The best way to protect yourself and your loved ones against influenza (flu) is to get a flu vaccine every flu season. In the United States, flu season usually occurs in the fall and winter. Most of the time flu activity peaks between December and February, so there’s still time to get your flu vaccine.

The flu is a contagious respiratory disease which affects the lungs and can lead to serious illness, including pneumonia. Even healthy people can get sick enough to miss work or school for a significant amount of time or even be hospitalized.

Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Mississippi Members can receive the flu vaccine at no out-of-pocket cost from a Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Mississippi Network Provider or Network Pharmacy.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends the annual flu shot for everyone 6 months or older each season with rare exceptions for individuals with certain allergies. The flu shot is particularly important for people who are at higher risk of serious complications from the flu. It takes about two weeks after receiving the vaccination for antibodies which protect against the flu to develop in your body.

Reasons to get the flu shot include:

• Protecting those around you who are vulnerable or may not be able to get their flu shot

• Helping keep you from getting sick with the flu

• Prevents complications for those with metabolic health conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure

• Helps protect women during pregnancy

Healthy Habits to help protect against flu:

• Avoid close contact with people who are sick

• Stay home when you are sick

• Cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing

• Wash your hands with soap and water often

• Avoid touching your eyes nose or mouth

• Clean and disinfect surfaces and objects

Click here to visit the CDC’s website to learn more about the 2022-2023 Flu Season.