Is The Vaccine Safe
The flu vaccine is safe, says Dr. Mieses Malchuk. The most common side effect is muscle soreness where the shot was given. If the vaccine is doing its jobwhich is to stimulate the immune systemyou may also feel achy or tired.
This does not mean youre sick, she stresses. Because the flu shot doesnt contain any live virus, it cant give you the actual flu. It also doesnt cause autism or any other illness, despite continuing rumors to the contrary.
Do You Need The Flu Shot If You’ve Received The Covid
Video transcript
If youve already gotten the COVID-19 vaccine, it is also recommended and important that you get the flu shot this year. One covers you against the influenza virus, and the other covers you for the COVID-19 viruses. Theyre two distinct vaccines.
Every year, the flu vaccine is different.
This year, we suspect that the cases for the flu may increase.
Once you get the flu shot, it takes two weeks to become effective in your system. So the earlier you get it, the less exposure you have to others who are sick within your community.
How Much Does A Flu Shot Cost Without Insurance In 2021
The out-of-pocket cost for a flu shot is between $20 and $70. However, the price will vary depending on what kind of flu vaccine you receive. Most insurance companies will cover your flu shot at several pharmacies or urgent care facilities.
There are several types of flu shots that you may be able to get this year. The most common types of flu shots are the quadrivalent flu vaccine and the high-dose flu vaccine.
- The quadrivalent flu vaccine protects against four different flu viruses.
- The high-dose flu vaccine can be given to adults over 65 to create a more robust immune response and protection against flu viruses.
Healthcare can be expensive, whether you have insurance or not. Mira offers healthcare for just $45 per month and includes affordable virtual care services, urgent care visits, low-cost lab testing, and discounted prescriptions. and get started.
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You Can Probably Go Get It Right Now
To try and avert the possibility of a twindemic as flu season approaches, health providers have made the vaccine available earlier than usual this year. Walgreens and CVS announced they will have the vaccine at their pharmacies starting this week, and the CDC has ordered an extra 9.3 million doses to distribute to uninsured adults this year. Your school, your employer, and your GP will likely also have a serious flu-shot plan this year. Maybe they have already let you know when they will be distributing vaccines dont delete that email!
How Much Does It Cost To Get Vaccinated At A Pharmacy
Pharmacies that offer immunizations will file with your insurance plan. Some private insurers cover 100 percent of vaccination costs others require you to pay a deductible or copay.
Medicare fully covers the flu, pneumonia, and hepatitis B vaccines under Part B. If you have Medicare Part D , vaccinations are treated like prescription drugs with copays and deductibles.
The COVID-19 vaccines are free to everyone living in the United States, regardless of whether you have insurance or are U.S. citizen, says the CDC.
Not all pharmacies charge the same amount for vaccinations, so if youll be paying out-of-pocket, its a good idea to shop around.
And dont rule out warehouse clubs just because you are not a member. Costcos pharmacies are open to nonmembers where required by state law, and membership is not required to get vaccinations at Sams Club.
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The Cost Of Other Vaccines
The cost of recommended vaccines varies depending on your insurance plan. If you have private insurance, you will likely get most of the recommended vaccines for free or with a small copayment.
If you are covered by Medicare Part B, you will be able to get some vaccines for little to no cost. The included vaccines are the flu shot, pneumococcal disease vaccine, and the hepatitis B vaccine if you have a pre-existing condition. If you are covered by Medicare part D, you will be able to get the shingles vaccine and the Tdap vaccine for little to no cost.
The cost of vaccines for adults who are covered by Medicaid varies significantly by state. If you are covered by Medicaid, you will likely access a flu shot for little to no cost. If you are not covered by insurance, the out-of-pocket cost of vaccines varies depending on the vaccine type and where you are vaccinated.
Below we outlined the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and private sector costs for some adult vaccines. Note that the prices may be highest due to additional fees at your testing location.
Shipt Again Offers Shipt Shoppers Free Flu Shots Through Cvs Health
Today, Shipt Shoppers received a voucher via email which they can present to any of the nearly 10,000 CVS Pharmacy locations nationwide
At Shipt, the health and safety of the Shipt Shopper community is a top priority. Thats why Shipt, in partnership with CVS Health, is offering shoppers the chance to get a free flu shot for the second year in a row.
As the U.S. navigates this phase of the pandemic, experts remind the general public that getting a flu shot to help keep the flu from spreading is critical. And according to a survey conducted by CVS, 71 percent of the general U.S. population plans on getting a flu shot this year.
This partnership with CVS is one more way that Shipt is supporting shoppers, helping to ensure they all can access the flu shot free of charge if they want one. Shipt Shoppers today received an email with instructions on how to obtain an online voucher, which they can then present at one of the nearly 10,000 CVS Pharmacy locations nationwide.
At Shipt, were committed to supporting the health and safety of Shipt Shoppers and our communities, said Bridget Fruit, Shipts Chief Operating Officer. Building upon our coronavirus efforts for shoppers, were grateful for our continued partnership with CVS that helps make the flu shot available to the shopper community during this critical time.
