Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina is a big supporter of preventive care maintenance, offering preventive benefits covered at 100%. This flu season BCBSNC encourages its members to get a flu shot to help maintain optimal health.  A yearly flu vaccination is the best way to protect yourself against the influenza virus and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends you get a flu shot once a year.  The flu vaccine can help reduce your risk of contracting the illness, which in turn will help reduce absences from work or school, doctor’s visits or even potential hospitalizations.  While the vaccine is not a guarantee against getting the flu, it can be a big deterrent and can also reduce your symptoms should you become ill.

In addition to protecting yourself, the flu vaccine can help protect the people around you, some of whom may be more vulnerable.  The elderly, as well as infants  and those with chronic illnesses, can suffer serious, even life-threatening flu symptoms.  According to the CDC, a recent study showed that the flu vaccination reduced children’s risk of flu-related hospitalization by 74% during flu seasons from 2010-2012.

Getting a flu shot is just plain smart, which is why Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina encourages its members to get vaccinated.  With winter just around the corner, taking this critical step can help ensure that you and your family have the healthiest flu season possible. For more information on North Carolina insurance coverage, please visit our website at www.nchealthplans.com or call our toll free number 888-765-5400 and speak with one of our experienced and professional agents.