Free Vaccinations Available to Many CareFirst Members This Flu Season
Company now participates in the CVS-Caremark national vaccine network
Baltimore, MD (October 19, 2015) - With cold and flu season approaching, many CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield (CareFirst) members with prescription drug coverage can now obtain a flu vaccine for free. Within CareFirst’s Maryland, Northern Virginia and Washington, D.C., service area, members with prescription drug coverage may get a flu vaccine at no cost from their in-network primary care provider and participating retail clinics and pharmacies.
CareFirst members with prescription drug coverage who are outside the company’s mid-Atlantic service area may obtain a flu vaccine free of charge from any CVS-Caremark contracted pharmacy participating in its national vaccine network. This includes over 58,000 CVS, RiteAid, Target, Walgreens and other pharmacies and Minute Clinic, Target Clinic and other clinics across the country.
Flu vaccine isn’t the only vaccine available for free to CareFirst members with the prescription drug benefit. Members may also obtain a free shingles or pneumonia vaccine.
“As CareFirst continues to ensure each of its members has access to quality, affordable health care services, it is also critically important that individuals receive necessary vaccinations and immunizations,” said Dr. Daniel Winn, CareFirst Vice President and Senior Medical Director. “CareFirst is taking steps to ensure all members have every opportunity to do so, and this latest expansion into CVS-Caremark's national vaccine network gives members the resources they need to protect themselves against the seasonal flu and other dangerous illnesses.”
Members can find a pharmacy participating in the national vaccine network on www.carefirst.com. With their username and password, members can log onto their account and search for participating pharmacies under Drug and Pharmacy Resources in the My Coverage section of My Account.
Members who receive a flu shot at a retail pharmacy or clinic should let their primary care physician know they received the vaccine. All members should check with the pharmacy to determine if a prescription or doctor’s order is required to get the flu shot or another vaccine, as age or medical restrictions may apply.
Some members who have prescription drug coverage may be responsible for copayments or deductibles in accordance with their benefit plan.
About CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield
In its 78th year of service, CareFirst, an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association, is a not-for-profit health care company which, through its affiliates and subsidiaries, offers a comprehensive portfolio of health insurance products and administrative services to 3.4 million individuals and groups in Maryland, the District of Columbia and Northern Virginia. In 2014, CareFirst contributed nearly $55 million to more than 300 community programs designed to increase the accessibility, affordability, safety and quality of health care throughout its market areas. To learn more about CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield, visit our website at www.carefirst.com or follow us on Twitter.