Flu Information

Protect yourself against the flu by getting a flu shot each year. Flu season usually starts in November and lasts through early March. First Choice is here to help keep you from catching the bug.

Check with your primary care provider, who can answer questions you may have and talk with you about getting the flu shot.

Who should get a flu shot

SCDHEC and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend that everyone 6 months and older get vaccinated against the flu. Vaccination to prevent flu is particularly important for people who are at increased risk of complications from flu, including young children, adults aged 50 years and older, pregnant women, and people with certain chronic medical conditions. People who are at high risk or have certain health problems need to get a flu shot each year. According to the CDC, people at high risk for the flu include:

  • Pregnant women and women up to two weeks postpartum.
  • Children younger than 5 years old, with the highest risk for those younger than 2 years old.
  • Adults age 65 and older.
  • People who live in nursing homes or other long-term care facilities.
  • American Indians and Alaska Natives

CDC guidelines state that adults and children over 6 months who have these conditions should also get a flu shot:

  • Asthma.
  • Blood, endocrine (diabetes), kidney, liver, or metabolic disorders.
  • Chronic lung disease.
  • Extreme obesity (body mass index [BMI] of 40 or more).
  • Heart disease.
  • Neurological and neurodevelopmental conditions.
  • Weakened immune system due to disease or medication (such as people with HIV or AIDS, or cancer, or those on chronic steroids).
  • Younger than 19 years of age who are receiving long-term aspirin therapy.

Scheduling a flu shot

Call your primary care provider or find a network pharmacy to get your flu shot. The flu shot is no cost for members. Remember, you cannot catch the flu from the flu shot. Each flu shot is good for only one year.

Get more information by visiting the CDC flu page, or by calling Member Services at 1-888-276-2020.

Members