U7835b_Flu_Campaign_newsletter_2016
Get the facts. Get the shot.
It’s that time again. Soon the flu will be here. Flu is a serious illness that affects people of all ages. It’s more dangerous for those who are high-risk. But even healthy people get the flu. And it’s easily spread.
The best way to keep from getting sick and infecting those you love? Get an annual flu shot. And for your convenience, we’re hosting an onsite clinic at <time> on <date> at <location>.
What’s true about the flu?
Even though the flu shot is very effective in preventing illness, some people still have are concerned about getting one. Let’s clear up some common myths:
· You cannot GET the flu from the flu shot. It is made from dead viruses.1
· You DO need to get a flu shot every year, because the antibodies a person makes lessen over time. And the flu strain changes every year. Last year’s shot will NOT protect you from this year’s virus.1
· It’s best to get your flu shot early (before December), since it takes time for the body to produce protective antibodies.1 There are some who should not be vaccinated. These are people who are allergic to eggs or egg products.
Having the flu is not fun. For some, it can be deadly. It’s much more serious than the common cold and can cause severe symptoms such as a high fever, body aches, exhaustion, stuffy head and cough.1
Though it usually lasts a week or two, it can take up to a month to get better from the flu. If you or a family member is high-risk, the symptoms can be much worse and result in complications that are much harder to heal.
Don’t let the flu get you down. Get your flu shot.
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age or disability in its health programs and activities. Learn more about our non-discrimination policy and no-cost services available to you.
1 Source: http://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/qa/misconceptions.htm (accessed April 2016).
Each clinic has been allocated a supply of vaccine. Shots will be given on a first-come, first-served basis until the supply is depleted. A parent or legal guardian must accompany children ages 4–17 and provide written authorization (children under 4 should see their physician). Nonmembers may receive a flu shot for $30 (cash or check only). Members in self-funded plans should check with their plan administrator to determine if the influenza vaccine and FluMist® are covered benefits and, if covered, where they can receive the benefit at the lowest cost. These flu shots will be administered by representatives of Maxim Health Systems, a division of Maxim Healthcare Services. In the event that the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommend that flu shots go to “priority groups” before the general public, Maxim Health Systems will give priority to those who fit the CDC’s high-risk criteria.
BLUE CROSS®, BLUE SHIELD® and the Cross and Shield symbols are registered marks of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association, an association of independent Blue Cross and Blue Shield Plans. Maxim Health Systems and Maxim Health Systems logo are registered service marks of Maxim Healthcare Services, Inc. All other marks are the property of their respective owners. Maxim Health Systems is an independent company that is solely responsible for the flu clinic services it is providing. Maxim Health Systems does not offer Blue Cross or Blue Shield products or services. Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. U7835b, 4/16