Attention Primary Care Providers: CDC 2019-2020 Flu Season Vaccine Recommendations Now Available

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC)’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) has released its latest guidance and recommendations for the 2019-2020 flu season .

This is an update from ACIP’s 2018-2019 recommendations and guidance and recommends annual influenza vaccination for all persons aged six months or older who do not have contraindications.

Flu vaccination compliance is part of our quality care measures. Also, for providers participating in True Performance, childhood immunization status, including flu vaccination, is a performance metric that may affect reimbursement rates.

Key Actions

• Review the CDC’s recommendations above.
• An updated Flu Flyer is available on the Provider Resource Center for you to share with your patients and staff.
• Confirm your patient’s preventive and diagnostic benefits before administering the vaccine.
• The flu vaccine is part of Highmark’s preventive schedule and is available to members and their covered dependents of all ages at no in-network out-of-pocket cost, including Medicare Advantage members.
• Members’ preventive schedules may vary from the standard preventive schedule.
• View and confirm preventive benefits for your patients in real time by using the Eligibility and Benefits Inquiry function in NaviNet^®.
• We also encourage you to review the Highmark Preventive Health Guidelines and immunization schedules on the Provider Resource Center.
• Click EDUCATION/MANUALS > Preventive Health Guidelines to access the 2019 Preventive Health Guidelines, as well as immunization schedules for children and adults.