CMS Announces Launch of 2020 Flu Season Campaign

Last week, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services kicked off its 2020-2021 flu season campaign with new resources to encourage people with Medicare or other CMS health care programs to get their flu shot. This year, CMS is taking additional actions to protect the health of the nation’s seniors from the flu and its associated health complications.

This is through a robust campaign aimed at people with Medicare, with a special focus on beneficiaries who experience health disparities. CMS encourages national and community partners to use CMS materials to educate people about the importance of flu vaccination. According to the CDC, a flu shot has many important benefits, including reducing the risk of flu illness, hospitalization, death. This is while reducing strain on America’s healthcare system, keeping hospital beds and other medical resources available for COVID-19 patients.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there's no evidence that a flu vaccination increases your risk of getting sick from a coronavirus, like the one that causes COVID-19. The CDC recommends getting vaccinated in September or October, but a flu shot anytime during the flu season can help protect you.

When going to get a flu shot, CMS recommends following CDC recommendations for running essential errands. CMS encourages people to ask their family doctors, pharmacists, or health departments if they are following CDC's vaccination guidance.

Any vaccination location following CDC's guidance should be a safe place to receive a flu vaccine. Medicare Part B covers one flu shot per flu season. Beneficiaries pay nothing for a flu shot if their doctor or other qualified healthcare provider accepts Medicare payment for giving the shot.

SOURCE: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services