Protect Yourself from the Flu
Influenza (flu) is caused by the influenza virus and is very contagious. It spreads from infected persons to the
nose or throat of others. You can protect yourself this season with a flu shot.
Receiving a flu shot will not give you the flu.
Anyone can get influenza, but rates are highest among children. For most people, it lasts only a few days. It can cause: fever, cough, sore throat, headache, chills, muscle aches, and fatigue. In some cases influenza can lead to pneumonia and can be dangerous to people with heart or breathing conditions.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Recommends Flu Vaccine for:
People with an allergy to eggs or egg products, or people who have a history of Guillain-Barre Syndrome, should
not get a flu shot. Please check with your physician to find out if you should receive a flu shot.
Reminder: Getting vaccinated even in December or later will still be beneficial in most years. ConnectiCare covers flu shots given to members in a participating physician’s office, or at one of our participating flu clinics. Members who have out-of-network coverage need to submit an itemized bill for reimbursement. Be sure to let your PCP know that you received a flu shot. At the clinic, be sure to present your ConnectiCare member ID card to receive coverage.
Find locations of participating flu shot clinics in Massachusetts:
FluMist is covered for members ages 2-17. For members ages 18-49, FluMist is covered with prior approval.
nose or throat of others. You can protect yourself this season with a flu shot.
Receiving a flu shot will not give you the flu.
Anyone can get influenza, but rates are highest among children. For most people, it lasts only a few days. It can cause: fever, cough, sore throat, headache, chills, muscle aches, and fatigue. In some cases influenza can lead to pneumonia and can be dangerous to people with heart or breathing conditions.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Recommends Flu Vaccine for:
- All children from 6 months up to age 5.
- Anyone age 50 or older.
- Anyone 6 months to age 18 on long-term aspirin treatment. (They are at risk for developing Reye Syndrome, which is a rare but serious illness that can affect the blood, liver and brain after having the flu).
- Women who will be pregnant during influenza season.
- Anyone with long-term health problems with: heart, lung, metabolic and kidney disease, asthma, anemia and other blood disorders.
- Anyone with a weakened immune system, such as those with HIV/AIDS or those on steroids or receiving cancer treatment.
- Anyone with certain muscle or nerve disorders that can lead to breathing or swallowing problems.
- Residents of nursing homes and other chronic-care facilities.
- Health care providers.
- Household contacts and caretakers of children from birth up to age 5.
- Household contacts and caregivers of people age 50 and older, and those with medical conditions that put them at higher risk for severe complications from influenza.
People with an allergy to eggs or egg products, or people who have a history of Guillain-Barre Syndrome, should
not get a flu shot. Please check with your physician to find out if you should receive a flu shot.
Reminder: Getting vaccinated even in December or later will still be beneficial in most years. ConnectiCare covers flu shots given to members in a participating physician’s office, or at one of our participating flu clinics. Members who have out-of-network coverage need to submit an itemized bill for reimbursement. Be sure to let your PCP know that you received a flu shot. At the clinic, be sure to present your ConnectiCare member ID card to receive coverage.
Find locations of participating flu shot clinics in Massachusetts:
- 1-877-962-9358 or go to www.findaflushot.com
FluMist is covered for members ages 2-17. For members ages 18-49, FluMist is covered with prior approval.