Annual Fluvention® program educates
members about the dangers of flu, especially when combined with
COVID and RSV
AUSTIN,
Texas, Sept. 18, 2023 /PRNewswire/
-- With cold and flu season underway,
Superior HealthPlan, a managed care
company that delivers quality health care in Texas and a subsidiary of Centene
Corporation, is encouraging Texans to get vaccinated
and learn about potential health risks through its annual
Fluvention® program. While contracting the flu can be dangerous,
the risk of serious illness is higher this year when combined with
the threat COVID-19 and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV),
collectively known as the "tripledemic."
"Every flu season is unique and, this year, there are
concerns with not only the flu, but also with COVID-19 and RSV,"
said Superior HealthPlan Chief Medical Director Dr. David Harmon. "While it may seem early, it takes
two weeks after getting a vaccine for the antibodies that protect
against a virus to fully develop, so it's best to act
early."
Vaccination is the first step in protecting oneself
against all three viruses. Below is more information about each
vaccine:
- FLU: According to the Centers for
Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), recent studies show the flu
vaccine reduces the risk of illness by up to
60%. Additionally, in 2019-2020, the vaccine
prevented 7.5 million flu illnesses and
an estimated 105,000 flu-related hospitalizations.
- COVID-19: In recent weeks, there has
been a rise in COVID-19 hospitalizations and
deaths. In the U.S. alone, more than 1.1 million
people have died from the virus since 2020, but the vaccine has
shown to decrease severe complications
when contracting the virus.
- RSV: In August, a new
RSV vaccine was approved by the Food and Drug
Administration, which is available for pregnant individuals, young
children, and older adults, to reduce the risk or even prevent RSV.
This virus is especially dangerous for babies 12 months and younger
as well as those 60 years of age and older.
Superior's Fluvention®
program offers resources at no cost to
help Texans understand the importance of the flu shot,
the risks of contracting the flu, and other preventive
measures. The initiative strives to increase
vaccination rates for the flu and other viruses, especially for
high-risk populations, by delivering targeted messaging through
direct mail, phone calls, texting, social media, and local
events.
For all three viruses, vaccination and practicing good
hygiene, like washing hands and covering coughs, are
key to prevention. Superior members can receive vaccines at no cost
through their doctor or participating pharmacy. While everyone
should get vaccinated, the CDC notes it's especially important for
the following groups who are at higher risk for
complications:
- Women who are pregnant.
- Children younger than age 5, but especially children
younger than age 2.
- People 60 years of age and older.
- People with certain chronic medical
conditions.
For more information about Superior's Fluvention®
program, visit
SuperiorHealthPlan.com/flu.
About Superior HealthPlan
Founded in 1999, Superior HealthPlan is a
managed care company that delivers quality healthcare throughout
Texas. Committed to transforming
the health of the community, one person at a time, Superior
supports active local involvement in all 254 Texas counties with 3,200 employees throughout
the state. Superior is a wholly owned subsidiary of
Centene Corporation (NYSE: CNC), a Fortune 26 company that offers
affordable and high-quality products to nearly 1 in 15 individuals
across the nation. For more information visit
www.SuperiorHealthPlan.com.
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SOURCE Superior HealthPlan