Frequently asked questions about flu

As we approach flu season, Fallon Community Health Plan is doing all we can to help our members with prevention of both the seasonal flu and the H1N1 flu. Below are some frequently asked questions about the flu and the flu vaccine, now available.

If you are concerned that you or a family member may have the flu, or have been exposed to the flu, call your health care provider.

On this page: 

Is the H1N1 vaccine available to all members?
Will FCHP cover the flu vaccine for its members?
Where can I get a flu shot?
Will I have to pay for my flu shot upfront?
What do I have to do to get reimbursed?
Do I have to show my FCHP card at a flu clinic?
Can I get the flu from a flu shot?
What can I do on my own to prevent getting flu?
Where can I get more information about the H1N1 flu?

Question:
Is the H1N1 vaccine available to all members?

Answer:
In Massachusetts, H1N1 vaccine is being distributed by the Department of Public Health (DPH). The Massachusetts DPH has indicated that by October 9 many providers in Massachusetts will have received small quantities of H1N1 vaccine. The DPH expects that more vaccine will be distributed each week to build on those quantities.

If you live in New Hampshire, please visit New Hampshire's Department of Health and Human Services for information regarding the availability of the H1N1 vaccine.

Initially, the following groups of people will be the first to receive the H1N1 vaccine. ·

  • Pregnant women
  • Household contacts and caregivers for children younger than 6 months of age
  • Healthcare and emergency medical services personnel
  • All people from 6 months through 24 years of age
  • Persons aged 25 through 64 years who have health conditions associated with higher risk of medical complications from influenza.
  • These groups of people have been identified as being at higher risk of complications from the H1N1 flu by the CDC.

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Question:
Will FCHP cover the flu vaccine for its members?

Answer:
Yes. FCHP will cover in full the cost of a health care professional administering both the seasonal flu vaccine and the H1N1 vaccine. The government is supplying the vaccine. (Please note: The flu shot is considered preventive care and is therefore not subject to the deductible.)

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Question:
Where can I get a flu shot?

Answer:
You can get seasonal flu or H1N1 vaccinations from a variety of resources:

  • Your primary care provider (PCP), or from another plan provider such as an obstetrician if you are pregnant
  • Through a clinic sponsored by your employer or school
  • At a public or private clinic, such as a senior center, where the vaccine will be administered by a community vaccinator or mass immunizer
  • At a public clinic sponsored by your city or town
  • Through a retail store or pharmacy, such as CVS or Walgreens

You may have to pay out-of-pocket for the vaccination(s) if you go anywhere but a network doctor's office for your flu shot, but FCHP will reimburse you in full.

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Question:
Will I have to pay for my flu shot upfront?

Answer:

Typically, if you receive either the seasonal flu or H1N1 vaccinations at a retail store such as CVS or Walgreen’s, you will be required to pay for the vaccinations out-of-pocket. For worksite flu vaccination clinics, please check with your HR Department on how payment will be handled.

Question:
What do I have to do to get reimbursed?

Answer:
If you had to pay upfront for a flu shot, mail the following to Fallon Community Health Plan, Attention: Claims, 10 Chestnut St., Worcester, MA 01608:

  • Receipt from wherever you received your shot (CVS, Walgreen’s, WalMart, etc.)
  • Proof of payment (cancelled check, credit card receipt or cash register receipt)
  • Your name, address and member ID

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Question:
Do I have to show my FCHP card at a flu clinic?

Answer:
You will need to show your health plan ID card at worksite flu clinics. Typically, at other public flu clinics, such as those held at CVS or Walgreen’s, you do not have to show your health plan ID card, but you may want to have it with you, just in case.

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Question:
Can I get the flu from a flu shot?

Answer:
No. You cannot get the flu from the flu shot.

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Question:
What can I do on my own to prevent getting flu?

Answer: 
Here are some tips to prevent flu:

  • Get a flu vaccine each year.
  • Frequently wash your hands with soap and water, or use an alcohol-based hand gel.
  • When you cough or sneeze, cover your nose and mouth with a tissue or your sleeve (if you do not have a tissue). Throw used tissues in a trash can.
  • Avoid contact with people who are sick.
  • If you think you are ill with flu, avoid close contact with others as much as possible, which includes staying home from work.
  • Avoid shaking hands.

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Question:
Where can I get more information about the H1N1 flu?

Answer:
For more information about the flu, visit any of the following Web sites for expert information about H1N1:

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