Last year’s flu season was the most severe in over a decade. To help people stay healthy and stop the spread of the virus this year, AmeriHealth Administrators is reminding of the benefits of the flu shot. Getting an annual flu shot is one of the most important steps one can take to protect their health, as well as the health of their loved ones. The CDC recommends that everyone 6 months of age and older get a yearly flu shot, especially if they’re at high risk of flu complications.
“Getting your flu vaccine is one of the simplest and most effective ways to protect your health this season,” said Dr. Donna Raziano, MBA, FACP, AGSF, Medical Director at AmeriHealth. “It not only helps shield you from the flu, but also safeguards those around you by reducing the severity of symptoms, lowering the chance of hospitalization, and helping prevent flu-related deaths.”
Although most people get the flu vaccine between September and November, the flu season lasts through April, with most cases occurring between late December and early March. The flu vaccine can take up to two weeks to work, so it’s important to get vaccinated as soon as possible.
Some groups of people are at-risk for more serious flu complications that require hospitalization, so it’s especially critical to get the vaccine if they are:
- Under five years of age, especially those younger than two years old
- Over age 65
- Pregnant or up to two weeks postpartum
- Residing in a nursing home
- Suffering from a health condition like asthma, chronic lung disease, diabetes, or heart disease
- Compromised immune systems, including people who might be receiving chemotherapy.
For more information about the dangers of flu and the benefits of vaccinations, visit www.cdc.gov/flu. AmeriHealth Administrators members who are unsure about their benefits can call the Customer Service number on the back of their ID card. Groups can reach out to their account manager for more details.