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Date:  October 16, 1995
For Release:  Immediately
Contact:  HCFA Press Office, (202) 690-6145

"Influenza is a major infectious disease that can be especially dangerous to older Americans. A flu shot is prevention that works," Secretary Shalala said. "Medicare pays for flu shots, and I am pleased that more beneficiaries got their shots last year. But the Clinton Administration wants to see even higher participation among older Americans this year," Shalala said.

Flu shots are given annually and the vaccine is changed from year to year to combat changing strains of the influenza virus. The optimal time for organized programs for persons in high-risk groups is usually the period from mid-October to mid-November. Vaccine should be offered to those who need it up to and even after influenza activity is documented in a community.

According to the Health Care Financing Administration, more than 10.9 million people received a flu shot through Medicare in 1994, up from 9.8 million in 1993. This 1994 number represents almost 38 percent of Medicare beneficiaries.

The additional 1.1. million beneficiaries receiving the flu shot translates into roughly 5,000 avoided hospital admissions and $25 million in savings to beneficiaries and the Medicare program.

HCFA Administrator Bruce C. Vladeck said he expects even more Medicare beneficiaries to take advantage of the free flu shots this year. "If this trend continues, we could make significant gains toward the 'Healthy People 2000' goal of a 60 percent immunization rate among Medicare beneficiaries," Vladeck said. "We are committed to increasing the number of beneficiaries immunized this year, especially among vulnerable populations."

Information on the Medicare flu benefit is distributed through the combined efforts of HHS agencies, including HCFA's regional offices, the Administration on Aging, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the National Coalition for Adult Immunization and over 80 organizations dedicated to adult immunization.

"The health and well-being of older Americans is vitally important to all of us. If proper precautions are not taken, the flu can seriously endanger millions of lives," said Assistant Secretary for Aging Fernando M. Torres-Gil.

"The Administration on Aging, coming together with its network of State and Area Agencies on Aging, tribal organizations, service providers and volunteers, is pleased to be working with HCFA and CDC again in getting the word out on the importance of seniors getting flu shots this season," Torres-Gil said.

Flu shots are free for beneficiaries who receive them from Medicare "participating physicians" who accept Medicare payment amounts as full payment for their services.

Medicare also covers once-in-a-lifetime vaccinations against pneumococcal infections, including pneumonia. A beneficiary who has not previously received the pneumococcal vaccine can obtain it at the same time as the flu shot. For most beneficiaries, a pneumococcal vaccine need not be repeated.

The statistics released today show 1994 flu immunization rates for Medicare beneficiaries in every state and county. Actual immunization rates in some areas may be higher than Medicare claims data indicate because some shots are given by providers who do not submit claims to Medicare.

Note: A summary of the state and national data collected in years 1993 and 1994 is available through the HCFA Press Office.