September 28, 2022
Influenza (flu) viruses are detected year-round in the United States, although flu viruses are more prevalent during fall and winter seasons. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends annual flu vaccination for everyone six months and older. New this season is a preferential recommendation of higher dose adjuvanted flu vaccines for individuals 65 years and older.1
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas (BCBSTX) recommends annual influenza vaccination for everyone, six months of age and older.
Getting a flu vaccine is just as important this year as it has been in the past. As always, the CDC recommends getting a flu vaccine September or October of 2022.
Provider Action: Continue to educate your patients and staff on the importance of the influenza vaccine for them and their family members. Use the CDC website which provides useful resources and key information for health care professionals about seasonal influenza. The most cost-effective treatment for the flu is prevention. There are two options for getting flu vaccines:
1. Provider offices
- Ensure that an ample supply of current vaccines is available in preparation for this year’s influenza season.
- Reach out to your panel of patients to schedule their Texas Health Step checkups or well child checkups to administer their flu vaccine.
2. In lieu of provider office visits, pharmacies can provide influenza vaccines. Children, ages seven and older, and all adults can get their flu shot at an in-network pharmacy without a prescription from their primary care provider.
- You can direct your patients to our BCBSTX Pharmacy website for additional information:
- STAR Kids: Pharmacy information in the member handbook: Pharmacies can be found on the STAR Kids website by using Provider Finder. A list of pharmacies can be downloaded from the site.
- STAR/CHIP: Prescriptions can be filled at more than 4,400 retail pharmacies in Texas. You can find a list of local pharmacies on the Medicaid website or you may call Customer Services at 1-888-657-6061 or TTY 7-1-1 if you have hearing or speech loss.
Thank you for your continued partnership in providing the best care for our members, your patients.
References:
Resources:
Reference and review the BCBSTX Preventive Care Guidelines (PCGs), Clinical Practice Guidelines (CPGs) and THSteps for Medical Providers, which includes all current vaccine schedules, Immtrac2, and other important guidance for treating your patients.
Questions:
Contact us at BHQualityImprovement@bcbstx.com