Aug. 13, 2026

With flu and cold season approaching, we encourage you to talk with our members about vaccines that can reduce the risk of illnesses and potentially serious outcomes. We have information for members that you can share with them.

• Annual flu shots: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends an annual flu vaccine for most people as a critical step in reducing the risk of flu and serious flu complications.

• Pneumonia vaccines: Members may need one or two vaccinations after age 65 to prevent infection, depending on which type they’ve had.

• COVID-19 vaccine: Members may need a vaccine or booster shot to lower the risk of severe illness.

• Respiratory syncytial virus vaccine: An RSV vaccine is recommended for everyone 75 years and older and for adults 50 through 74 years of age who are at increased risk of severe RSV disease.

Discussing the following with members may help them feel more informed:

• Vaccine benefits and effectiveness

• Side effects that could occur after receiving vaccines

• Cold, flu, pneumonia, COVID-19 and RSV symptoms

• Patients' concerns regarding vaccines

Patient experience survey: The annual Consumer Assessment of Health Providers and Systems survey asks members whether they’ve had their seasonal flu shot. See our Patient Experiences Checklist to review CAHPS^® survey topics and related questions to consider discussing with your patients.

Refer to our Stars Guidebook for more details on patient experience surveys and tips to positively affect results. You can access the guidebook in Availity^® Essentials in the HealthSpring Medicare Advantage payer space.

Always check eligibility and benefits first for each member through Availity Essentials or your preferred vendor. The seasonal flu, pneumonia and COVID-19 vaccines are covered at no cost for our members under Medicare Part B. Medicare Part D may cover RSV and other vaccines, depending on the member’s benefit plan. If you have questions, call the number on the member’s ID card.

The material presented here is for informational/educational purposes only, is not intended to be medical advice or a definitive source for coding claims and is not a substitute for the independent medical judgment of a physician or other health care provider. Health care providers are encouraged to exercise their own independent medical judgment based upon their evaluation of their patients’ conditions and all available information, and to submit claims using the most appropriate code(s) based upon the medical record documentation and coding guidelines and reference materials. References to other third-party sources or organizations are not a representation, warranty or endorsement of such organization. The fact that a service or treatment is described in this material is not a guarantee that the service or treatment is a covered benefit and members should refer to their evidence of coverage for more details, including benefits, limitations and exclusions. Regardless of benefits, the final decision about any service or treatment is between the member and their health care provider.