Every year, up to 20% of Americans get the flu and, for more than 200,000 of them, the symptoms are so severe that they are hospitalized (those 65+ account for half of those hospitalizations). To curb this trend, the CDC recommends that seniors get their flu shot at the onset of flu season starting in late September.
According to Michael Tehrani, M.D., a board-certified internist with Brand New Day, a Medicare Advantage prescription health plan available in 12 California counties, conflicting reports about the efficacy of flu shots have led to confusion among its members, most of whom are seniors.
“We are being asked if getting a flu shot is necessary, does getting a flu shot give you the flu, is it best to hold off until mid-flu season to get the shot so that the vaccine is more potent, etc.” said Tehrani. “We want to clear up some of the misconceptions since getting a flu shot for those 6 months old or older is one of the most important steps we can take to stay healthy.”

Tehrani has put together the following myth-busting facts:

THE FLU ISN’T A SERIOUS ILLNESS — The flu can be deadly, particularly among smokers, seniors and those with lung diseases like COPD and asthma, and those with diabetes
WAIT UNTIL MID-FLU SEASON TO GET VACCINE — Don’t wait, get the flu shot as we usher in fall. There is some evidence that delaying a vaccination might provide stronger immunity deeper into flu season, the risk is that too many older people will end up not getting a flu shot.
VACCINE WORKS IMMEDIATELY — The vaccine takes 2 weeks to kick in
YOU CAN’T GET THE FLU IF VACCINATED — Even if vaccinated, you may still get the flu but the symptoms are often milder
FLU SHOTS CAUSE THE FLU — The flu shot — an injectable vaccine made from dead viruses — can’t cause the flu
THERE IS ONE UNIVERSAL FLU SHOT — There are 2 vaccine options: regular- and high-dose. Seniors should opt for the high dose vaccine as it contains a higher amount of antigen – the substance that triggers the production of antibodies, says the CDC. (A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that the high dose vaccine was 24% more effective.)

“Since the flu virus is a droplet that can be spread via air or through touching, it is important that you wash your hands with soap and warm water or alcohol-based hand-sanitizer throughout the day,” advises Tehrani. “Also, stay away from those with the flu, wear a mask in public areas that lack good ventilation (e.g., airplanes, small offices, etc.), and avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.”

In addition to its standard plan, Brand New Day offers:

• Harmony Plan — for members with mental illness including major depression, schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, bipolar disorder and paranoid disorder
• Bridges Plan — for members with dementia and Alzheimer’s patients
• Embrace Plan — for members with heart disease, hypertension and/or diabetes

For qualifying members, the plans cover transportation to and from medical appointments; vision, dental and acupuncture services; 24-hour/day nurse and physician line; and health and life coaches. In addition, members with chronic illnesses are not only treated medically, but in a variety of other ways including:

• Education about the member’s chronic or ongoing medical conditions and avoidable risks
• Nutrition
• Exercise
• Self-testing and monitoring
• Medication adherence to doctor orders
• Preventive care planning
• Linkage to community support programs


Brand New Day is the Medicare product name of Universal Care, Inc., a privately held California Knox-Keene Healthcare Service Plan licensed by the California Department of Managed Health Care and contracted with the Centers of Medicare and Medicaid Services as a Medicare Advantage contractor. Universal Care, Inc. is owned and operated by an experienced group of managed care executives and physicians. Universal Care, Inc. was founded in 1983. For more information, visit BNDHMO.com or call (866) 255-4795.