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ADULT IMMUNIZATION (Consumer)
Influenza or “the flu,” can be very dangerous to the elderly and other at-risk populations, such as young children and people with certain chronic diseases. Nationally, the flu kills an average of 36,000 people per year, 90 percent of whom are age 65 or older1, and hospitalizes 114,000 people. In Massachusetts, approximately 800 people die annually, and 2,600 are hospitalized.
It’s important to know that the flu can be prevented if
at-risk populations get a flu vaccine once a year.
Flu shots are covered by Medicare if you are enrolled in Medicare Part B and your health care provider accepts Medicare assignment. Medicare recipients do not have to pay coinsurance or a deductible.
Most Medicare Health Plan members must get their flu shot from their Medicare Health Plan. Check with your plan before getting a flu shot.
The pneumococcal shot helps prevent pneumococcal infections. Medicare covers this shot for all people with Medicare. Most people only need this shot once in their lifetime. Talk with your doctor.
In addition working with health care professionals to make sure they offer the flu vaccine to their patients, Masspro has a “flu-shot finder” Web site so that the general public and health care providers can find out where public vaccinations are offered. From October–January the site lists details for approximately 1,000 public clinics organized by local health departments and private businesses such as grocery stores, pharmacies, and other retailers.
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