Every year, flu season arrives quietly – then hits all at once. Many people only think about the flu vaccine when symptoms appear, but by the time doctors’ waiting rooms fill up, the opportunity for easy prevention has passed. This April, CGMS is encouraging all members to get ahead of flu season with one simple, fully covered step: get vaccinated now.
Flu is not just a bad cold
This is one of the most common misconceptions – and one worth clearing up. A cold can be caused by many different types of viruses and generally makes you feel under the weather, but able to cope.
Flu, on the other hand, is caused by the influenza virus and is more likely to be accompanied by fever, chills, and body aches, leaving you miserable and bed-bound for days.
Importantly, flu can lead to serious complications, including bronchitis, pneumonia, and hospitalisation. For small children, older people, and those with chronic conditions such as diabetes, asthma, or heart disease, the risks of complications are considerably higher.
Timing matters – act now
Vaccination significantly reduces the likelihood of getting flu. And for those who do contract it despite being vaccinated, symptoms are typically milder and recovery is faster.
The flu vaccine takes approximately two weeks to reach full effectiveness. Getting vaccinated in April means you’re protected before flu season peaks. By the time you feel run down or colleagues start experience symptoms, the virus is already circulating, and you’re exposed.
For employers, encouraging early vaccination across teams is one of the most cost-effective steps you can take to maintain workforce stability through the colder months. A healthy team is a productive team – and the flu vaccine is already covered by CGMS.
Double up on protection if you’re at risk or over 65
Flu and pneumonia are closely linked. Flu weakens the respiratory system, making it easier for a secondary bacterial infection – such as pneumonia – to take hold. For high-risk individuals, the pneumococcal vaccine provides an important additional layer of protection.
CGMS covers beneficiaries over 65 for the pneumococcal vaccine every five years, although most adults only need one dose for lifetime protection.
Let your CGMS Personal Health Assistant do the reminding
The Universal.one App for CGMS members doubles up as your own Personal Health Assistant (PHA), making it easy to stay on top of annual vaccinations. Set up a reminder for your flu vaccine now, and you will be notified when the time comes – no forgetting, no last-minute panic.
The PHA also helps members adhere to treatment and manage chronic conditions day-to-day, ensuring those at higher risk of flu complications are actively supported in staying well throughout the year.
Your vaccination is covered – here’s what to do
CGMS fully covers the flu and pneumococcal vaccines under the Preventative Care Benefits. Members can access their vaccination as follows:
✓ UltraSave, Level A, Level B, Level C and CoreSave – through any pharmacy, GP, or nurse practitioner.
✓ Base Option – through a network pharmacy or network GP.
Setting up personal reminders is quick and easy:
Log in to the app.
Tap the profile icon in the top-right corner.
Select Set Up Reminders, then follow the on-screen prompts.
Stay a step ahead with CGMS.