Medicare covers flu vaccine, some antiviral meds

I heard that this year's flu virus mutated, and the flu shot being offered is not fully effective. Is it still worth getting the shot? And if so, does Medicare cover this vaccine?

The Department of Health and Human Services has a website that you may want to visit: www.flu.gov. Several different stains of the flu circulate each year; scientists create the flu vaccines in anticipation of the seasonal flu viruses expected to have the highest impact.

The website states: "Flu viruses are constantly changing or mutating. Seasonal vaccines, the shots we get each winter, protect against three and sometimes even four different flu viruses. Those viruses change and a new vaccine must be developed each year."

The website further states: "Normal mutations to one of the active flu strains mean that this season's flu vaccine may be less effective at protecting you against the flu. People who get the vaccine, however, are still protected against two common flu strains and may experience milder symptoms if they get the mutated strain."

Getting vaccinated is still the best way to protect against the flu. If you have not gotten your flu vaccine, it's not too late! Get vaccinated as soon as possible.

Take everyday precautions - like washing your hands, covering your cough and staying away from sick people - to protect your health.

If you are at high risk for flu-related complications and experience flu-like symptoms, contact your health care provider as soon as possible. Your provider can prescribe antiviral medications, which work best when started within two days of the onset of flu symptoms.

The annual flu vaccine is covered 100 percent by Medicare if you see a health care provider who is a Medicare participating provider.

I am running a fever of 100.2 with shaking chills and body aches. I think it is the flu. I was wondering, does Medicare cover Tamiflu that is advertised on TV?

The flu is caused by a virus. The FDA has approved certain antiviral medicines that may be prescribed by your doctor to fight the flu virus in your body. The brand-name antiviral influenza medicines include Tamiflu and Relenza.

Since these are prescription medicines, you would contact your health care provider to discuss your illness and possible treatments. Typically, a flu antiviral is prescribed during the first couple of days of flu symptoms.

Tamiflu and Relenza are covered under Medicare Part D. Recall, Medicare Part D has costs: deductible and copayments. You would want to contact your Medicare Part D drug plan to verify your cost for these medicines.

Amy Rubino is director of the Senior Health Insurance Assistance Program and the Senior Medicare Patrol for the Anne Arundel County Department of Aging and Disabilities. You may contact either program at 410-222-4464 or [email protected].