Spread Cheer, Not Germs
Louisiana Blue Encourages Everyone to Get Flu Shots, Prevent Illnesses From Spreading

BATON ROUGE – The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) shows Louisiana has some of the highest flu rates in the country. Statewide, healthcare providers are reporting treating more patients for flu and other respiratory illnesses.  

With two weeks left before Christmas and the start of Hanukkah, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana urges everyone to get their flu shots and other seasonal vaccines if they have not already. This can prevent spreading contagious illnesses during holiday gatherings or travel. And, getting your shots now will give you protection heading into the winter months that are the peak of respiratory illness season.  

The CDC recommends everyone 6 months and older gets a flu shot each year. The shot is especially important for adults 65 and older, pregnant people, babies or young children, and anyone with long-term health conditions like diabetes, asthma or heart disease. These groups are at higher risk for death or severe complications from the flu. 

In addition to flu shots, the CDC recommends the 2024-2025 updated COVID-19 vaccine for anyone 6 months and older. These vaccines protect against variants of the virus that are currently going around. The CDC also recommends a preventive vaccine for Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) for everyone age 75 and older and people ages 60–74 who are at increased risk of severe RSV. Pregnant people should ask their healthcare providers or pharmacists about this vaccine, since it may transfer protection to their babies. 

If you have any questions about which vaccines you and your family should get or when you should get them, ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for personal guidance and recommendations.
Louisiana Blue and most health plans cover vaccines at $0 or very low cost. If you have questions about vaccine coverage on your health plan, contact Customer Service at the number on your member ID card. Doctors’ offices, clinics, pharmacies, grocery stores, community health centers and other locations statewide offer these vaccines. Several have walk-in options with no appointment needed. 

Follow Louisiana Blue on social media @MyLouisianaBlue to see infographics and posts in English and Spanish about flu shots and other seasonal illness prevention tips. 
About Louisiana Blue
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana, or Louisiana Blue is committed to our mission to improve the health and lives of Louisianians. Founded in New Orleans in 1934, we are a tax-paying not-for-profit health insurer with offices in every major region to serve our customers. We have been recognized for the past six years as an honoree of The Civic 50, named by Points of Light as one of the 50 most community-minded companies in the United States. Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association. We invite all Louisianians to visit our website at lablue.com or talk to us on social media @MyLouisianaBlue.