Article Detail - JE Part B
Flu Shot Disparities
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
Last Updated Tue, 21 Dec 2021 18:04:51 +0000