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Flu shots are critical for the 2020-2021 season
October 1, 2020

This article is for health care providers who bill for flu vaccinations.

Getting an annual flu shot is always important, but this year it’s particularly critical as we continue to deal with the COVID-19 pandemic. Please encourage your patients to get the vaccine. Most Blue Cross members will pay nothing when vaccinated.

Why it’s important

Widespread flu vaccination will help lessen the strain on our healthcare system during the current pandemic. 

Also, patients who get a flu shot will reduce their risk of:

  • Getting the flu (or having a severe case if they do get it)
  • Spreading the flu to their family, friends, and community
  • Hospitalization
  • Contracting COVID-19 and the flu (two life-threatening diseases) simultaneously

CDC recommendations for 2020-2021

  • The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends everyone over the age of six months receive routine flu vaccinations, unless there are contraindications such as a history of severe, life-threatening allergies to the flu vaccine.
  • Ideally, vaccination should take place in September or October.

High risk groups

  • Adults 65 years and older
  • Children younger than two years old
  • Pregnant women and women up to two weeks after the end of pregnancy
  • American Indians and Alaska Natives
  • People who live in nursing homes and long-term care facilities

What Blue Cross covers

Blue Cross follows the CDC and Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices recommendations for the 2020-2021 season.

  • In-network. We cover the cost of all CDC-approved vaccines, based on availability, when administered by an in-network provider.
  • Out-of-network. Only Medicare Advantage members will be reimbursed for flu vaccines performed by non-participating providers.

How to bill

Bill only codes listed on your fee schedule.

Resources

MPC_071320-1R-1