Free Flu Shots at Kaiser Permanente
All Kaiser Members are Entitled to Free Influenza Vaccinations
© John Wu
Sep 12, 2009
Every year, Kaiser Permanente members are entitled to free flu vaccinations no matter what health plan they are enrolled under. Kaiser Senior Advantage members are eligible for free flu shots as well. Non-members should consider enrolling in a Kaiser Permanente health insurance plan or go elsewhere for their annual flu shot.
Who Should Get a Free Flu Vaccination from Kaiser?
Kaiser Permanente recommends that every member get his yearly flu vaccination. Reminders to get the flu shot are printed on paperwork from doctor's visits.
Kaiser strongly recommends that the following group of people take advantage of the free flu shot:
- Children age 6 months to 19 years (infants less than 6 months old should NOT get a flu shot)
- Anybody who is 50 years of age or older
- Anyone with a chronic health condition
- Pregnant women
- Healthcare wokers
- Anyone taking care or living with a child less than 6 months old
- Anyone taking care or living with somebody in the above categories
Free Kaiser Flu Shots - When and Where?
Those who want the free influenza shot should contact their preferred Kaiser facility or call 1-800-KP-FLU-11 (1-800-573-5811) for current recorded information on when and where to get their free flu vaccination. Depending on the flu clinic location, specific hours and appointments may be required.
Members need to bring their Kaiser Permanente medical card as well as photo ID to the flu clinic in order to confirm eligibility for their free flu shot. To expedite processing, wear a short sleeve shirt as well.
Second Free Influenza Vaccine for H1N1 at Kaiser
In 2009, the annual flu vaccine did not protect against the novel H1N1 strain. Instead, a second vaccine made specifically for H1N1 will become available later in the season. Kaiser members will be able to receive the H1N1 flu vaccine for free as well. This means the 2009 flu season will require two visits to the flu clinic instead of one.
All of the Kaiser flu shot information resources listed above will be updated throughout each flu season, especially in years such as 2009 when two or more flu shots are needed.
Prevention Beyond Flu Vaccination
Everyone should be aware of how the flu is transmitted as well as practice good prevention techniques such as washing hands frequently. For the 2009 flu season, flu prevention is especially critical since availability of the H1N1 flu vaccine may be too late to avoid a H1N1 pandemic, according to the New York Times. Even if a vaccine is available in time, flu prevention helps those who have not had a chance to get their flu shot yet.
References:
Kaiser Permanente Northern California. "Arm Yourself Against the Flu."
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. cdc.gov
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