What Are The Different Types Of Flu Shots
The CDC recommends any licensed, age-appropriate flu vaccine without preference for one over the otherincluding injectable vaccines and nasal spray vaccines. However, the CDC recommends that adults 65 years and older get an injectable vaccine, and high-dose formulations are available for this age group.
Its important to note that there are two types of flu vaccinations: trivalent and quadrivalent. Trivalent vaccines protect against 2 strains of influenza A and 1 strain of influenza B, whereas quadrivalent vaccines protect against 2 strains of influenza A and 2 strains of influenza B. All of the flu vaccines in the 2021-2022 season are of the quadrivalent variety, and are safe for individuals over 6 months of age with a few exceptions.
Va And Walgreens Partnership Offers Free Flu Shot Convenience
During flu season, protecting your health with a flu shot is now easier than ever and its as close as your local VA or neighborhood Walgreens.
The VA and Walgreens have partnered to provide no-cost quadrivalent flu shots to enrolled veterans of the VA health care system.
No appointment is necessary simply go to any Walgreens, tell the pharmacist you receive care at a VA facility, show your Veterans Health Identification Card and another form of photo ID.
Your immunization record will be updated electronically in your VA electronic health record. Walgreens has the capability to electronically send vaccination information to the VA electronic health record.
This flu shot program runs from August 15, 2019 through March 31, 2020. Enrolled veteran patients have the option of receiving their flu shot at any of Walgreens 9,600 locations in addition to their local VA health care facilities. The VA-Walgreens national partnership is part of VAs eHealth Exchange project.
Other Options for Immunization
VA now offers expanded access to preventive health care by giving more options for your annual flu shot. You choose! No-cost flu shots are available at your VA health care facility or neighborhood Walgreens! Your VA medical record will be updated either way.
VA Health Care Facilities
Other Non-VA Providers and Pharmacies
Walgreens Mistakenly Injects 2 Kids With The Covid Vaccine Instead Of Flu Shot Parents Allege
President Joe Biden on Thursday stressed the need to vaccinate the 66 million Americans who have not received their COVID-19 vaccination shots.
EVANSVILLE, Ind. — Joshua and Alexandra Price say they and their two children were mistakenly given the COVID-19 vaccine instead of a flu shot a week ago at their local pharmacy — and they are now dealing with some adverse symptoms.
The Prices took their 4- and 5-year-olds to the Walgreens in Evansville, Indiana, on October 4 for their yearly shots, CNN reported. About 90 minutes later the pharmacist called saying they had made a mistake. The entire family had been injected with adult doses of the COVID-19 vaccine.
“When they called us and told us that they had made a mistake and had given us the wrong shot, I was just in shock,” Alexandra Price said. “All I could say to them was, ‘What does this mean for my kids?'”
Although Alexandra and Joshua, already fully vaccinated since last April, were concerned for themselves, they were more worried about Sophia, 5 and Lukas, 4.
“Lukas started feeling sick before we even got home from Walgreens,” Alexandra said.
“He was feeling yucky, lethargic, and already had begun a fever,” Joshua added.
RELATED: Pfizer says COVID vaccine safe, effective for kids ages 5 to 11
“It is concerning they got a higher dose, and they have to be monitored, but they should do really well,” Hotez said. “There is a lot of data out there now in 5-year-olds and older.”
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Children Given Covid Vaccine Instead Of Flu Shot At Walgreens Pharmacy
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A family of four was reportedly vaccinated against COVID-19 by mistake on Oct. 4 when they tried to get their annual flu shots at a Walgreens pharmacy in Evansville, Indiana. The parents claim that shortly after they and their 4- and 5-year-old children received what they thought was the flu vaccine, a pharmacist called to explain that they all had accidentally been given adult doses of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine. According to the parents, both children are experiencing side effects and are under the care of a pediatric cardiologist due to signs of heart issues.
The family is reportedly working with an attorney but has not yet filed a lawsuit. In a statement, Walgreens said that it takes such instances seriously and that multiple procedures are in place to prevent human error. In September, a 4-year-old girl in Maryland was also given a dose of Pfizers COVID-19 vaccine by accident at a Walgreens store. The family reportedly visited the pharmacy for flu vaccines and found out that the wrong shot was given just moments after the girl was vaccinated. The parents said they would not ask Maryland regulators to investigate the incident.
Insurance could cover legal defense, regulatory fines due to vaccine errors
For a pharmacy, one of the big exposures is verification making sure that you are providing the correct drug, both in quantity and then in dosage.
Pharmacy risks evolving as wellness visits, other medical services added
Why Get A Flu Shot
Getting a flu vaccination can keep you from getting sick with the flu. And if you do get the flu, having been vaccinated can decrease the severity of your illness. Flu shots also reduce your risk of hospitalization and death from the fluthis is particularly helpful for older adults and high risk individuals with existing health conditions.
