Skip to main content
  • Home
  • Medicare
  • Employer
  • Broker
  • Provider
  • Careers
  • Health News
  • About Us
  • Menu
    • Find Care
      • Care Options

        • Find a Doctor
        • 24/7 Nurse Line
        • Video Doctor Visits
        • Look up a Medication
        • Care Management
        • Serious Illness
        • Care Decisions
        • Holistic Care
          • Find alternative care
          Close
        • Acupuncture
        • Team Blue
          • A Pledge to Make Meaningful Change
          Close
        Close
      Close
    • Your Health
      • Mental and Behavioral Health

        • Mental & Behavioral Health
        • Care Options
        • Articles & Videos
        • Substance Use Disorder
        Close
      • Conditions

        • Pregnancy
        • Diabetes
        • Asthma
        Close
      • Everyday Wellness

        • Coronavirus Resource Center
          • We Are Mighty, MA
          Close
        • Flu Resources
          • Flu FAQ
          • Flu Myths
          Close
        • Preventive Care
        • Healthy Living
        • Family Planning
        Close
      Close
    • Learn & Save
      • Plans & Benefits

        • Medical
          • Student Plan
          Close
        • Dental
        • Vision
        • Pharmacy
        • Deductible plans
        • Other Benefits
        • Health Connector Plans
        • Summary of Benefits and Coverage
        Close
      • Ways to Save

        • Health Financial Accounts
        • Fitness & Weight Loss
        • Breast Pump Savings
        Close
      • Insurance Basics

        • Transitioning to Medicare
        Close
      • Fast Forms
      • Glossary of Terms
      Close
    Close
  • Search
    • Search
    Close
  • Support
    • Team Blue Support
      • Call member service 1-800-262-2583
      • Talk to a nurse 1-888-247-2583
      • Video Doctor Visit
      • Send website feedback
      Close
    Close
  • Sign In
  • Menu
    • Home
    • Find Care
      • Care Options

        • Find a Doctor
        • 24/7 Nurse Line
        • Video Doctor Visits
        • Look up a Medication
        • Care Management
        • Serious Illness
        • Care Decisions
        • Holistic Care
          • Find alternative care
          Close
        • Acupuncture
        • Team Blue
          • A Pledge to Make Meaningful Change
          Close
        Close
      Close
    • Your Health
      • Mental and Behavioral Health

        • Mental & Behavioral Health
        • Care Options
        • Articles & Videos
        • Substance Use Disorder
        Close
      • Conditions

        • Pregnancy
        • Diabetes
        • Asthma
        Close
      • Everyday Wellness

        • Coronavirus Resource Center
          • We Are Mighty, MA
          Close
        • Flu Resources
          • Flu FAQ
          • Flu Myths
          Close
        • Preventive Care
        • Healthy Living
        • Family Planning
        Close
      Close
    • Learn & Save
      • Plans & Benefits

        • Medical
          • Student Plan
          Close
        • Dental
        • Vision
        • Pharmacy
        • Deductible plans
        • Other Benefits
        • Health Connector Plans
        • Summary of Benefits and Coverage
        Close
      • Ways to Save

        • Health Financial Accounts
        • Fitness & Weight Loss
        • Breast Pump Savings
        Close
      • Insurance Basics

        • Transitioning to Medicare
        Close
      • Fast Forms
      • Glossary of Terms
      Close

    Other Sites

    • Home
    • Medicare
    • Employer
    • Broker
    • Provider
    • Careers
    • Health News
    • About Us

    Need Help

    • Team Blue Support
      • Call member service 1-800-262-2583
      • Talk to a nurse 1-888-247-2583
      • Video Doctor Visit
      • Send website feedback
      Close
    Close
  1. Home
  2. Flu Resources
  3. Flu FAQ

Flu FAQS

Your top questions answered

Who should get the flu shot?

