Discuss Flu Shots and Other Vaccines With Members

Aug. 18, 2026

With flu and cold season approaching, we encourage you to talk with our members about flu, COVID-19 and other vaccines that can reduce the risk of illnesses and potentially serious outcomes. We have information for members that you can share with them. 

Discussing the following with members may help them feel more informed:

  • Vaccine benefits and effectiveness
  • Side effects that could occur after receiving vaccines
  • Patients' concerns regarding vaccines

To help you close care gaps, we track several quality measures on immunization status:

Child Immunization Status measures the percentage of 2-year-olds who received recommended vaccines by their 2nd birthday, including two flu vaccines. Learn more about this measure. 

Immunizations for Adolescents measures the percentage of 13-year-olds who received recommended vaccines by their 13th birthday. Learn more about this measure.

Adult Immunization Status measures the percentage of members 19 years of age and older who are up to date on recommended routine vaccines for:   

  • Influenza: Yearly
  • Tetanus, diphtheria and acellular pertussis: Td or Tdap booster every 10 years
  • Herpes zoster (shingles): Two doses of RZV starting at age 50
  • Pneumococcal: Ages 65 and over, one dose of PCV 15 followed by PPSV 23 or one dose of PCV 20
  • Hepatitis B: Two, three or four doses depending on vaccine or condition beginning at age 19 to age 59. People who completed the newborn series doses after 1991 would not need to receive additional doses.

In addition, an RSV vaccine is recommended for everyone 75 years and older and for adults 50 through 74 years of age who are at increased risk of severe RSV disease.

Always check eligibility and benefits first for each member at every visit. Coverage for preventive care services with no cost-share may vary depending on the member’s benefit plan. If you have questions, call the number on the member’s ID card.

Resources: Refer to our Quality Care 2026 booklet on HEDIS measures for information on documentation and coding for quality measures. You can access it in Availity® Essentials within our Payer Spaces in the resources section.  Other resources include:

The above material is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for the independent medical judgment of a physician or other health care provider. Physicians and other health care providers are encouraged to use their own medical judgment based upon all available information and the condition of the patient in determining the appropriate course of treatment. References to other third-party sources or organizations are not a representation, warranty or endorsement of such organization. The fact that a service or treatment is described in this material is not a guarantee that the service or treatment is a covered benefit and members should refer to their member contract for more details, including benefits, limitations and exclusions. Regardless of benefits, the final decision about any service or treatment is between the member and their health care provider.

Availity is a trademark of Availity, LLC, a separate company that operates a health information network to provide electronic information exchange services to medical professionals. Availity provides administrative services to Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Montana. BCBSMT makes no endorsement, representations or warranties regarding third party vendors and the products and services they offer. 

HEDIS is a registered trademark of NCQA.