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Walgreens Offer Free Flu Shots
The Veterans Health Administration has teamed up with national retail pharmacy Walgreens to provide free flu vaccinations for enrolled Veterans. All Veterans who are currently enrolled in VA care may walk into any of the over 8,000 Walgreens nationally to receive a vaccination at no cost.
After presenting a Veterans Identification Card and a photo ID, a Walgreens pharmacist administers the vaccine and transmits that information securely to VA where it becomes part of the patients electronic medical record.
To learn more about the partnership, call 1-877-771-8537 or visit the VA website at www.ehealth.va.gov/Immunization.asp.
To locate a Walgreens store near you, call 800-WALGREENs or visit the Walgreens website at Walgreens.com/findastore.
For more information on flu and flu vaccine, visit the VA Influenza webpage atwww.publichealth.va.gov/flu or the Centers for Disease Control website at www.cdc.gov/flu.
Flu Shots Now Available At Cvs Walmart Walgreens And Rite
In this Thursday, Jan. 23, 2020 file photo, a patient receives an influenza vaccine in Mesquite, Texas. Walmart, CVS, Rite Aid and Walgreens have started administering the flu shot for 2021. AP
While Americans are being highly encouraged to get a COVID-19 vaccine, pharmacies are looking ahead to the 2021 flu season.
CVS, Walmart, Walgreens and Rite Aid have announced they are accepting appointments for people to get a flu shot.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that people age 6 months and older receive a flu shot before the end of October and that getting it is even more important during the pandemic.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, reducing the overall burden of respiratory illnesses is important to protect vulnerable populations at risk for severe illness, the healthcare system, and other critical infrastructure. Thus, healthcare personnel should use every opportunity during the influenza season to administer influenza vaccines to all eligible persons, the CDC said.
Rite Aid is offering the flu vaccine via walk-in appointments and online scheduling. Rite Aid began administering the flu shot on Aug. 12.
Walmart said it is offering a low-cost flu vaccine and a free COVID-19 vaccine that people can get at the same time.
Walmart said it also will continue to take precautions to prevent the spread of COVID-19 while administering vaccines.
CVS said it has flu shots available at all CVS Pharmacy and MinuteClinic locations.
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Hhs Walgreens Partner To Give Free Flu Shots
People living in 15 underserved U.S. communities will be able to get flu shots for free thanks to a partnership between the Department of Health and Human Services and Walgreens to provide around 350,000 doses of influenza vaccine.
The demonstration project, started with a $10 million donation from Walgreens, will launch next week by distributing vouchers in eight U.S. markets — Atlanta, Bronx, N.Y., Chicago, Houston, Kansas City, Mo., Newark, N.J., Oakland, Calif., and Philadelphia, Kermit Crawford, president of pharmacy services at Walgreens, announced on a conference call with reporters.
After that, the joint effort will be broadened to include seven more areas — Fort Lauderdale, Miami-Dade County, and Palm Beach in Florida, Seattle, Waco, Tex., the District of Columbia, and various parts of New Hampshire.
The vouchers can be exchanged for one free flu shot at any Walgreens pharmacy, Duane Reade Pharmacy in New York, or Take Care Clinic.
The project is specifically aimed at increasing flu vaccination rates in black and Hispanic communities, which traditionally have worse coverage than white communities.
About one-third of Americans have been vaccinated against influenza this season, and many of those who have not been immunized come from minority communities, according to HHS secretary Kathleen Sebelius.
“We need everyone and every community to recognize that vaccines are the cornerstone of prevention,” Sebelius said.
Walgreens Announces Availability Of Flu Shots Co
Walgreens also announced expanded age eligibility for flu shots, with pharmacy team members able to vaccinate patients 3 years of age and older.
Walgreens is now offering flu shots for all patients 3 years of age and older, as well as co-administration with COVID-19 vaccines to allow patients to get up to date on immunizations during a single pharmacy visit.
Flu shots are available by walk-in or appointment at more than 9000 store locations across the country, according to a press release. The upcoming flu season also coincides with the back-to-school season and the relaxation of many COVID-19 safety guidelines, such as mask wearing and social distancing. According to the press release, CDC experts have warned that these factors could result in an active flu season.
Measures like social distancing, mask wearing, and increased flu vaccinations contributed to very few flu cases last season, said Kevin Ban, MD, chief medical officer at Walgreens, in the press release. However, as communities return to everyday activities amidst a surge in COVID-19 cases, it is critical that people remain diligent about getting their flu vaccine.
Patients can also use a new vaccine scheduler, designed to plan guest appointments and other routine immunizations. When scheduling a flu or COVID-19 vaccine appointment, individuals will be asked whether they would like to get additional vaccines, making it easy and convenient to stay up to date.
REFERENCE
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Flu Shots Now Available In All Publix Pharmacies
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How Flu Shots Became Big Sales Booster For Walgreen Cvs
Less than four years after pharmacies like Walgreen and CVS began a lobbying blitz to convince state… regulators across the country to allow pharmacists to administer flu shots, the drugstore giants are seeing a huge increase in business and sales.
