Blue Review
A newsletter for Medicaid providers

November 2019

Influenza Season 2019-2020

Influenza (flu) viruses are detected year-round in the U.S., although flu viruses are more prevalent during fall and winter seasons. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimated that in the 2018-2019 flu season there were 37- 43 million flu illnesses, half a million flu hospitalizations, and approximately 36 – 61 thousand flu deaths.

The CDC recommends annual influenza vaccination for everyone six months old and older with any licensed influenza vaccine that is appropriate for the recipient’s age and health status, (IIV, RIV4 or LAIV4) with no preference expressed for any one vaccine over another.1

Provider Action
Continue educating your patients and staff on the importance of the influenza vaccine for them and their family members. Use the CDC’s websiteLeaving Site Icon, which provides useful resources and key information for health professionals about seasonal influenza.

There are three options for getting flu vaccines: 

  1. Provider Offices
    1. Ensure that an ample supply of current vaccines is available in preparation for this year’s influenza season.
    2. Reach out to your panel of patients to schedule their Texas Health StepsLeaving Site Icon checkups or well-child checkups; they can receive their flu vaccine at the same time.
  2. Pharmacies
    In lieu of provider office visits, pharmacies can provide influenza vaccines. Children ages 7 and up can get their flu shot at a pharmacy without a prescription from their primary care provider. BCBSTX members can log in and find a pharmacy in the Vaccine Network.2
  3. Austin Event for Members
    Invite our members to attend our Flu-A-Palooza event on Saturday, Nov. 9 at the Southwest Key ProgramsLeaving Site Icon located at 6002 Jain Lane, Austin, TX  78721 to get their flu vaccination. Our members can also learn about resources and enjoy free entertainment.

Resources
Reference and review the BCBSTX Preventive Care Guidelines (PCGs), Clinical Practice Guidelines (CPGs) and THSteps for Medical ProvidersLeaving Site Icon for more information on this and other important topics for treating your patients.

References:
1 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention . (2019, Aug. 29). Information for Health Professionals.Leaving Site Icon
2 Lifetimes, BCBSTX. (2019). Where can I get Vaccinated?