Reminder: Be a Champion for the 2020-2021 Seasonal Flu Vaccine

The 2020–2021 influenza season will coincide with the continued or recurrent circulation of coronavirus (COVID-19). Influenza vaccination for everyone 6 months and older will help reduce prevalence of illness caused by influenza and will reduce symptoms that might be confused with those of COVID-19. Prevention and reduction in the severity of influenza illness as well as reduction of outpatient illnesses, hospitalizations and intensive care unit (ICU) admissions through influenza vaccination could also alleviate stress on the United States health care system. For more information, refer to the CDC website for guidance on vaccine planning during this pandemic.

Note: When patients come in for the flu vaccine, it is recommended that providers ensure their patients are up to date with any other preventive vaccines they may need.

Who Should Be Vaccinated?

The CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommends annual influenza vaccination for everyone 6 months and older who does not have contraindications. For these individuals, a licensed, recommended and age-appropriate vaccine should be used. Inactivated influenza vaccines (IIVs), recumbent influenza vaccine (RIV4) and live attenuated influenza vaccine (LAIV4) are expected to be available for the 2020-2021 flu season.

There are two new vaccines licensed for use during the 2020-2021 flu season:

  1. A quadrivalent high-dose vaccine licensed for use in adults 65 years and older. This vaccine will replace the previously licensed trivalent high-dose vaccine.
  2. A new vaccine that will be available as a quadrivalent adjuvanted vaccine licensed for use in adults 65 and older. This vaccine is like the previously licensed trivalent vaccine containing MF59 adjuvant, but it has one additional influenza B component.

For more information on the new flu vaccine recommendations for the 2020-2021 flu season, refer to the CDC’s Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report.

People at High Risk for Developing Flu-Related Complications

CDC Recommendations for When to Start Immunizing

Balancing considerations regarding unpredictable influenza season onset and concerns that vaccine-induced immunity might wane over the course of a flu season, the CDC recommends people be vaccinated by the end of October.

Children ages 6 months through 8 years who require two doses should receive their first dose as soon as possible after the vaccine becomes available to allow time for the second dose to be administered. Note: The two doses must be given at least four weeks apart.

Where to Get Immunized

  • Provider offices
  • Pharmacies such as CVS, Walgreens, Walmart and participating independent pharmacies
  • At any other self-pay clinic/vaccination site (member reimbursement would apply)

Note: Age restrictions may apply for vaccines administered outside of a provider’s office.

Note: Members can call the Member Services number on the back of their ID card if they have questions about where to go for their flu shot.

Coverage for Seasonal Flu Vaccine

For most plans, there is no cost to the member, and copayment and deductible do not apply. If members pay out of pocket for the flu vaccine, they can submit for reimbursement from CarePartners of Connecticut. Members can call the Members Services number on the back of their ID card if they are unsure whether their plan covers flu vaccination in full.

Provider Reimbursement for Seasonal Flu Vaccine Administration

Refer to CarePartners of Connecticut’s Immunization Payment Policy.

Reporting Adverse Events Following Vaccination

Refer to the VAERS website or call 800.822.7967.

CDC Information

Reference: CDC