The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends annual influenza vaccination for everyone 6 months and older. Influenza is a serious health threat, especially to vulnerable populations like people 65 and older, who are at high risk for hospitalization and complications. Vaccinate before the end of October – to help protect your patients, your staff, and yourself.
Medicare Part B covers the influenza virus vaccine once per influenza season. Medicare covers additional influenza vaccines if medically necessary.
You may also want to recommend the pneumococcal vaccine during the same visit. Medicare covers:
- An initial pneumococcal vaccine for Medicare beneficiaries who never received the vaccine under Medicare Part B
- A different, second pneumococcal vaccine 1 year after the first vaccine was administered
For More Information:
- Preventive Services Educational Tool
- Influenza Resources for Health Care Professionals MLN Matters Article
- Influenza Vaccine Payment Allowances MLN Matters Article
- CDC Influenza website
- CDC Information for Health Professionals webpage
- CDC Tools to Prepare Your Practice for Flu Season webpage
- CDC Make a Strong Flu Vaccine Recommendation webpage