Less than four years after Walgreen and rival drugstores like CVS/Caremark Corp. began a lobbying blitz with state regulators to allow pharmacists to administer seasonal influenza shots, pharmacies are beginning to see benefits of the strategy in their bottom lines.
Earlier this week, Walgreen reported thanks in part to a 25 percent increase to 6.9 million the number of flu shots stores have administered since January of 2012. Meanwhile, CVS fourth-quarter 2012 earnings released earlier this week also benefited from increased flu vaccinations during the epidemic.
Much of the growth can be attributed to the ability of pharmacists to administer flu shots. That was generally not possible until fall of 2009 when several states issued special waivers to allow pharmacists – rather than just doctors and other health professionals – to administer seasonal and H1N1 vaccines amid fears of a pandemic.
Walgreen and CVS took advantage of the crisis to convince a growing number of state regulators that pharmacists should be allowed to have the expanded role as a way to save lives and potentially money by getting more Americans flu shots from an army of pharmacists.
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Event To Take Place Sep 17
Mayte Padron, Community Relations Director
For six consecutive years, even through a worldwide pandemic, Local 10 and Walgreens have teamed up to bring you Flu Shot Friday. This years event will take place Friday, Sep. 17. Local 10 Health Specialist Kristi Krueger will file reports from Walgreens stores and receive her annual flu shot live on the air.
With flu season a few weeks away and surging COVID-19 cases, the demand for flu shots is high. Walgreens has ordered plenty of flu shots and vouchers for South Florida.
During our Flu Shot Friday event, uninsured and underinsured individuals will be given a flu shot voucher at Walgreens stores, allowing them to receive the flu vaccine at no cost. Its also a perfect time for people with health insurance to receive their vaccination, too.
The flu shot vouchers are donated by Walgreens and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services as part of a national program to make flu shots available to those without health insurance coverage or to those who are unable to afford a flu shot.
Each voucher is good for one flu shot at any Walgreens Pharmacy and is subject to the terms and conditions on the voucher. You must be 18 years of age or older to receive a flu shot at Walgreens stores.
Local 10s Flu Shot Friday is for one day only. No appointment is necessary. All Walgreens stores are participating in this event and will be administering flu shots during regularly scheduled store hours.
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Walgreens Now Providing Flu Vaccinations At All Pharmacy Locations
Walgreens has announced its commitment to getting ahead of an early and condensed flu season amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
Walgreens announced today that nearly all of its 9100 pharmacies are now offering flu vaccinations on a daily basis with pandemic safety measures in place.
The announcement follows recommendations from the CDC that urged everyone over the age of 6 months to receive a flu vaccine amid the novel coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic.
Production of the influenza vaccine in the United States has surged in response to projections of an early and condensed flu season due to the pandemic.
Related: AstraZeneca Ships Intranasal Influenza Vaccine, Increases Production in Anticipation of High Demand
With 78% of the US population living within 5 miles of a Walgreens store, Walgreens is effectively providing ease of access to the flu shot for many Americans who lack reliable access to health care.
The flu vaccine is free with most insurance programs and for patients with Medicare Part B and Medicaid in certain states.
Customers interested in receiving the flu vaccine at their local Walgreens pharmacy can complete the necessary paperwork online to save time at the counter walk-ins are welcome, but patients also have the option to schedule an appointment ahead of time.
Walgreens proactive measures are designed to help ease the strain on the health care system in many communities.
Reference:
Also Check: Flu Shot High Dose Vs Quadrivalent
Walgreens Rolls Out 2021
Walgreens is offering flu shots to all patients 3 years old and older. The chain is offering immunizations at its more than 9,000 stores nationwide as many people return to in-person work, school, travel and social activities, which the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has said may lead to an active flu season.
Measures like social distancing, mask-wearing and increased flu vaccinations contributed to very few flu cases last season, however, as communities return to everyday activities amid a surge in COVID-19 cases, it is critical that people remain diligent about getting their flu vaccine, said Dr. Kevin Ban, Walgreens chief medical officer. Walgreens pharmacy team members have more than a decade of experience administering vaccines and make it easy to get both your flu and COVID-19 vaccinations in one convenient stop.
Walgreens said it was preparing for the co-circulation of the flu and COVID-19 as COVID-19 cases continue to rise. The retailer said it would offer flu and COVID-19 vaccines in a single visit to eligible patients. The Pfizer vaccine has received full Food and Drug Administration approval in patients 16 years old and older and an emergency use authorization still permits it to be used in patients 12 to 15 years old, as well as for a third dose for certain immunocompromised individuals.
Walgreens Offers Scheduled And Walk
You can schedule an appointment online with any Walgreens Pharmacy. Scheduling an appointment will let you answer screener questions and enter your insurance or GoodRx coupon info, so you can be in and out even faster. You can also schedule a vaccine appointment or 1-800-WALGREENS . If you decide you would rather get your flu vaccine while youre already out of the house, walk-ins are welcome. Find your nearest Walgreens, or visit the Walgreens flu page for more information.
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