Getting sick sucks – get the flu vaccine instead

Trust me, there are few things as annoying as getting the flu. Especially when it isn’t flu season and it’s too early for the flu vaccine. I know because the first week in March, flu followed me home, invaded my sinuses and after only three days, it invited its friend bronchitis to come party in my lungs. Some of this is my own fault. Dancing in the rain seemed like a great idea … but you need an umbrella and rain boots. I didn’t plan ahead. I didn’t realise winter was coming so soon.

I might have had a taste of this year’s flu (a cocktail of fever, cough syrup and self-pity), but you don’t have to. You can reduce your risk of getting flu by at least half, by getting a flu shot. It takes between 10 days and two weeks for the vaccine to kick in, so for the best protection, get yourself needled, as soon as the vaccine becomes available.

We pay for your flu vaccine

The flu vaccine is your best defence against seasonal viruses. And we don’t even use your day-to-day benefits to pay for it! Bankmed pays for one seasonal flu vaccine for each member on your Plan each year.

Where you can get it done?

A GP or a nurse at a pharmacy can give you the jab. If you get your flu vaccination from a pharmacy, there may be a consultation fee charged. Some pharmacies don’t charge for giving a flu shot or charge very little. Go ahead and ask.

If you go to a GP, we pay their consultation fee from your available Medical Savings Account funds, if your Plan has one. If you are on the Traditional Plan, the consultation fee is subject to your out-of-hospital GP/Specialist sublimit. Please consult your Benefit & Contribution Schedule to see whether your consultation will be covered.

So go on, roll up your sleeves and avoid the sneeze!