Protect yourself and those around you

A flu shot is your best defense against catching the flu. Your flu shot can help protect people around you from catching the flu, too — which can be especially dangerous for young children, the elderly and people with chronic health conditions.

That’s why the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)* recommends annual influenza vaccination for everyone — with a few exceptions — ages 6 months and older.

Get the facts about flu shots

• Flu viruses mutate and evolve. Flu vaccines change each year in anticipation of which specific strains are likely to be active. So last year’s shot won’t protect you this year.

• Some years the vaccine is more effective than others. But even if you do get sick, people who have gotten the vaccine tend to have milder symptoms.

• Contrary to a popular myth, you can’t get the flu from the flu shot. The vaccine uses dead viruses to trigger your immune system to make antibodies.

Many of our members are eligible for no-cost flu shots. Coverage may be through your preventive care or pharmacy benefits. To review your benefits, log into My Health Toolkit^®.

*The CDC is an independent organization that offers health information that members of BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina may find helpful.