Ordering Seasonal Influenza Vaccine

Physicians should consult the Influenza Vaccine Availability Tracking System (IVATS) to find up-to-date information about which distributors and manufacturers have seasonal influenza vaccine in stock and/or on order. IVATS also includes information on how to order vaccine. The information in IVATS is updated throughout the influenza vaccination season and can be found at: http://www.preventinfluenza.org/ivats/

Vaccine Information Statements (VIS) available for the 2011-2012 influenza season

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has posted the VIS for 2011-2012 influenza vaccine. These are available on the CDC website.

2011-2012 Influenza Biological and Administration Guidelines

Similar to last year’s influenza season, the 2011-2012 seasonal influenza vaccine includes the predicted strains of influenza including H1N1.  New for 2011-2012 is Sanofi Pasteur's Fluzone Intradermal vaccine, which uses a novel microinjection system for intradermal delivery.   Although coding the administration of this is the same as coding an intramuscular influenza injection administration (CPT® Code 90471 or 90472), the biological portion of this type of flu vaccine should be coding with CPT® Code 90654.

For commercially insured patients excluding Medicare recipients, one age appropriate biological/agent, CPT® Codes 90655-90662, along with one age appropriate CPT®/HCPCS administration code should be billed per episode.  The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services has stipulated that five “Q” HCPCS be used to describe influenza vaccines (biological portions) administered to Medicare beneficiaries.  Last year, the “Q” HCPCS codes replaced those influenza vaccines described by CPT® 90658, influenza virus vaccine, split virus, for intramuscular use, age 3 years and older administered to Medicare beneficiaries only.  Billing of the biological portions of the influenza vaccine for commercially insured patients is not affected.

ISMS has provided the 2011-2012 Influenza Biological and Administration Coding Guide as a resource for your practice.

ACIP Recommendations for the Use of Influenza Vaccines

Vaccination recommendations were expanded and all people ages 6 months and older are now recommended to receive annual influenza vaccination.  The recommendations can be found on the CDC Website.

Healthcare Professional Vaccination

Influenza vaccination of health care professionals is an important patient safety and public health  issue. ISMS has put together an on-line toolkit with resources to help increase vaccination rates among those in the healthcare industry.

Flu activity information from the CDC

To find out the latest information on the flu activity in the U.S. and other timely information visit:

www.cdc.gov/flu