National Influenza Vaccination Week (NIVW) is an annual observance in December to remind patients that there’s still time to get vaccinated against the flu. Vaccination is especially important for people who are at higher risk of developing serious flu complications, including young children 6 months and older. Millions of children get sick with the flu every year, and thousands will be hospitalized as a result.

Answering Common Questions from Patients

I got a flu shot last year. Do I really need one this year?

Yes, you do. Flu viruses are constantly changing and protection from vaccination decreases over time, so getting a flu vaccine every year is the best way to prevent the flu. Flu vaccines are the only vaccines that protect against the flu and are proven to reduce the risk of flu illness, hospitalization, and death.

Is the flu bad this year?

Currently, flu activity is elevated across the country. There is still time to benefit from the first and most important action in preventing flu illness and potentially serious flu complications, and that is getting a flu vaccine today.

Do young children need to get the flu vaccine?

Yes, children 6 months of age and older should receive the annual influenza vaccine. Children younger than 5 years old — especially those younger than 2 — are at higher risk of developing serious influenza-related complications. Flu vaccination also can reduce the spread of the flu to others.

How many doses of the flu vaccine should children receive?

Young children — those 6 months to 8 years of age — should receive two doses if the following conditions apply:

• It’s their first time receiving the flu vaccine
• They have not received a total of two or more doses in their lives
• Their flu vaccine history is not known.

It is recommended these children receive the first dose as soon as the vaccine is available, because the second dose will need to be given at least four weeks after the first.

Who else should receive a flu vaccine?

Nearly everyone should get a flu shot, but especially people who…

• are at higher risk of serious influenza complications.
• live with or care for people at higher risk for serious influenza complications.
• work in health care settings. Vaccination of health care professionals has been associated with reduced work absenteeism and with fewer deaths among nursing home patients.

Working Together to Protect Patients and Members

Together, we can use NIVW as a nationwide call to action to encourage patients to get their annual flu shot, especially young children and others at higher risk.

Patient Resources

To help you and your team educate patients about the importance of getting an annual flu shot, Highmark has created a Flu Flyer, which is available on the Provider Resource Center (PRC). Go to the PRC, select EDUCATION/MANUALS from the left menu, and then click Educational Resources – Member And Provider. Once on the page, you will find Flu Flyer under the Information, Trackers and Tools header.

For more information about flu prevention and NIVW, click here.

Highmark does not recommend particular treatments or health care services. This information is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. You should determine the appropriate treatment and follow-up with your patient. Coverage of services is subject to the terms of each member’s benefit plan. Additionally, state laws and regulations governing health insurance, health plans and coverage may apply and will vary state to state.