It's not too early to start vaccinating as soon as you receive vaccine. Encourage your patients to get a flu shot, as it is still their best defense against the influenza virus. And don't forget, health care workers also need to protect themselves.
Medicare covers the flu vaccine without any out-of-pocket costs to the patient. No deductible or copayment/coinsurance applies. Influenza vaccine and its administration are covered Part B benefits. Note that influenza vaccine is not a Part D-covered drug.
You can download a quick-reference chart on Medicare Part B immunization billing [ PDF ] from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Web site. The chart includes links for information about Medicare's coverage of the influenza virus vaccine and its administration, as well as related educational resources for health care professionals and their staff.
TMA and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) are also recommending that all healthy children aged 6 months through 18 years be vaccinated, as well as children with chronic health conditions such as asthma and heart disease. "Medicine has learned that the more people you safely vaccinate against disease, the greater likelihood of preventing anyone from contracting that disease," said Melissa Garretson, MD, a Fort Worth pediatrician.
In addition, check the CDC's seasonal influenza information for health professionals .
You'll also find a wealth of resources from TMA on TMA's Be Wise - Immunize SM Web page.
Be Wise - Immunize is a service mark of the Texas Medical Association.
Action , Oct. 1, 2008
Last Updated On
October 04, 2012
Originally Published On
March 23, 2010