With flu season upon us, it’s a great time to remind employees and their families about the importance of getting their annual flu shot. Here are answers to common flu questions along with key resources for employers looking to keep employees—and their families—healthy this holiday season:

• What causes the flu and how does it spread? The flu is caused by a respiratory virus and can spread rapidly through communities as it is passed from person to person in the air through coughing and sneezing.
• When should people receive their flu shot? It’s recommended kids and adults receive their annual flu shot in the fall, though getting vaccinated later can still be beneficial. It is safe to be vaccinated late as late as January to March.
• Does the flu vaccine cause the flu? Mild reactions are normal and a sign that the body is building an immune response—it shows the vaccine is working. It is important to remember that the vaccine takes up to two weeks to reach full effectiveness.
• How much does a flu vaccination cost for Blue Shield members? Most members can get their flu vaccine at no extra cost.Some Blue Shield of California plans have low out-of-pocket costs for the flu vaccination. Members can call the customer service phone number located on your member ID card.
• What can employers do to encourage vaccinations? For employer groups with Blue Shield pharmacy benefits interested in hosting an on-site flu or vaccination clinic, this Client Guide from CVS offers all the details needed to get started.

Visit the Blue Shield dedicated flu FAQ page for additional information and stay up to date on the latest news from Blue Shield by following us on LinkedIn and subscribe for alerts from our News Center to be delivered directly to your inbox.