State Health Benefits Announces 2021-22 Flu Shot Program
It’s the time of year for getting a flu shot to protect yourself and those you love. We are fighting on two fronts in 2021–influenza and COVID-19. All employees are encouraged to get a flu shot and COVID-19 vaccination (visit vaccinate.virginia.gov). The more people who receive the flu shot, the higher our community immunity levels will be, and there will be less pressure on the healthcare system from seasonal flu and pneumonia. This will ensure available capacity to meet the needs placed on the healthcare system by COVID-19 variants.
During the 2021-22 flu season, state health plan members may again get a free flu shot at pharmacies participating in their health plan’s network.
- COVA Care, COVA HDHP and COVA HealthAware members may also receive shots at no cost from network physicians’ offices and other participating providers.
- Kaiser Permanente HMO members must go to a participating Kaiser medical center.
Visit https://www.dhrm.virginia.gov/healthcoverage/flushotinformation to find participating providers as well as questions and answers on each plan. It is important that plan members call ahead to be sure the pharmacy is participating in the program and flu shots are available. An appointment may be required.
While members may receive a flu shot at a non-network pharmacy, coverage will be at the out-of-network benefit level. This means they will likely have to file the claim themselves and will be responsible for any costs over the allowable charge.
Submitted by:
Charlotte Calobrisi, AVP of HR, CCalobrisi@nvcc.edu