Just about everyone 6 months and older, most importantly those who are at high risk of developing complications if they get the flu, such as:

  • Adults 65 years and older
  • Adults with chronic health conditions, such as asthma, heart disease & stroke, diabetes, chronic kidney disease
  • Children younger than two years old
  • Pregnant women and women up to two weeks after the end of pregnancy
  • Certain racial and ethnic minority groups, including non-Hispanic Black persons, Hispanic or Latino persons, and American Indian or Alaska Native persons
  • People who live in nursing homes and long-term care facilities

 

Visit the Centers For Disease Control for a complete list

I have a health condition. Is a flu shot safe for me?

Talk to your doctor before getting the flu shot if you or a family member have a health condition, most importantly any of the following:

  • An allergy to eggs, or any other ingredient in the vaccine
  • Have had Guillain-Barre syndrome in the past
  • Are currently ill with a fever
  • Suspected or diagnosed with COVID-19
    • You should postpone vaccination until you have met the criteria to indicate you are no longer required to isolate. This will avoid exposing health care personnel and other patients to the COVID-19 virus.
When should I get my shot?

Ideally before flu viruses begin spreading in your community. It takes about two weeks after vaccination for the body to build up protection against flu, so the sooner you get your shot, the better. The CDC recommends that people get a flu vaccine by the end of October. But any time is better than not at all — the vaccination is usually offered throughout the flu season, which usually peaks between December and February, but can last all the way through May. It’s really never too late to get your shot!

How is the flu vaccination administered?

The most common way to receive the vaccine is by getting a shot. The way you receive the vaccine and the dose you get will vary depending on what your provider recommends. Learn more on the CDC website and talk to your doctor or pharmacist about what’s right for you and your family.

Does my child need two doses of the flu shot?

Possibly. It’s not unusual for some children ages six months to eight years to require two doses. Learn more about whether your child needs more than one shot — and be sure to talk to your doctor before your child gets vaccinated.

The cold, flu, and COVID-19 have some similar symptoms. How do I know which one I have?

If you experience symptoms like fever of 102 – 104°F, shortness of breath, muscle pain and body aches, contact your doctor for guidance. Even colds come with symptoms like chest congestion, coughing, and fever. When in doubt, contact your doctor. And in any case, it’s best to follow these safety guidelines for both flu and COVID-19 to help prevent the spread of flu and coronavirus to your family, friends or community.

Can I have the flu and COVID-19 at the same time?

Yes. And each can make the other worse. There is still much being learned about the risks of having both viruses at the same time, or how common this is. In the meantime, it makes good sense to get your flu shot and take extra precautions to prevent transmission. Visit our Coronavirus Resource Center for support and help. The CDC also has helpful information about flu and coronavirus.

What should I do if I get the flu?

Seek prompt medical attention

If you’re pregnant or in a high-risk group, seek medical help right away if you’ve been exposed to the flu or have developed symptoms.

Call your doctor

Talk to them about treatment options, especially if you have a high risk of flu complications or are very sick. Your doctor may want to treat you over the phone so that you can stay home and avoid contact with others.

Wash your hands

A lot. With soap and water. If those aren’t available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.

Cover your mouth and nose

Every time you cough or sneeze. Use a tissue when doing so. Here’s a hack if you don’t have tissue: cough or sneeze into the inside of your elbow to avoid spreading germs. And be sure to wear a mask.

Keep it clean

Sanitize commonly used surfaces and items that may be contaminated with flu germs, such as door knobs, remote controls, your phone, etc.

Don’t expose others

Make sure you’re fever-free for at least 24 hours before returning to work or other shared activities.

Talk to Team Blue

Call our 24/7 Nurse Line at 1-888-247-BLUE (2583) to talk to a registered nurse, at no additional cost. They’ll guide you through your next steps for care.

Your best shot at avoiding the flu

To prevent getting sick, make the following steps part of your routine. Wear your mask when in public, too. The bonus? Some of these good habits also reduce risk of coronavirus. And be sure to stay at home if you think you might be sick to protect others!

  1. Get your shot
  2. Avoid close contact in public and with people who are sick
  3. Wash your hands frequently
  4. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, mouth
  5. Get plenty of rest, exercise, fluids, and good nutrition

Two More Hot Topics

Why this flu season is
like no other

Learn more

How do flu shots
work?

