-time Prevnar-13 vaccination and a one-time Pneumovax-23 vaccination if you are 65 years or older or you are under 65 years old and have diabetes, cancer, or an immune disorder or you smoke.

Vaccination reimbursement

You may be eligible for reimbursement for your flu vaccine from your health insurance. Please check with your health plan directly to understand their benefits regarding vaccination reimbursement.

For more information about the flu and flu shots, visit flu.gov