Flu Shot Program Frequently Asked Questions

The flu is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. It can cause mild to severe illness, and at times can lead to serious complications and even death. The best ways to reduce chances of getting the flu are to wash your hands frequently, get plenty of rest, eat smart, exercise and get a flu vaccination each fall.

Flu is a serious disease, and people of any age can get it. In an average year, the seasonal flu causes 36,000 deaths and more than 200,000 hospitalizations in the United States.

Vaccines help you and those around you stay healthy during the flu season. The flu vaccine protects people by reducing the risk of getting the flu and reducing the severity of symptoms. Flu vaccines also protect those who cannot get immunized, such as infants and adults with weakened immune systems, by reducing influenza among their contacts.

Every year in the United States:

• 5% to 20% of the population gets the seasonal flu
• More than 200,000 people are hospitalized from flu complications
• About 36,000 people die from flu

The "flu season" in the United States is usually from November through May. Flu season usually peaks in the United States between late December and early March.

Anyone can get the flu, but some people are at higher risk for serious complications if  they get the flu including:

• People age 50 and older.
• Children from 6 months to 18 years.
• People with chronic heart or lung conditions or whose immune systems have been suppressed.

People with other chronic illness such as diabetes or heart disease.
Vaccination is also important for health care workers, people who care for those at high risk of complications, and people who work in highly public settings.

For a complete list of high risk groups, visit the Centers for Disease Control website.

The whole body suffers from it. Typical symptoms include:

• Fever, chills, weakness, loss of appetite, and aching of the head, back, arms, legs.
• Also, you may have a sore throat and a dry cough, nausea, and burning eyes.
• Temperature may rise to 104° F, but after two or three days the fever goes away.
• Often a person continues to feel tired and sick for several days.
• Sometimes a person can have complications, such as dehydration or pneumonia.

The flu is different than a seasonal cough or cold. For a chart of symptoms in comparison, go to http://www.webmd.com/cold-and-flu/is-it-a-cold-or-flu

Yes, the county will provide onsite flu clinics for King County employees at select locations. A list of these sites is on this Health Matters website.

County worksites with more than 100 full time, benefits eligible employees onsite were selected for the onsite flu clinic program.

You need to bring your medical health insurance card. If you do not bring your card, you will be asked to pay $23 for the flu shot. Additionally you will need to fill out a Consent Form, available online. You may also receive and complete consent forms at the onsite clinics.

Yes, but be sure to tell the nurse you may be pregnant. Some preservative-free vaccines will be on hand for pregnant women or those who might be pregnant.

This varies depending on worksite, bargaining unit and department. All King County department directors, division managers and supervisors are urged to let their staff participate in the onsite flu clinic program, if possible. However, employees must obtain approval from their supervisors or managers to ensure normal operations continue.  Employees may also use break or lunch times, or participate before or after regular reporting hours.

Contact the Flu Clinic Coordinator at the site you’d like to visit. In many cases, flu shots will be on a walk in, first come first served basis during the hours of the clinic. If sign ups are required, your Coordinator will let you know. If you have any questions, call Health Matters at 206-205-5017 or email FocusonEmployees@kingcounty.gov.

The onsite flu clinic program is for county employees only. Some worksites prohibit non-employee access to facilities.  Please respect facility regulations.  Vendors can not administer flu shots to children under 9 years old.  Eligible dependents 9 years and older will not be turned away, however we urge dependents to use their regular medical providers for flu shots for greater flexibility in times and comprehensive medical service. A benefits - covered dependent who shows up at an onsite clinic will need identification and his/her health insurance card - dependent costs will be billed to health insurance.

Onsite flu vaccines are free for benefits-covered  employees - the cost will be paid by your benefit plan.

• KingCare^SM/Aetna members – no charge to employees who attend an onsite clinic. See schedule for times and locations. Aetna will be billed directly.

• Group Health members – No charge for employees who attend an onsite clinic.  Group Health will be billed directly.   

• Benefits covered employees under different health plans – you may receive a vaccine at a King County clinic.  You will be charged $23 and receive a receipt to request reimbursement from your health care plan.
  
  
• Non-benefits covered employees – you may receive a flu shot at a King County worksite clinic. You will be charged $23 for the flu shot.

For onsite and community clinic schedules, go to www.kingcounty.gov/HealthMatters.

Public Health employees may participate in the King County onsite flu clinics. Or, you may receive a vaccine for free at one of the Public Health Centers offering immunizations for the public.

Adult and Juvenile Detention employees need to check with your manager/supervisor about the specific times, dates and places that shots will be offered to you. If you cannot make any of your department sessions, you can get a shot at one of the King County onsite flu clinics. See the schedule for times and locations.

Sites were chosen based on number and availability of employees and access to appropriate facilities for the clinic. As a general rule, all King County sites with 100 or more full time, benefits eligible employees onsite will receive an opportunity for a clinic. If your worksite is not listed, you are welcome to attend an onsite flu clinic at a King County worksite close to you, or visit your health care provider.

In most cases, yes. Contact the Flu Shot Coordinator in the other location to make sure it is okay, sign up for a time if required, and receive building access instructions.

Yes. The onsite flu program is strictly voluntary. If you choose to go to your provider you will receive the benefits provided for under the preventive benefits program.

• KingCare^SM members — free vaccines through your health care provider.

• Group Health members — free shots through your health care provider. For more information about clinic hours, call 800-992-2279 or visit www.mygrouphealth.org.

Many pharmacies offer flu shots to their customers. Your flu shot will be free if your pharmacy accepts - and can bill directly - Aetna or Group Health.

Aetna: Here is a group of pharmacies where Aetna is accepted.

Group Health: If you do not get your shot at a Group Health clinic, you may need to pay and submit a claim for reimbursement.

All health information is subject to Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) regulations. All precautions will be taken to ensure your confidentiality is protected. Our onsite vendors, Maxim Health Systems and Group Health are bound by HIPAA laws to protect your rights and privacy of medical information. This includes information communicated while getting a flu vaccine. Additionally, key staff members including the flu shot coordinators will be trained on HIPAA procedures and requirements.

Our onsite flu clinic vendor Maxim Health Systems. Maxim is a premiere provider of flu immunization in the greater Puget Sound area. All Maxim flu clinic staff are licensed professionals. Flu clinic policies and procedures are based on the current Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines.

No. You may be able to receive Flu Mist from your health care provider.

Yes, King County employees can use Public Health clinics for flu shots. However, Public Health centers do not bill private insurance so King County employees will be asked to pay out of pocket for the flu shot. Benefits eligible employees can request a receipt and follow the correct procedures to seek reimbursement from KingCare^SM/Aetna) or Group Health.   

Public Health employees are an exception. They can get a flu shot for free at Public Health clinics covered by Public Health’s Occupational Safety and Health Program.

For more information on the onsite seasonal flu vaccine program, go to www.kingcounty.gov/HealthMatters/flu.