As the Nation fights COVID-19, an annual flu vaccine is more important than ever. 

The fact is that flu is dangerous. Each year, millions of Americans of all ages become ill with flu, hundreds of thousands are hospitalized, and tens of thousands die. Flu vaccines are safe and getting vaccinated reduces the risk of getting sick with flu or winding up in the hospital if you do get flu. 

By getting an annual flu vaccine, employees can reduce the spread of flu and reduce stress on the healthcare system, as well as keep our entire federal workforce – and country – healthier and stronger during COVID-19. For these reasons, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and Office of Personnel Management urge every federal employee to do their part to fight flu and get vaccinated and to encourage family members, friends, and coworkers to as well.  

It is also a good time to make sure you, and others close to you, are up-to-date on other recommended vaccinations, so ask your health care provider about other vaccines you need. All  vaccines recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, such as flu vaccines, are covered at no cost to Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) plan members. Most FEHB plans also cover vaccines at pharmacies and retail stores, in addition to doctor’s offices and clinics, with no co-pays when in-network. 

To help spread the word, you can find several flu tools and resources below on the attached information sheet. We ask you to distribute this information sheet widely through your agencies and use the tools and resources listed to promote widespread vaccination of the federal workforce. 

Immunizations are at the core of building a healthier workforce, healthier families, and healthier communities. Thank you for supporting this effort.