Flu and Pneumonia Immunizations
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), influenza (flu)
and pneumonia cause a combined average of 90,000 deaths in the U.S. each year, and
many more people end up in the hospital.
The flu season lasts from fall through the early spring, and contributes to an annual
increase in deaths due to the flu or pneumonia during that time, according to a
July 2009
CDC report. Risk for flu-associated death was highest for people over
the age of 85.
Influenza infections can make people more likely to develop bacterial pneumonia,
such as pneumococcus. Pneumococcal infections are a serious complication of seasonal
and 2009 H1N1 influenza infections and can cause death.* Because pneumonia can occur
in any season, pneumonia vaccines are promoted year-round, but protection against
pneumonia is especially important during flu season.
Medicare Part B covers a flu vaccine every flu season and a pneumonia vaccine
once after the age of 65. There is no coinsurance and no deductible, although you
might have to pay a copayment for the office visit.
*Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Prevention Of
Pneumococcal Infections Secondary To Seasonal And 2009 H1N1 Influenza. Available
at
www.cdc.gov. Accessed December 18, 2009.
Toolkits
Medicare Fee-for-Service Reimbursement Information
Resources for Medicare Beneficiaries
Resources for Healthcare Providers
- Immunization Service Resources
- Pneumococcal Immunizations
Web-based Resources