Helping your patients get their flu shots in the midst of COVID-19

In the current public health emergency, now more than ever patients should be reminded that getting the flu shot is vital to their health. Patients who only “sometimes” get vaccinated are of particular concern, as well as those with underlying conditions who are at risk of serious health complications. Horizon BCBSNJ will support you and continue to encourage your patients to get the flu shot.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that people get their shots earlier this year, by late October. It’s expected that more people will get the flu shot this season, placing a higher demand and strain on medical offices and pharmacies giving flu shots. In fact, some pharmacies have already begun giving flu vaccinations as of late August and are looking at ways to administer flu shots more effectively.

Additional options to help your patients get their flu shots

If your office doesn’t have the bandwidth or resources to accommodate giving flu shots during these challenging times, you can give your patients a list of pharmacies that provide the flu shot. This can help eliminate additional administrative strains on your practice.

Many pharmacies and other retailers can provide flu shots at no cost for people with medical coverage through Horizon BCBSNJ. Other vaccines can also be administered including shingles, hepatitis A and B, pneumococcal and human papillomavirus1 (HPV).

Learn more about which pharmacies provide no-cost flu shots and other vaccines for Horizon BCBSNJ members.

What patients should know about the flu shot

Find more information about the 2020-2021 flu season and COVID-19 from the CDC.