According to the CDC, people of racial and ethnic communities experience higher rates of severe flu-related illness and hospitalization, and they historically have lower vaccination rates than non-Hispanic White people.

Hospitalization Rates:

• Non-Hispanic Black people (69 per 100,000)
• Non-Hispanic American Indian or Alaskan Native people (49 per 100,000)
• Hispanic or Latino people (45 per 100,000)
• Non-Hispanic White people (38 per 100,000)
• Non-Hispanic Asian people (32 per 100,000)

Adult Flu Vaccination Percentages:

• 38.6% Hispanic or Latino people
• 40.4% non-Hispanic Black people
• 41.5 % non-Hispanic American Indian or Alaskan Native people
• 54.5% non-Hispanic Asian people
• 55.5% non-Hispanic White people

You can help reduce these disparities and increase flu shot use:

• Use each office visit to talk to your patients about why it’s important to get the flu shot
• Share handouts with patients who want additional information, have questions, or decline the flu shot
• Refer patients to a vaccine provider if your practice doesn’t administer the flu shot

Medicare Part B covers 1 flu shot per flu season and additional flu shots, if medically necessary. Your patients pay nothing if you accept assignment.

More Information:

• CMS Flu Shot webpage
• CDC Seasonal Influenza Vaccination Resources for Health Professionals webpage
• Flu Shot information for your Medicare patients

Source:

CMS MLN Connects, Thursday, December 16, 2021