Better health opportunities during National Influenza Vaccination Week

National Influenza Vaccination Week, which began yesterday, presents a great opportunity for healthcare providers to educate seniors and others with Medicare that a flu vaccine is the first and best way to prevent influenza. Moreover, these vaccinations are particularly important for people at higher risk of serious flu complications.

It is also a great time to inform those with Medicare about other preventive services covered by Medicare that may be appropriate for them. Under Medicare's Preventive Services benefits, for example, beneficiaries receive at least one covered vaccination each flu season. (Note: While the flu vaccine plus its administration are covered under Medicare Part B, the vaccine itself is not a Part-D covered drug)

For More Information:

• The CMS Guide to Medicare Preventive Services
• Medicare Immunizations Billing Quick Reference Chart
• CMS Adult Immunizations Brochure
• Medicare Preventive Services Quick Reference Information Chart
• The CDC Vaccines and Immunizations Web Page