- Date
- 2016-12-08
- Title
- National Influenza Vaccination Week: December 4 through 10
- Topic
- National Influenza Vaccination Week
National Influenza Vaccination Week (NIVW) is a national observance that highlights the importance of continuing influenza vaccination through the holiday season and beyond. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that everyone 6 months of age and older receive an influenza vaccine every year. NIVW is a good time to communicate the importance of vaccination for people at high risk of developing serious influenza-related complications, including people with chronic health conditions and people aged 65 years and older. Now is a great time to vaccinate – to protect your patients, your staff, and yourself.
- Medicare Part B covers one influenza vaccination and its administration each influenza season for Medicare beneficiaries. Medicare may cover additional seasonal influenza vaccinations if medically necessary.
- For the 2016-2017 season, the CDC recommends use of the Inactivated Influenza Vaccine (IIV) or the Recombinant Influenza Vaccine (RIV). The nasal spray influenza vaccine (Live Attenuated Influenza Vaccine (LAIV)) should not be used during 2016-2017.
For More Information:
- Preventive Services Educational Tool
- Influenza Resources for Health Care Professionals MLN Matters Article
- Influenza Vaccine Payment Allowances MLN Matters Article
- CDC Influenza website
- CDC Influenza Information for Health Care Professionals webpage
- CDC 2016-2017 Information for Health Care Professionals webpage
- Visit the HealthMap Vaccine Finder to find locations in your area that offer the recommended vaccines
Influenza vaccination is promoted on your patients’ Medicare Summary Notices. Visit the Preventive Services website to learn more about Medicare-covered services.