• What do I need to present to receive a flu shot without a copayment?
• Why was I charged a copayment for a flu shot?
• What’s an immunizing pharmacist?
• Who should get the flu shot?
• Who shouldn’t get the flu shot?
• Can I get the flu from the vaccine?
• Can I still get the flu after receiving the vaccine?
• Are there any side effects from the flu shot?
• What are the chances that providers will run out of flu vaccines this year?

Q: What do I need to present to receive a flu shot without a copayment?

A: Just show your Blue Medicare HMO or Blue Medicare PPO ID card to receive a flu shot.

Q: Why was I charged a copayment for a flu shot?

A: If you only go to the doctor for a flu shot, the copayment is waived. However, if you see the doctor for other services, an office visit copayment may be charged.

Q: What’s an immunizing pharmacist?

A: A licensed pharmacist who provides and administers vaccines, such as the flu shot, in a retail pharmacy. In order for a vaccine received in a pharmacy to be covered, only vaccines administered by immunizing pharmacists participating in our networks are eligible for coverage. Immunizing pharmacists will only administer flu shots to eligible members ages 18 and older. To find a participating immunizing pharmacist, visit the Doctors, Rx and Hospitals section on our site, and search for “Pharmacist (Flu & Other Limited Injections)” under Specialty.

Q: Who should get the flu shot?

A: We encourage most people to receive a flu vaccine. Influenza, or the “flu,” can affect people of all ages as it spreads through the air from person to person. The virus can be as contagious as the common cold and is easily transmitted from people who are already infected. You can also get the flu from those who have been exposed, but have not yet developed symptoms. This means that you can be contagious and not even know it.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend you get an annual flu shot if you fall under one of the following categories:¹

• Anyone who wants to decrease their risk of catching the flu
• Children ages 6 months and up to their 19th birthday
• Pregnant women
• People 50 years of age and older
• People of any age with certain chronic medical conditions
• People who live in nursing homes or other long-term care facilities
• People who live with or care for those at high risk for complications from the flu, including health care workers, household contacts of persons at high risk for flu complications, and household contacts and out-of-home caregivers of children younger than 6 months of age

Q: Who shouldn’t get the flu shot?

A:Some individuals should not receive the flu shot without consulting their health care provider first. This includes:¹

• Anyone with a severe allergy to chicken eggs
• People who have had a severe reaction to an influenza vaccination in the past
• People who have developed Guillain-Barré syndrome within six weeks of getting a flu vaccine
• Children less than six months of age
• Anyone with a moderate to severe illness with a fever (wait until recovered to get the flu shot)

Q: Can I get the flu from the vaccine?

A: Contrary to a popular myth, you cannot get the flu from the vaccine since it is made from inactive, dead viruses that are noninfectious. The flu strain changes each year, so even if you received a flu shot last year, you still need to get another one this year to remain protected.

Q: Can I still get the flu after receiving the vaccine?

A: Yes. Like other vaccines, the flu vaccine is not 100 percent effective and does not take effect until approximately two weeks after it is received. During this time, you will be just as susceptible to the flu as individuals who have not received the vaccination. Still, the best option to prevent the flu is to get an annual flu shot.

Q: Are there any side effects from the flu shot?

A: The viruses in the flu shot are not active, so you cannot get the flu from a flu shot. Almost all people who receive the influenza vaccine have no serious problems from it. The most common side effects are soreness, redness or swelling where the shot was given, a low-grade fever and aches. These potential side effects begin soon after the shot is administered and usually last one to two days. Rare side effects include severe allergic reactions. Anyone who is allergic to chicken eggs should avoid being vaccinated, since the virus used is grown in these eggs. If you have any problems after receiving your flu shot, please see your health care provider immediately.¹

Q: What are the chances that providers will run out of flu vaccines this year?

A: While there are no guarantees of flu vaccine availability, public health officials have determined that supplies of the vaccine are plentiful for 2009 and early 2010.

1 "Key Facts About Seasonal Flu Vaccine." Centers for Disease Control and Prevention October 2009, http://www.cdc.gov/flu/protect/keyfacts.htm (May 2010)

Benefits, formulary, pharmacy network, premium and/or co-payments/co-insurance may change on January 1, 2011. Please contact Blue Medicare HMO, Blue Medicare PPO or Blue Medicare Rx (PDP) for details.

Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina (BCBSNC) is a Medicare Advantage organization with a Medicare contract to provide HMO and PPO plans. BCBSNC does not discriminate based on color, gender, religion, national origin, age, race, disability, handicap, sexual orientation, genetic information, source of payment or health status as defined by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). All qualified Medicare beneficiaries may apply. You must be entitled to Medicare Part A and enrolled in Medicare Part B and must reside in the CMS-approved service area. You must continue to pay your Medicare Part B premium, if not otherwise paid for under Medicaid or another third party. BCBSNC is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association.

The information on this page is current as of 10/01/2009.