Protect yourself and your family
With the additional risk of COVID-19 in our community, it’s more important than ever to keep you and your family as safe as possible and avoid preventable hospital stays by getting a flu vaccination.
This year the influenza virus and COVID-19 will be circulating at the same time, making immunization against the flu especially important this year to:
Avoid becoming infected with both COVID-19 and influenza at the same time (two respiratory illnesses) Keep your body healthy to more effectively fight COVID-19 should you become infected Avoid possible misdiagnoses as the symptoms may overlap Reduce the number of individuals who will require isolation due to overlapping symptoms of influenza and COVID-19 Avoid overwhelming health systems with a second respiratory virus (PPE, hospital beds, medical staff resources, etc.)
The best way to protect your family from the flu is by getting the vaccination, which can reduce the severity of flu symptoms or prevent the flu all together.
Commonly Asked Questions
What is Influenza “flu”?
- Influenza (or “flu”) is a respiratory illness with high fever, cough, headaches, body aches, chills, and congestion.
- It lasts five to seven days and is very contagious.
- The flu is a very serious illness. Young infants, children with other illnesses, pregnant women and the elderly are at high risk for severe influenza. It can be fatal, even to healthy children and adults.
Did you know Influenza is NOT a stomach illness?
- Stomach illness with vomiting and diarrhea is commonly called the “stomach flu” – but this is not the same as influenza.
Are Influenza vaccines safe and effective?
- The vaccine has been studied extensively, is safe and is recommended for almost everyone over 6 months of age.
- The vaccine won’t give you the flu.
- The coverage will help protect you the entire season, so get the vaccine as soon as it’s available.
- It is also strongly recommended to get the vaccine if you are pregnant to protect yourself and your baby.
Is it important to get the flu vaccine every year?
- Each season’s flu strains are different from the previous season’s strains. Illness or immunization from last season will not offer protection for the upcoming season.
- It’s important to schedule your flu vaccine as soon as the vaccine is available in your area so that you are protected before the flu season begins
Where can I get a flu vaccination?
- BadgerCare Plus (Medicaid) and Individual and Family plan members should contact their primary care provider before receiving a flu shot. Your primary care provider can help you find out where you or your child can receive a flu shot.
- You can use vaccinefinder.gov to find a provider near you.
Is the flu vaccine covered by my BadgerCare Plus (Medicaid), and Individual and Family Plan insurance?
- The flu vaccine is covered at 100% for BadgerCare Plus (Medicaid) and Individual and Family plan members , so long as the flu vaccine is received at either an in-network pharmacy or with an in-network doctor/facility.
How can I protect myself beyond flu season?
- The flu vaccine is just one way to protect you and your child from serious illnesses. Immunizations are key to preventing many other diseases such as polio and measles. Make sure your family’s immunizations are up to date by talking to your child’s pediatrician at his or her next well-child visit. Your child’s provider will let you know if your child is missing vaccines.
- Vaccinations are important for adults, too. Everyone should receive the tetanus/pertussis vaccine and also get a yearly flu vaccine to help protect themselves and those around them. Talk to your primary care provider or visit the WIR to make sure you’re up to date with your immunizations.
- You can also visit the Wisconsin Immunization Registry (WIR), an online computer database where most providers and pharmacies record the vaccines that have been given to patients. You can check your or your child’s immunization records on the WIR using a full name, Social Security number and birth date. If you notice that some vaccine dates have not been entered, please notify your child’s provider.