New Flu Information from the CDC for 2016-2017
New Flu Information from the CDC for 2016-2017
Getting an annual flu vaccine is the first and best way to protect yourself and your family from the flu. The vaccination can reduce flu illnesses, doctor visits, and missed work and school. The flu vaccination is especially important for older people, young children, pregnant women and individuals with certain health conditions that make them more vulnerable to serious flu complications.
What’s new this flu season?
There are some updates for this flu season:
- Only injectable flu shots are recommended for use this season.
- Flu vaccines have been updated to better match circulating viruses.
- There will be some new vaccines on the market this season. Some protect against three flu viruses and some protect against four.
- The recommendation for vaccinating people with egg allergies has changed.
What flu vaccines are recommended this season?
Flu vaccine options this season include:
- Standard dose flu shots tend to be given into the muscle (usually with a needle, but one can be given to some people with a jet injector). There is another that can be given into the skin.
- A high-dose shot and a shot made with adjuvant are available for older individuals.
- A shot made with the virus grown in a cell culture Is available.
- A shot made using a vaccine production technology called a recombinant vaccine requires the use of the flu virus. This vaccine is suitable for vaccinating people with egg allergies because it is not made using eggs.
The live attenuated influenza vaccine(LAIV) – or the nasal spray vaccine – is not recommended for use during the 2016-2017 season because of concerns about its effectiveness.
In preparing for the flu season, Sharp Health has put out the following information on how Sharp Health Plan members can receive a flu shot.
For Sharp Select enrollees assigned to:
Sharp Community Medical Group: Seasonal flu vaccinations are available at various Vons and Albertsons pharmacies. Members can refer to the Sharp Community Medical Group’s website to view the list of the flu vaccinations centers or can call Customer Service at 858-499-2550.
Sharp Rees-Stealy (SRS) Medical Group: Seasonal flu vaccinations are available to patients beginning on Monday, October 3, through Friday, November 18 at the various SRS locations. Members can call 858-499-2600 to get clinic locations and times or can go online at http://www.sharp.com/rees-stealy/flu-clinics.cfm .
For Sharp Classic enrollees assigned to:
Sharp Community Medical Group: Seasonal flu vaccinations are available at various Vons and Albertsons pharmacies. Members can refer to the Sharp Community Medical Group’s website to view the list of the flu vaccinations centers or can call Customer Service at 858-499-2550.
Sharp Rees-Stealy Medical Group: Seasonal flu vaccinations are available to patients beginning on Monday, October 3, through Friday, November 18 at the various SRS locations. Members can call 858-499-2600 to get clinic locations and times or can go online at http://www.sharp.com/rees-stealy/flu-clinics.cfm .
Rady Children’s Health Network: Members can call their provider or refer to the website at http://www.rchsd.org/health-safety/the-flu-protecting-your-child/ for updated flu vaccine information.
Greater Tri-City Medical Group: Members can call their Greater Tri-City provider for flu shot information.
Primary Care Associate Medical Group: Members can call their Primary Care Associate Medical Group provider for flu shot information.
Independent Provider: Members can call their independent provider. If the provider does not have the vaccine in stock, the member can go to a contracted Safeway/Vons pharmacy. Please click here for pharmacy locations. The high-dose flu vaccine for members 65 and older is also covered. Independent members can also get a flu shot at the CVS Minute Clinic with a $10 co-pay.
For more information, please feel free to contact the MEA/Sharp Hotline at 888 840-4747.
For Kaiser or HealthNet – please contact your insurance carrier’ s customer service line for more information.