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Flu Shot Tip Sheet

July 5, 2023

Children should be vaccinated every flu season for the best protection against the flu. For most people who need only one dose of influenza (flu) vaccine for the season, September and October are generally good times to get vaccinated.

Ideally, everyone 6 months and older should be vaccinated by the end of October. Some children need two doses of the flu vaccine, especially those under the age of 24 months. For those children, it is recommended to get the first dose as soon as the vaccine is available - even if this is in July or August. The second dose needs to be given at least four weeks after the first. Vaccination during July and August also can be considered for children who need only one dose.

Since it takes about two weeks after vaccination for the body to develop antibodies against the flu, it's best to get vaccinated before the flu begins spreading in the community.

WellCare needs your help getting the message out to members about the importance of the flu shot this season.

Disparities in Flu Outcomes

Black, Hispanic, and American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) people have had consistently higher rates of severe flu outcomes, including hospitalization and ICU admission from 2009 to 2019.

Compared with White people, age-adjusted flu hospitalization rates were:

  • Nearly two times higher among Black persons.
  • 1.3 times higher among AI/AN persons.
  • 1.2 times higher among Hispanic or Latino persons.

Disparities in flu outcomes were greatest in the youngest age groups, particularly among children who are 0-4 years old. Hospitalization, intensive care unit (ICU), and in-hospital death rates compared with White children 0-4 years of age were:

  • Three to 3.5 times higher among non-Hispanic AI/AN children.
  • 2.2 to 3.4 times higher among non-Hispanic Black children.
  • 1.9 to three times higher among Hispanic or Latino children.
  • 1.3 to 4.4 times higher among non-Hispanic Asian or Pacific Islander children.

These estimates and the methodologies used to calculate them are published in JAMA Network Open, and information about the Influenza Hospitalization Surveillance Network (FluSurv-NET) is also available.

Causes of Disparities

There are likely several factors contributing to disparities in flu vaccination, many of which are rooted in health and societal inequities. These include but are not limited to:

  • Lack of access to healthcare and insurance.
  • Higher prevalence of underlying medical conditions.
  • Missed opportunities to vaccinate (healthcare providers may be missing opportunities to vaccinate people during routine medical appointments).
  • Misinformation about vaccination.
  • Distrust of medical institutions.

What You Can Do to Help Alleviate Fears and Improve Access

  • Talk to parents about the importance of vaccines, particularly the flu shot, and explain how safe it is. Your recommendations matter.
  • Ask if they have transportation or other barriers. See if they can come in for a combined appointment.
  • Give flu shots at non-well child appointments.
  • Suggest flu clinics that have convenient hours for your patients.
  • Even if not providing the flu shot during the visit, educate them about the flu shot.

Don’t forget about the CIS Combo 10 Childhood Immunizations Provider Incentive, which rewards $20 per member (includes two flu vaccines by age 24 months).

Reference: Health Equity and Flu | CDC