Influenza is a potentially serious disease that can lead to hospitalization and sometimes even death. An annual seasonal flu vaccine is the best way to help protect against flu.

Anyone can get sick with flu (even healthy people), and serious problems related to flu can happen at any age, but some people are at high risk of developing serious flu-related complications if they get sick. This includes people 65 years and older, people of any age with certain chronic medical conditions (such as asthma, diabetes, or heart disease), pregnant women and children younger than 5 years, but especially those younger than 2 years old.

CommunityCare members may receive a free flu vaccine at any contracted primary care physician or specialist's office, as well as at any contracted urgent care or health department. (However, a copay may be incurred if you see the doctor.)

CommunityCare members may also receive a regular flu vaccine from any participating network pharmacy that provides them. Members will need to show their CommunityCare ID card and the vaccine will be provided at no out-of-pocket expense. This only applies to regular dose flu vaccines. It does not apply to high dose flu vaccines, flu mist or any other preventive vaccines (e.g., pneumonia vaccine, shingles vaccine).

For more information about the flu vaccine, please visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website at www.cdc.gov/flu/prevent/keyfacts.htm.