Don't Forget the Flu Vaccine

Humana encourages physicians to remind patients and staff members to get the flu vaccine to prevent catching the flu or spreading the virus.

The best time to be vaccinated is in September or as soon as the vaccine is available. However, as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) advises, because flu season can last as late as May, vaccinating any time during the fall, winter or early spring can be beneficial.

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
  
• Health care personnel
  
• Healthy household contacts and caregivers (including children) of children younger than 5 years (and especially infants) and adults 50 years old and older.

Beginning with the 2008-2009 influenza season, annual vaccinations are recommended for:

• All children 5 to 18 years old
  
• All children 6 months to 4 years old and older with conditions that place them at increased risk for complications from influenza
  

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.

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