Learn more

Footer: Links

  • About Us
  • Careers
  • Sitemap
  • Feedback
  • Contact Us
  • Privacy & Security
  • Terms of Use
  • Accessibility
  • Nondiscrimination
  • Member Rights
  • Plan Updates
  • Utilization Management
  • MyBlue App
  • Health News Stories
  • Well-B
  • Medical Policies
  • Equity In Health Care​​​​​​​

Download App

Download on App Store Download on Google Play

Follow us:

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • LinkedIn
  • YouTube

Choose a language:

  • English (English)
  • Español (Spanish)
  • Português (Portuguese)
  • Français (French)
  • Chinese/简体中文
  • Haitian Creole/Kreyòl Ayisyen
  • Vietnamese/Tiếng Việt
  • Russian/Русский
  • Mon-Khmer, Cambodian/ខ្មែរ
  • Italian/Italiano
  • Korean/한국어
  • Greek/λληνικά
  • Polish/Polski
  • Hindi/हिंदी
  • Gujarati/ગુજરાતી
  • Tagalog/Tagalog
  • Japanese/日本語
  • German/Deutsch
  • Lao/ພາສາລາວ
  • Navajo/Diné Bizaad

ATTENTION: If you speak a language other than English, language assistance services are available to you free of charge. Call 1-800-472-2689 (TTY: 711).

ATENCIÓN: Si habla español, tiene a su disposición servicios gratuitos de asistencia con el idioma. Llame al número de Servicio al Cliente que figura en su tarjeta de identificación llamada 1-800-472-2689 (TTY: 711 ).

ATENÇÃO: Se fala português, são-lhe disponibilizados gratuitamente serviços de assistência de idiomas. Telefone para os Serviços aos Membros, através do número no seu cartão ID chamar  1-800-472-2689 (TTY: 711 ).

ATTENTION : si vous parlez français, des services d’assistance linguistique sont disponibles gratuitement. Appelez le Service adhérents au numéro indiqué sur votre carte d’assuré appel 1-800-472-2689  (TTY : 711 ).

注意:如果您讲中文,我们可向您免费提供语言协助服务。请拨打您 ID  卡上的号码联系会员服务部 通话 1-800-472-2689(TTY  号码:711 )。

ATANSYON: Si ou pale kreyòl ayisyen, sèvis asistans nan lang disponib pou ou gratis. Rele nimewo Sèvis Manm nan ki sou kat Idantitifkasyon w lan (Sèvis pou Malantandan Rele 1-800-472-2689 TTY: 711 ).

LƯU .: Nếu quý vị n.i Tiếng Việt, c.c dịch vụ hỗ trợ ng.n ngữ được cung cấp cho quý vị miễn ph.. Gọi cho Dịch vụ Hội vi.n theo số tr.n thẻ ID của quý vị Cuộc gọi 1-800-472-2689 (TTY: 711 ).

ВНИМАНИЕ: если Вы говорите по-русски, Вы можете воспользоваться бесплатными услугами переводчика. Позвоните в отдел обслуживания клиентов по номеру, указанному в Вашей идентификационной карте вызов  1-800-472-2689 (телетайп: 711 ).

ការជូនដំណឹង៖ ប្រសិនប. ើអ្នកនិយាយភាសា ខ្មែរ សេ  វាជំនួយភាសាឥតគិតថ្លៃ គឺអាចរកបានសម្  រាប ់អ្នក។ សូមទូរស័ព្ទទ ៅផ ្នែ កសេ  វាសមា  ជិកតាមល េខន  ៅល.  ើប ័ណ្ណ សម្  គាល ់ខ្លួ ខ្លួ នរប ស់អ្នក ហៅ  1-800-472-2689 (TTY: 711) ។

ATTENZIONE: se parlate italiano, sono disponibili per voi servizi gratuiti di assistenza linguistica. Chiamate il Servizio per i membri al numero riportato sulla vostra scheda identificativa chiamata  1-800-472-2689 (TTY: 711 ).

