CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. — BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee Foundation has launched a statewide campaign encouraging Tennesseans to get the flu vaccine. BlueCross medical experts say the flu shot is especially important considering flu season will overlap with the
COVID-19 pandemic.
BlueCross Chief Medical Officer Andrea Willis, M.D., has advocated for the flu vaccine as a safe, proven way to reduce the chances of getting sick or spreading the flu, noting that the flu can complicate permanent or temporary health conditions. Because of the added health risks
around COVID-19 this year, she said protecting against the flu is even more important than it has been in years past.
“Most people recover from the flu without problems; but the flu can be very serious, even life threatening. It can lead to significant health problems such as pneumonia, or it can make an existing disease worse,” Dr. Willis said. “Getting the vaccine helps protect you and your family
so that, even if you don’t have symptoms, you don’t spread it to those around you.”
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), anyone can get the flu (even healthy people), and serious problems related to the flu can happen at any age; but some people are at higher risk of developing serious flu-related complications if they get sick. This includes people 65 years and older, people of any age with certain chronic medical conditions
(such as diabetes, asthma or heart disease), pregnant women, and young children.
“Many Tennesseans already face disparities that limit or complicate their health outcomes,” Dr. Willis added. “Getting vaccinated against the flu can decrease their risk of exposure or additional health concerns.
The CDC recommends that everyone 6 months of age and older get a flu vaccine every year.
Over the past 50 years, hundreds of millions of Americans have safely received flu vaccines, and it prevents millions of illnesses each year.
For those who have health insurance, flu vaccinations are free under most plans at in-network doctor’s offices, clinics and pharmacies. Tennesseans can also check with local health
departments to find out about local availability, including any free vaccines that may be offered in their area.
More flu vaccine information and resources are available at BetterTennessee.com/flu.
About BlueCross®
BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee is a taxpaying, not-for-profit health plan serving more than 3.5 million members in Tennessee and around the country. The Chattanooga-based company was founded in 1945
and is celebrating its 75th anniversary of bringing peace of mind to its members and local communities. BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee Inc. is an independent licensee of the BlueCross BlueShield
Association. For more information, visit the company’s news center at BCBSTnews.com.
About BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee Foundation, Inc.
The BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee Foundation, Inc. was established in December 2003 as a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit corporation organized to promote the philanthropic mission of BlueCross
BlueShield of Tennessee. The foundation provides funding for the BlueCross Healthy Place program, which creates active, healthy spaces across Tennessee