Preparing for the upcoming flu season in the time of COVID-19
Getting an annual flu vaccination is your best defence against the flu virus, and goes a long way towards reducing hospital admissions and even deaths.
Due to slight changes in the genetic material of the influenza viruses A and B, new virus strains emerge each year. So, last year’s flu shot won’t protect you against this year’s viruses. Fedhealth generally recommends that our members get vaccinated every year.
However, the flu vaccination may be limited this year. As such, we recommend that members who are at a higher risk of developing influenza and those who are above 65, try to make their vaccination a priority, whilst practicing the recommended precautions to avoid COVID-19 infection.
Tips for safely getting your flu vaccine during lockdown:
- Call in advance to see if your pharmacy has a supply of the vaccine available
- Schedule an appointment if the facility allows – this will reduce the time you have to spend in waiting areas and help with practicing social distancing
Although pharmacies are open during lockdown, you should ONLY go to the pharmacy if you absolutely need to and return home as quickly as possible after you’re done.
As a Fedhealth member, you and your dependants have a FREE flu vaccination benefit that’s paid from Risk, and not your Savings or MediVault and Wallet.
| These flu vaccines* are covered by Fedhealth from your screening benefit (one per beneficiary per year): · Influvac 0.5ml · Vaxigrip Single Dose 0.5ml pre-filled · Vaxigrip Single Dose 0.25ml pre-filled paediatric |
| * Important note: Vaxigrip Tetra (Nappi code: 3000826 VAXIGRIP TETRA SINGLE DOSE 0.5ML) is NOT covered by the screening benefit for the 2020 flu season. The Scheme covers other alternatives suitable against circulating strains of the virus in South Africa based on the most recent flu surveillance information provided by the WHO (World Health Organization). If you prefer this particular vaccine, it will be covered from your Savings/ MediVault and Wallet where applicable, or out of your own pocket (myFED members). |
USEFUL RESOURCES
Covid-19 online resource and news portal: https://sacoronavirus.co.za/
The National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD): https://www.NICD.ac.za/
