flu shots
With the  Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reporting a historic flu season underway nationwide, the DC Department of Human Resources (DCHR) is reminding employees they can take action to prevent the flu.

flu shot
Get a flu shot.
CDC recommends a yearly flu vaccine as the most important step in preventing influenza infection. Vaccination of high-risk persons is especially important to decrease their risk of severe flu illness. See below for information on where and how you can receive a flu shot.
germs

Stop the spread of germs.

  • Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
  • If you are sick, limit contact with others as much as possible.
  • If you are sick, CDC recommends that you stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone (without the use of a fever-reducing medicine) except to get medical care.
  • Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze.
  • Wash your hands often with soap and water or use hand sanitizer.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth. Germs spread this way.
  • Clean and disinfect surfaces and objects that may be contaminated with germs like the flu.
meds
Take flu antiviral drugs if your doctor prescribes them.
If you get the flu, antiviral drugs can be used to treat your illness. Antiviral drugs can make illness milder and shorten the time you are sick. They may also prevent serious flu complications. Antiviral drugs are different from antibiotics. They are prescription medicines and are not available over-the-counter.

Risk Factors & Symptomsrisks
 
Am I High Risk?
Do I Have the Flu?
risk
  • Children younger than 5
  • Adults 65 and older
  • Pregnant women (and women up to two weeks postpartum)
  • Health care workers
  • Extreme obesity (BMI 40+)
  • People with chronic health conditions:
    • Asthma
    • Chronic lung disease
    • Heart disease
    • Blood, liver, kidney and metabolic disorders
    • Weakened immune system due to disease or medication, such as people with HIV or AIDS, cancer or those on chronic steroids.
  • Fever* or feeling feverish/chills
  • Cough
  • Sore throat
  • Runny or stuffy nose
  • Muscle or body aches
  • Headaches
  • Fatigue (tiredness)
  • Some people may have vomiting and diarrhea (this is more common in children than adults.)
* It's important to note that not everyone with flu will have a fever.

Learn more about high-risk conditions. Learn more about flu symptoms.
Benefits Provider Resources & Servicesservices
 
The DC Department of Human Resources is dedicated to ensuring employees have access to the high quality health and wellness services. Please see below for additional information on programs by carrier.
aetna
Aetnaaetna

The seasonal flu vaccine is available at no cost to Aetna members who have benefits that cover preventive services and receives the service from an in-network provider. If a member receives the flu vaccine out of network, this would be covered at the out-of-network benefit level on the PPO and CDHP and it would not be covered under the HMO.

The vaccine is available for adults and for children 6 months and older. Children aged 6 months through age 8 who have never had the vaccine or have only had one dose in their lifetimes should have two doses of the flu vaccine, with at least four weeks between doses.

Flu Shots & Urgent Care
To find a location to receive your flu vaccine or to visit an Urgent Care Center, log in to your account at AetnaNavigator.com. You can also visit the DC Government employee custom Aetna site at www.aetnadcgov.com and search for a provider (all you need is the zip code where you would like to hold the visit and know the plan you are enrolled in).

For any additional questions or concerns, members can call Aetna's Member Services Line at 1.888.238.6258 toll-free, 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. ET, Monday through Friday or send an email to dcgovquestions@aetna.com.
uhc logo
Kaiser Permanentekaiser

The flu can lead to serious illness. Protect yourself and others with a yearly flu shot -- available at no cost to our members, no appointment necessary. 

Flu Shots & Urgent Care
For your walk-in flu shot , go to your nearest Kaiser Permanente location whenever they're open. You can also get your shot 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at some of our Urgent Care facilities. To find a location near you, visit kp.org/locations.

 
uhc logo
UnitedHealthcareuhc

As part of preventive care, most UnitedHealthcare plans cover annual flu shots at $0 out-of-pocket when you use a network provider. Bring your health plan ID card with you and tell your provider the flu shot is covered under your medical benefits, not your pharmacy benefits.  Routine preventive care helps you manage and maintain your health, and is generally covered at 100% by most health plans.
For more information, please visit DCHR online or email dchr.benefits@dc.gov.
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