Healthfirst Offers Members Free Flu Shots

NEW YORK, Sept. 29, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), getting a flu vaccine is an essential part of protecting your health, your family's health, and the health of your community this season, especially with the potential for another wave of COVID-19 this fall.

Influenza (flu) and COVID-19 share several similarities: both are contagious respiratory illnesses, some of the symptoms are similar, and testing may be needed to help confirm a diagnosis. Additionally, both viruses can lead to hospitalization. According to the CDC, the 2018–2019 flu season in the U.S. resulted in about half a million hospitalizations and more than 34,000 deaths; the previous season's deaths were approximately twice that numberⁱ. Also, severe cases of both diseases will require treatment on much of the same limited medical equipment (like ventilators).

This is why Healthfirst is reminding members to get their annual flu shot, available to them at no cost.  Healthfirst members can schedule an appointment for a free flu shot with their doctor or can go to a participating pharmacy or local urgent care center. There is no need for Healthfirst members to travel far to get vaccinated. They can visit HFDocFinder.org to find an in-network doctor, or HFNoFlu.org to find a conveniently located pharmacy.

"Getting a flu vaccine this year is more important than ever," said Jay Schechtman, MD, Chief Clinical Officer at Healthfirst. "While a flu shot does not protect you from COVID-19, getting the population vaccinated can cut down the impact on the healthcare system, as both are respiratory illnesses and can lead to hospitalization. Fortunately, there is a safe vaccine for the flu which can lessen the severity and reduce the likeliness of developing complications. Flu shots are safe and available now. It is recommended that people get them before a potential second wave of COVID-19 this fall."

Who should get a flu shot?

• The CDC recommends everyone over the age of six months be vaccinated against the flu.
• Pregnant women, as the shot offers protection for both the woman and her unborn baby.
• People living in a nursing home or healthcare workers.
• Healthcare workers who are exposed to people who are sick.

Who is at high risk for developing complications from the flu?

• Seniors over the age of 65
• People with underlying health problems (e.g., asthma, diabetes, heart disease)
• Communities of color, which have already been disproportionately impacted by COVID-19ⁱⁱ and historically have also been more likely to have chronic health conditions that put them at higher risk of influenza-related complications.ⁱⁱⁱ

Will getting a flu vaccine make me sick or make me more vulnerable to COVID-19?

• No, flu vaccines cannot cause flu illness.^iv
• Getting a flu shot will not increase or decrease your risk of getting COVID-19. The two diseases are completely separate, and being immunized for one does not make you more susceptible to the other. However, if you do get the flu and have to go to the doctor, your chances of being around someone with COVID-19 are much higher.^v

Tips to stay flu free this season:

• Get a flu shot! The CDC recommends a yearly flu vaccine as the first and most important step in protecting against the flu and its potentially serious complications. It's easy to get vaccinated. Many local pharmacies offer the vaccine, so you don't even need a doctor's appointment.
• Wash your hands with soap and water several times a day, especially before and after eating, and before and after entering shared, high-traffic spaces like restrooms and mass transit. When on the go, use hand sanitizer.
• Maintain a healthy lifestyle. Do your best to eat a healthy, well-balanced diet; stay hydrated; get enough sleep; and exercise regularly in order to keep your defenses as strong as possible.
• If you get sick, stay home. If you develop flu-like symptoms, the CDC recommends that you stay home from work; children should stay home from school for at least 24 hours after a fever is gone.

About Healthfirst
Healthfirst is New York's largest not-for-profit health insurer, earning the trust of 1.5 million members by offering access to affordable healthcare. Sponsored by downstate New York's leading hospitals, Healthfirst's unique advantage is rooted in its mission to put members first by working closely with its broad network of providers on shared goals. Healthfirst takes pride in being pioneers of the value-based care model, now recognized as a national best practice. For nearly 30 years, Healthfirst has built its reputation in the community for top-quality products and services New Yorkers can depend on. It has grown significantly to serve the needs of members, offering market-leading products to fit every life stage, including Medicaid plans, Medicare Advantage plans, Long-Term Care plans, Qualified Health plans, and individual and small group plans. Healthfirst serves members in New York City and on Long island, as well as in Westchester, Sullivan, and Orange counties. For more information on Healthfirst, please visit healthfirst.org. 

Contact:
Elise Titan
[email protected]
917-753-0973

SOURCE Healthfirst

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