Flu prevention during fall and winter virus season

Why is it important to get a flu vaccine?

The flu can cause complications that sometimes require hospitalization. Getting a flu vaccine can reduce serious disease, hospitalizations and decrease the number of days you’re sick. It’s especially important that people at high risk for developing flu complications get vaccinated. This includes people:

• Age 65 and older
• Those of any age with certain chronic conditions (such as asthma, diabetes or heart disease)
• Pregnant women
• Children younger than 5

There are flu vaccines available that are safe for people with an egg allergy.

Where can I get a flu vaccine?

Flu shots are available at no additional cost to Harvard Pilgrim members at a number of convenient locations. Not all places give flu shots to children; be sure to check ahead to confirm, and review the important information about children and flu vaccination.

You and your covered family members can get a flu vaccine from:

• Your primary care provider (PCP) or your child’s pediatrician
• Participating MinuteClinics (Massachusetts, Maine, New Hampshire and Rhode Island locations only)
• Participating retail pharmacies in Harvard Pilgrim’s pharmacy network (for example, CVS and Walgreens) for members age 3 and up*
• Public and community-based clinics — contact your town or state’s health department (see Additional resources)

Before you go, be sure to call the provider in advance to confirm the flu vaccine is available. And bring your Harvard Pilgrim member ID card with you to ensure you get the coverage provided by your plan.

Important additional information for children

Children ages 6 months to 8 years who have never received a flu vaccination, as well as some children who have been vaccinated previously, may need more than one dose of the flu vaccine to be fully protected. Check with your child's pediatrician about how many doses are needed, especially if you’re planning to get your child vaccinated somewhere other than the pediatrician’s office.

Questions about flu vaccines?

What should I do if I get sick with the flu?

Most people with the flu have mild illness. If you have symptoms of the flu and are very sick or worried about your illness, contact your health care provider. If your health care provider is not available, learn more about your care options.

Early flu treatment (within 72 hours of the onset of symptoms) with antivirals for severe cases has been shown to reduce the length and severity of illness. If you have questions about early flu treatment, or your flu symptoms, call your health care provider.

Good habits to help prevent the spread of the flu

• Cough or sneeze into your elbow, not your hands
• Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze
• Alcohol-based hand sanitizers that contain at least 60% alcohol (also referred to as ethanol or ethyl alcohol) are also effective and easy to take with you
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth
• If you’re sick with flu-like symptoms, stay home until your fever is gone for at least 24 hours without needing to take medications to lower fever (such as Tylenol) AND your symptoms are getting better
• Members can visit the CDC Flu Treatment webpage for more information or contact their health care provider

Additional resources

Learn more about flu vaccines and keeping healthy this season:

• Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC)

State Departments of Health

• Maine
• Massachusetts
• New Hampshire
• Rhode Island