Flu immunization coverage
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, influenza causes an average of 200,000 hospitalizations and 36,000 deaths in the United States annually.
To help prevent the flu, many of our members will receive a vaccination. Members can be immunized with the traditional flu shot or FluMistTM – an FDA-approved intranasal influenza vaccine.
The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, suggests the following high-risk groups get a flu vaccine every year between October and March:
- adults ages 50 and older;
- all infants, children, and adolescents from 6 months to 18 years of age;
- anyone 5 to 64 years-old with a chronic medical condition such as diabetes or asthma;
- pregnant women;
- health care workers;
- residents and staff of nursing homes and long-term care facilities;
- a child or adolescent (age 6 months to 18 years) receiving long-term aspirin therapy;
- anyone with a condition that could affect respiratory function;
- anyone in close contact with high-risk groups or with a child 5 years-old or younger.
AmeriHealth Commercial and Medicare managed care members can obtain covered influenza vaccines from:
- a participating PCP or specialist with office visit copay (No referral required for HMO/POS);
- a pharmacy or supermarket clinic (AmeriHealth will reimburse up to $25 with claim)
POS/PPO members can also obtain the flu vaccination through their self-referred/out-of-network benefit.
CMM/Traditional members may obtain the flu vaccine from a physician in accordance with the age limits on coverage for routine immunization benefits.
For more information regarding flu vaccine coverage, contact your AmeriHealth Broker Representative.
