It's time for your annual flu shot

It’s that time again.  No, not when Christmas decorations are popping up at the department stores, or little goblins come ringing your doorbell.  It’s actually time for your annual flu (influenza) shot.  Though, not everyone needs a flu shot, some people are at higher risk of having medical complications if they do contact the flu. 

Who should get a flu shot?

• People 50 years of age and older
• Residents of nursing homes and other long-term care facilities housing anyone of any age with chronic medical conditions
• People with chronic disorders of the lungs or heart, such as asthma, emphysema, chronic bronchitis, or cystic fibrosis
• People who are less able to fight infections because of a disease they are born with; infection with the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV); treatment with drugs such as long-term steroids; and/or treatment for cancer with x-rays or drugs
• People who have required regular medical follow-up or hospitalization during the preceding year because of chronic metabolic diseases (including diabetes mellitus), kidney diseases and blood cell diseases such as sickle cell anemia
• Children and teenagers 6 months to 18 years of age on long-term aspirin treatment, who, if they catch influenza, could develop Reye's syndrome which causes coma, liver damage, and death
• Women who will be 6 or more months pregnant or who will have just delivered during the influenza season

~ To help protect high-risk people from exposure to influenza, these two groups should receive influenza vaccinations as well: ~

• Health care workers (doctors, nurses, hospital and medical office staff, personnel of nursing homes or chronic care facilities) in contact with people in high-risk groups
• People--including children--who live with persons in high-risk groups for flu (household contacts)

                 Will your insurance cover the cost of your flu shot?

Many insurance plans cover the full cost of the flu vaccine (along with other vaccinations).  It’s always best to read your policy to verify this.  If you’re still uncertain, call your insurance company and ask to speak to a customer representative.  If you have private insurance, you will need to go to a provider that accepts and bills your insurance.  For instance, if you have a managed care plan, such as a HMO, you can’t just drop in at a clinic that doesn’t have a contract or accept your insurance.  When in doubt, ASK!

Medicare Part B covers both the flu and pneumococcal vaccines.  You will NOT have to pay a coinsurance or a deductible, providing you go to a Medicare provider. 

Lastly, your local county health department also offers vaccinations, at no or little cost. 

*Parts of this article were excerpted from http://www.medicare.gov/health/fludetails.asp