Preparing for the upcoming flu season in the time of COVID-19 

Getting an annual flu vaccination is your best defence against the flu virus, and goes a long way towards reducing hospital admissions and even deaths.

Due to slight changes in the genetic material of the influenza viruses A and B, new virus strains emerge each year. So, last year’s flu shot won’t protect you against this year’s viruses. Fedhealth generally recommends that our members get vaccinated every year.

However, the flu vaccination may be limited this year. As such, we recommend that members who are at a higher risk of developing influenza and those who are above 65, try to make their vaccination a priority, whilst practicing the recommended precautions to avoid COVID-19 infection.

Tips for safely getting your flu vaccine during lockdown:

• Call in advance to see if your pharmacy has a supply of the vaccine available
• Schedule an appointment if the facility allows – this will reduce the time you have to spend in waiting areas and help with practicing social distancing

Although pharmacies are open during lockdown, you should ONLY go to the pharmacy if you absolutely need to and return home as quickly as possible after you’re done.

As a Fedhealth member, you and your dependants have a FREE flu vaccination benefit that’s paid from Risk, and not your Savings or MediVault and Wallet.

USEFUL RESOURCES

Covid-19 online resource and news portal: https://sacoronavirus.co.za/

The National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD): https://www.NICD.ac.za/

DISCLAIMER: The information on this website is for educational purposes only, and is not intended as medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. If you are experiencing symptoms or need health advice, please consult a healthcare professional.