Flu Prevention

Are You Ready for the Flu Season?

Seasonal Flu Clinics

Worksite Seasonal Flu Vaccine Clinics in the Treasure Valley: Participants must be 18 years of age or older.

Monday, November 23, 2009, Boise Register Now
Tuesday, November 24, 2009, Boise Register Now

These clinics are open to any State of Idaho employee, retiree, and family member. You must register to attend; you must be 18 years of age or older. The clinics are for Seasonal Flu Vaccine only; H1N1 vaccine will not be available. Bring $20 cash/check to the clinic; complete the paperwork requested on the registration page above. Saint Alphonsus will submit your claim for reimbursement to Blue Cross. There are limited openings so register now.

There is a shortage of seasonal flu vaccine nationwide; it is not specific to Idaho. Some Express Care Clinics and doctor’s offices in your area may have minimal amounts of Seasonal Flu vaccine or Flumist available. Contact your physician or local district health office. Your best defense is to observe good personal hygiene - wash your hands often and thoroughly.

Remember, Seasonal Flu Vaccine is given to protect people in January, February, and March - the months when 70% of Seasonal Flu occurs. Vaccinating in November is still very appropriate.

Flu Info

Seasonal Flu and H1N1 Flu (aka Swine Flu) are different. Not everyone will need an H1N1 Vaccination. Are you at risk for H1N1? Most worksite flu clinics will be specifically for Seasonal Flu vaccination.

Flu Bug Virus Strains: there are 3 strains of flu virus as part of the Seasonal Flu Vaccine. You will see an H1N1-like virus listed on the Consent Form. There are hundreds of influenza A:H1N1 viruses; this is not the same strain causing the H1N1/Swine Flu. The Seasonal Flu Vaccine will not protect against Swine Flu.

Seasonal Flu vaccines may be available in some express clinics, pharmacies, and supermarkets. The seasonal flu vaccine is generally reimbursable under employee wellness benefits if those benefits have not been used up for this plan year and if the provider of the flu vaccine is a contracting provider with Blue Cross of Idaho. The provider (supermarket/pharmacy) should know this information or you may contact Blue Cross Customer Service at 866-804-2253.

Flu Prevention Posters

Check them out! Place them in work areas, eating areas, and restrooms. Alternate them through the season. Watch for new posters on an ongoing basis.

Is Your Office Flu Proof? Set up your defense!

Kleenex
Hand sanitizer
Disinfectant wipes
Flu Proof Your office Desk Card
Flu Prevention Posters

Tip: Use a disinfectant wipe to clean your computer mouse, phone, keyboard, favorite pen/pencil, and printer/copier keys. Wash your coffee or water cup daily. Don't put it off - do it NOW!

H1N1 Flu Resources

H1N1 Flu (Swine Flu), CDC
Panflu.idaho.gov, IDHW, Idaho H1N1 information, public health information and resources
Are you at risk?
Flu.gov Know what to do about the flu
H1N1 Flu Resources for Businesses and Employers

Seasonal Flu Resources

Flu Symptom Matrix. Check your symptoms
Get the flu facts from the CDC; check out Seasonal Flu
Updated Guidance for Businesses and Employers for the Fall Flu Season
Key Facts about Seasonal Flu Vaccine - when, who, nasal spray vs shot, side effects, and more
Treatment & Prevention: Influenza Antiviral Drugs
Track the flu in your area.
Taking Care of Yourself...what to do if the bug gets you!

And Finally, Remember...

Flu Bug Wash your hands often and well! The Center for Disease Control (CDC) recommends 20 seconds of lathering (most people wash for less than 10 seconds!). Hum or sing Happy Birthday twice while you soap up...that takes about 20 seconds. An added benefit - people may walk circles to avoid you; that can eliminate some exposure! Check out the Poster webpage for a variety ofhandwashing posters.