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Medicare reimbursement will stay at current levels this year for influenza vaccine ($12.62). Rates for pneumococcal vaccine have increased by 10 percent ($29.73). Medicare's national average administration fee for both vaccinations will be $19.60, an increase of 4.2 percent from last year.(11)

Influenza Prevention Among Americans 50+ Helps Maintain Health and Well-being for Themselves and Close Contacts

Americans aged 50 years and older are leading fuller, more active lives while also facing added responsibilities at work and home. In fact, with people living longer, 71 percent of today's baby boomers have at least one living parent. Approximately one of every eight are raising a child and providing financial assistance to a parent, according to the Pew Research Center.

"AARP is committed to educating its 39 million members about the importance of using preventive measures like getting annual influenza immunizations to guard against illness," said T. Byron Thames, MD, Board of Directors, AARP. "Increasing vaccination rates among our members will also help protect those they care for - their grandchildren and parents who are more vulnerable to influenza and its complications."

The ongoing challenge of balancing work and family reinforces the role of ongoing wellness and prevention efforts for those 50+, which includes annual influenza vaccination. According to the CDC, only 36 percent of adults 50-64 years of age and about 60 percent of those aged 65 years and older are vaccinated against influenza each year. There are more than 89 million Americans aged 50+ (the largest target group for influenza vaccine), and this leaves many unprotected every season. They are also increasing th
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