Can we give a flu shot if the doctor isn’t in the office?

Question:

Do we need to have a physician in the office when our clinical staff gives flu shots?

Answer:

No. CMS allows flu shots to be given without a physician order and without physician supervision.

From MLN Matters:

Remember the following regarding the influenza vaccine: 

• Medicare allows one influenza (flu) vaccination per year;
• Medicare does not require for coverage purposes that a doctor of medicine or osteopathy order the influenza vaccine and its administration; and
• The beneficiary may receive the influenza vaccine upon request without a physician’s order and without physician supervision.

And, from the current Medicare Benefit Policy Manual, Ch. 15, Section 50.4.4.2

“Effective July 1, 2000, Medicare no longer required for coverage purposes that a doctor of medicine or osteopathy order the vaccine. Therefore, a beneficiary could receive the vaccine upon request without a physician’s order and without physician supervision.”

 

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