Louisville, KY, November 05, 2022 — With flu season right around the corner, WellCare of Kentucky is again encouraging residents to get the flu vaccine through its yearly Fluvention program. Every flu season is different, and the flu can affect people differently. That’s why it’s important to get the flu vaccine each year to protect yourself and loved ones from illness.
Up to 11% of Americans catch the flu virus each year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The flu vaccine has been shown to have many benefits including reduced risk of illness, hospitalization, and even flu-related death. In 2019-2020, the flu vaccine prevented an estimated 7.5 million flu illnesses and an estimated 105,000 flu-related hospitalizations. It is also can be lifesaving for children. In a 2022 study, the flu vaccine showed to reduce children’s risk of severe life-threatening influenza by 75%. Overall, it is the best way to protect against the flu and associated complications.
WellCare’s Fluvention® program offers free resources to help people understand the importance of the flu shot, the risks of flu season, and other preventive measures. The initiative strives to increase flu vaccination rates overall with special attention for high-risk populations by delivering targeted messaging through multiple touchpoints including mailers, phone calls, texting, and local events. The Fluvention® program was recently recognized with the Health Information Award for its commitment to help educate and empower families, communities, and organizations to take care of themselves each flu season.
“To help protect against the flu, we encourage people to schedule their flu shot appointments as soon as possible,” said WellCare’s Chief Medical Officer Dr. Chirag Patel. “While it may seem early, it takes two weeks after getting the shot for the antibodies that protect against the flu to fully develop, so it’s best to act early.”
Some of the symptoms of flu and COVID-19 are similar, so it can be difficult to tell the difference between them based on symptoms alone.
There are also unique considerations for avoiding the spread of COVID-19 versus the flu.
Below are a few key differences:
Vaccination and good hygiene like washing hands and covering coughs are key to preventing the flu and staying healthy this flu season. Members can receive a flu vaccine at no cost through their doctor or a nearby pharmacy.
WellCare of Kentucky provides government-sponsored managed care services to families, children, seniors, and individuals with complex needs primarily through Medicaid, Medicare Advantage, and Medicare Prescription Drug Plans across the state. WellCare is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Centene Corporation, a leading healthcare enterprise committed to helping people live healthier lives.