Humana's Your Practice

Don't Forget the Flu Vaccine

Even though we are well into the flu season, it is not too late to get an influenza (flu) vaccine. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), flu season can continue through March, and can last as late as May.

The following people are at highest risk for developing flu complications:

Adults 50 years old and older
Adults and children with chronic conditions, immunosuppression or compromised respiratory function
Women who will be pregnant during flu season
Children 6 months to 18 years of age
Anyone 6 months to 18 years old who is receiving long-term aspirin therapy
Residents of nursing homes or other chronic care facilities

Beginning with the 2008-2009 influenza season, annual vaccinations are recommended for all children 5 to 18 years old. Annual vaccinations should continue for all children 6 months to 4 years old and older children with conditions that place them at increased risk for complications from influenza.

Health care personnel, healthy household members and caregivers of those at high risk for complications should also get the flu vaccine. In addition, basic health care precautions can help reduce the spread of the flu. Talk with your patients about the need for good self-care including regular hand washing, tissue use and staying home when ill.

Below is a table with information about coding for both influenza and pneumococcal vaccines:

Administration & Diagnosis Codes	Vaccine Codes & Descriptors	Frequency of Administration
Influenza Vaccine Administration Code: G0008 Diagnosis Code: V04.81	90655 – Influenza virus vaccine, split virus, preservative free, for children 6-35 months of age, for intramuscular use. 90656 – Influenza virus vaccine, split virus, preservative free, for use in individuals 3 years and above, for intramuscular use. 90657 – Influenza virus vaccine, split virus, for children 6-35 months of age, for intramuscular use. 90658 – Influenza virus vaccine, split virus, for use in individuals 3 years of age and above, for intramuscular use. 90660 – Influenza virus vaccine, live, for intranasal use.	Once per flu season in the fall or winter. Medicare may provide additional flu shots if medically necessary.
Pneumococcal Vaccine Administration Code: G0009 Diagnosis Code: V03.82	90669 – Pneumococcal conjugate vaccine, polyvalent, for children under 5 years, for intramuscular use. 90732 – Pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine, 23-valent, adult or immunosuppressed patient dosage, for use in individuals 2 years or older, for subcutaneous or intramuscular use.	Once in a lifetime Medicare may cover additional vaccinations based on risk.

Source: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services

For more information, visit the CDC Web site at www.cdc.gov/flu. Members can also visit MyHumana at Humana.com to find additional information at the flu and pneumonia condition center.