Who needs a flu shot
We want to help our members stay healthy. That's why Priority Health covers preventive services like seasonal flu vaccinations.
Where and when are flu shots covered by Priority Health?
Check our chart showing where you can get a flu shot and have your Priority Health plan pay for it.
Go to the chart explaining how coverage of your flu shot varies by your health plan and location.
Jump down the page to:
What is seasonal flu?
Influenza (the flu) is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses.
- Flu season runs from fall through early spring.
- Flu spreads from person-to-person.
- Symptoms include fever, tiredness, headache, dry cough, sore throat, runny nose.
Do I need a separate vaccination for the H1N1 flu this year?
No. The H1N1 flu vaccine (also called "swine flu") is included in the seasonal flu vaccine this year. A separate vaccination will not be needed.
- To learn more about seasonal flu, visit flu.gov.
Who needs a flu shot?
| Age | Flu shot | Nasal spray (FluMist®) |
|---|
| Children 6-24 months |
Recommended |
Not recommended |
| People 2-49 years, healthy, without pregnancy |
Recommended |
Recommended |
| People 2-49 years with underlying chronic health conditions (examples: asthma, diabetes) |
Recommended |
Not recommended |
| Pregnant women |
Recommended |
Not recommended |
| All adults 50 and older |
Recommended |
Not recommended |
Talk to your provider if you have questions.
Does the shot offer immediate protection?
No. Once you've had the shot, it takes your body about 2 weeks to develop the antibodies that will protect you from the flu, so don't wait to get the shot. Peak flu season is November to March.
Tips for good flu prevention etiquette
Keep yourself and your loved ones healthy by following these basic tips:
- Get a seasonal flu shot. Understand your risk for the flu and, if recommended, get that vaccine when it is available.
- Wash your hands especially after you cough or sneeze. Frequent hand washing kills germs and stops the spread of illness.
- Sneeze or cough into your elbow or a tissue to reduce hand-to-hand transfer of germs.
- Avoid contact with sick people.
- To reduce the spread of illness, the CDC recommends staying home for seven days after your symptoms begin or until you have been symptom-free for 24 hours.
