It happens every year. The fevers. The body aches. The coughing. The fatigue. Flu season is right around the corner. And this year, it’s more important than ever to get a flu shot.
By getting a flu vaccine during the 2021-2022 season, you can help save lives and keep the threat of both influenza and Covid-19 from overwhelming our healthcare systems.
Your Best Weapon Against the Flu: a FREE Flu Shot
The best way to prevent seasonal flu is to get vaccinated each year. And the best time to get a flu shot is in the fall – when outbreaks are most common. A flu shot is especially important for those at high risk of developing complications from the flu – like folks with chronic conditions and people age 65 or older.
As the world continues to re-open, it will be easier to get a flu shot this year. You’ll be able to be vaccinated at your primary care physician’s office, community health departments, and local retail pharmacies.
Be sure to call in advance to make sure shots are available and to see if you need an appointment.
Flu cases dropped during the pandemic
The precautions we took to fight the Covid-19 pandemic, including mask wearing and distancing, are likely the major reason for a steep decline in flu cases in the U.S, according to experts.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that it had logged 1,316 positive flu cases in its clinical surveillance network between September 2020 and the end of January 2021. During the same period the previous year, the CDC had recorded nearly 130,000 cases.
What’s in store for the coming flu season?
Some experts are warning that it may be a bad one, due in part to human behavior. People who are tired of lockdowns, wearing masks, and keeping apart from others may stop taking precautions. We could see the spread of the seasonal flu virus as more people get back to traveling, going to bars and restaurants, gathering with families and friends, and returning to in-person school.
Do your part to protect yourself, your family, and your community against preventable illness. Get a FREE FLU SHOT before the end of October.
Get answers to all your flu questions here: https://www.cdc.gov/flu/season/faq-flu-season-2021-2022.htm
Get a Flu Shot, Earn Member Rewards
It pays to take advantage of your preventive health benefits. Not only will you take steps to protect your health, you can earn gift cards to popular retailers.
Earn up to $50 by completing any two of the following:
- Flu shot
- Annual wellness visit
- Breast cancer screening
- Diabetic eye exam
To register and claim a gift card, visit MedicareBlueKC.com/Rewards or call Member Rewards at 1-833-601-3817 TTY:711
Maximum annual rewards of $50 per year. One reward per healthy action per year. It can appear before or after the: To register and claim a gift card, visit MedicareBlueKC.com/Rewards or call Member Rewards at 1-833-601-3817 TTY:711