January 10 – 16, 2010 is National Influenza Vaccination Week. The Oklahoma Foundation for Medical Quality would like to remind readers of the importance of getting a flu shot. Flu activity typically does not peak until February or later, so January and February still provide good opportunities to get this important, potentially life-saving vaccination.
This year, Thursday, January 15th, is designated as Seniors' Vaccination Day. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) encourages providers, caregivers and loved ones of the elderly to help ensure that people with Medicare get their flu shots and protect themselves from the seasonal flu and serious complications arising from the flu virus
The flu shot and its administration are Medicare-covered Part B benefits.
We are also encouraging Oklahomans to get the H1N1 (swine flu) vaccine. Many experts expect to see a third wave of H1N1 infection in 2010, so it is not too late to protect yourself against this disease.