As autumn turns into winter, the world is recognizing that the COVID-19 pandemic is truly a healthcare marathon. The time is now for health plans and healthcare organizations to accelerate their population health capabilities. Here are five actions to consider as you engage in year-end planning:
- Prepare consumers for cold and flu season. According to the CDC, it’s possible to contract the flu and COVID-19 at the same time. To minimize the likelihood of this situation, it will be more important than ever for people to get a flu vaccine this year. Since the flu peaks in different regions at different times, there’s no ideal time to get a flu shot. Experts recommend, however, that most people get vaccinated in early fall.
It’s definitely not too early to begin immunization education and preventive care campaigns for health plan members. Providers may want to organize flu shot clinics at convenient times