Fall 2021

Flu shots covered at 100%!

Doctors agree that getting the flu shot is the safest and most effective way to prevent yourself and others from getting the annual flu virus. It’s even more important to get it during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

To help protect yourself, your family, and your community from catching the virus this cold and flu season, the flu shot is covered at 100% for Moda Health members who get the flu vaccine from an in-network doctor, pharmacy or clinic.

Positive ripple effect

While the flu can spread quickly, Emily Kemenyes, a clinical pharmacist at Moda Health, said getting the flu shot can have a positive ripple effect across the community. Every person who gets the vaccine helps protect others, including those who are at higher risk.

“Getting a flu shot is like a rolling snowball effect,” she said. “When one person gets vaccinated, it helps protect others who they come in contact with. For people with chronic conditions who are higher risk, anyone who gets a flu shot is helping protect their loved ones, neighbors, and others in their community.”

While people often have questions about flu shots, here are some important facts to know:

• Research proves that the flu shot does not cause the flu
• It takes 2-4 weeks to work. If you plan to travel, it’s important to get the vaccine at least 4 weeks in advance.
• Everybody 6 months and older should get the vaccine
• Flu shots are free for all Moda Health members

Health benefits of the flu vaccine

Along with the positive ripple effects the flu shot can have on the community, here are some of the health benefits that the flu vaccine can have, including:

1. Keeps you staying healthy and productive: Getting a flu shot protects your health, can keep you out of the hospital and reduces the number of sick days spent out of work.
2. Protects your family and friends: Our family and friends are the people we have the closest contact with. If you are vaccinated, that provides some protection for those around you.
3. Reduces the risk of coinfection: With COVID-19 variants still out there, it’s important to protect yourself against the flu so you lower your risk of getting both COVID-19 and the flu. Having both illnesses at once can cause serious symptoms. This also preserves your energy for fighting COVID-19, if you were to catch it, since both flu and COVID-19 affect the lungs.
4. Protects your community: During these uncertain times, it’s important to promote a sense of community. What better way to do this than to protect others in your community against a preventative illness than getting the flu vaccine? The flu shot is one of the most valuable defenses we have to prevent the flu.

Where should you get the flu shot?

Get your flu shot at your local Costco pharmacy. Costco membership is not required, and convenient online scheduling and Immunization Consent forms are available online at Costco.com/pharmacy to avoid lines and expedite the process. Walk-ins are always welcome during pharmacy hours. There is no cost to Moda Health members.

You can also get your flu shot at your local pharmacy. They are fully equipped, accept walk-ins, and are covered with no member cost sharing when you see an in-network pharmacy. To find an in-network pharmacy, use Moda’s online provider directory, Find Care, or call your health navigators at 866-923-0409.

The Centers for Disease Prevention and Control (CDC) recommends getting the flu shot by the end of October each year. Because it takes 2-4 weeks to build antibodies after getting a flu shot, this helps ensure you are protected against the disease before flu season peaks in January and February.

Visit the CDC website today to learn more about the benefits of flu vaccination.

Questions?

We're here to help. Just email OEBBquestions@modahealth.com or call your Moda 360 Health Navigators at 866-923-0411.