참고 : 한국어를 사용하는 경우 언어 지원 서비스를 무료로 사용할 수 있습니다. 신분증에있는 전화 번호 1-800-472-2689 (TTY : 711)로 회원 서비스에 연락하십시오.

ΠΡΟΣΟΧΗ: Εάν μιλάτε Ελληνικά, διατίθενται για σας υπηρεσίες γλωσσικής βοήθειας, δωρεάν. Καλέστε την Υπηρεσία Εξυπηρέτησης Μελών στον αριθμό της κάρτας μέλους σας (ID Card) κλήση 1-800-472-2689 (TTY: 711 ).

UWAGA: Osoby posługujące się językiem polskim mogą bezpłatnie skorzystać z pomocy językowej. Należy zadzwonić do Działu obsługi ubezpieczonych pod numer podany na identyfikatorze zadzwoń 1-800-472-2689 (TTY: 711 ).

ध्यान दें: य दि  आप ह िन् दी बोलते ह ैं, तो भा षा  सहाय  ता  सेवा एँ, आप के लि ए नि :शुल्क  उपलब्ध ह ैं। सदस्य  सेवा ओं को आपके आई.डी. कार  ्ड पर दि ए गए नंबर पर कॉल करें  कॉल 1-800-472-2689 ( टी .टी .वा ई.: 711).

ધ્યાન આપો:  જો તમે ગુજરા તી બોલતા  હો, તો તમને ભા ષા કીય  સહાય  તા  સેવા ઓ વિ ના  મૂલ્યે  ઉપલબ્ધ છે. તમા રા  આઈડી કાર  ્ડ પર આપેલા  નંબર પર Member Service  ને કૉલ કરો કૉલ કરો 1-800-472-2689 (TTY: 711).

PAUNAWA: Kung nagsasalita ka ng wikang Tagalog, mayroon kang magagamit na mga libreng serbisyo para sa tulong sa wika. Tawagan ang Mga Serbisyo sa Miyembro sa numerong nasa iyong ID Card tumawag 1-800-472-2689 (TTY: 711 ).

お知らせ:日本語をお話しになる方は無料の言語アシスタンスサービスをご利用いただけます。ID カードに記載の電話番号を使用してメンバーサービスまでお電話ください 呼び出す 1-800-472-2689(TTY: 711 )。

ACHTUNG: Wenn Sie Deutsche sprechen, steht Ihnen kostenlos fremdsprachliche Unterstützung zur Verfügung. Rufen Sie den Mitgliederdienst unter der Nummer auf Ihrer ID-Karte an Anrufen 1-800-472-2689 (TTY: 711 ).

ຂໍ້ຄວນໃສ່ໃຈ: ຖ້າເຈົ້າເວົ້າພາສາລາວໄດ້, ມີການບໍລິການຊ່ວຍເຫຼືອດ້ານພາສາໃຫ້ທ່ານໂດຍບໍ່ເສຍຄ່າ. ໂທ ຫາ ຝ່າຍບໍລິການສະ ມາ ຊິກທີ່ໝາຍເລກໂທລະສັບຢູ່ໃນບັດຂອງທ່ານ ໂທ 1-800-472-2689 (TTY: 711).

BAA !KOHWIINDZIN DOO&G&: Din4 k’ehj7 y1n7[t’i’go saad bee y1t’i’ 47 t’11j77k’e bee n7k1’a’doowo[go 47 n1’ahoot’i’. D77 bee an7tah7g7 ninaaltsoos bine’d44’ n0omba bik1’7g7ij8’ b44sh bee hod77lnih call 1-800-472-2689 (TTY: 711).

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts is an Independent Licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. ® Registered Marks of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. ®´ Registered Marks of Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Massachusetts, Inc., or Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Massachusetts HMO Blue, Inc. ®´´ Registered Marks, TM Trademarks. and SM Service Marks are the property of their respective owners. © 2020 Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Massachusetts, Inc., or Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Massachusetts HMO Blue, Inc.