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Heres Why You Really Need To Get The Flu Vaccine Every Year
The flu vaccine is recommended for anyone six months or older, with very rare exceptions , the CDC says.
There are four kinds of influenza virusesA, B, C, and Dbut typically A and B are the ones that cause annual flu epidemics, the CDC says. Each year the influenza vaccine is designed to protect against the two strains of influenza A and one or two strains of influenza B that experts think will be most dangerous that flu season, according to the CDC. Influenza viruses change very quickly, which is why its important to get vaccinated every year, Dr. Schaffner says.
No matter which influenza strains are wreaking havoc in a given year, common flu symptoms include fever, coughing, sore throat, runny nose, muscle aches, fatigue, and vomiting or diarrhea, according to the CDC. But to think that the flu is merely a very bad cold severely underestimates its power. Influenza can cause hospitalizations, complications like pneumonia, and even death.
To that point: When you get the flu vaccine, youre contributing to herd immunity . This is the baseline level of vaccination a community needs to have to prevent vaccine-preventable illnesses from spreading. Additionally, the CDC notes that even if you do get the flu after being vaccinated, your symptoms will typically be less severe.
Cvs Caremark To Provide $3 Million In Free Flu Shots To The Unemployed
Company will offer 100,000 seasonal flu shots to job seekers as part of a nationwide flu vaccination effort
Submitted byCVS Health
As part of a broad-reaching effort to keep Americans healthy this flu season, CVS Caremark today announced its commitment to providing 100,000 free seasonal flu shots to the unemployed. The program will include on-site flu clinics at One-Stop Career Center locations and distribution of vouchers for free flu shots at CVS/pharmacy or MinuteClinic. One-Stop Career Centers offer tools and training to job seekers.
The recent CVS Caremark 2009 Health IQ study revealed that those who are unemployed, seeking employment are among the least likely to get a flu shot, with only 34% reporting they received a flu shot last year, compared to 49% of respondents overall.
“The number of people who did not get a flu shot last year is alarming,” said Troyen A. Brennan, M.D., Chief Medical Officer for CVS Caremark. “CVS Caremark wants to ensure cost and access are not barriers to getting a flu shot this year for one of the most vulnerable populations, the unemployed. Our commitment to offer 100,000 free flu shots is part of our broader efforts to help prevent the spread of seasonal flu which can lead to more serious and costly health problems.”
In addition to offering $3 million in free flu vaccinations for the unemployed, CVS Caremark is offering many convenient options for consumers to get a flu shot.
About CVS Caremark
Survey methodology
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How Safe Is Thimerosal
Thimerosal is used in multi-dose vials of the flu shot for delivery to multiple people. This helps ensure the purity of the vaccine from one person to the next.
Prior to the introduction of thimerosal, there were cases where a multi-dose vial was contaminated with bacteria between uses, leading to illness and even death. Preservatives became a requirement for multi-dose vaccines in 1968, although they were in use well before then.
Despite the proven safety of thimerosal in multi-dose vaccines, there were many who remained unconvinced.
In 1998, the safety of vaccines was cast into further doubt when a group of scientists in Great Britain published a study suggesting that the measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine caused children to develop autism.
Although the study was published in one of the leading medical journals, The Lancet, it soon drew the ire of scientists who noted numerous flaws in the study model. By 2010, The Lancet issued a full retraction of the article and its findings.
Nevertheless, the study set off a firestorm of misperceptions that led many parents to abandon vaccines, as well as the preservatives perceived to be harmful, altogether.
As a result of the “public’s perception of risk,” as described by the World Health Organization , thimerosal was discontinued for use in most multi-dose vaccines in 2001. All other single-dose vials in the United States are preservative-free.
Who Should Get The Flu Vaccine
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that everyone over the age of 6 months get a flu vaccine every year. People who are at a higher risk of complications from the flu are even more strongly urged to get a vaccine. This includes those 65 and over, pregnant women, children under 5, and people with certain chronic conditions like asthma.
If youre allergic to eggs, have had Guillain-Barré syndrome in the past, or are presently sick, talk to your doctor or pharmacist before getting vaccinated. Guillain-Barré syndrome is a rare type of autoimmune-related paralysis that can be triggered by infections.
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Can I Get A Free Flu Shot
Sometimes, but not always.
If you have insurance, you can get a discounted or free flu shot almost anywhere, including local pharmacies, chain pharmacies and your primary care doctor’s office.
If you go to urgent care, the shot itself might be free or discounted, but you’ll likely have to pay the copay. And at your doctor’s office, they’ll probably offer the shot for free, but you might have to pay for the office visit if it isn’t covered by your insurance — keep these things in mind when weighing your options.
Are Flu Shots Free
Under the Affordable Care Act, the federal government requires insurance companies to cover flu vaccines with no deductible or copay. But check with your insurance provider first, because you may be required to get your shot at a specific location.
According to a report recently released by the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, over 35 million Americans had health insurance in the fourth quarter of 2021, bringing the rate of those uninsured down to 8.8% for the full population. If youre uninsured, the resources below can help you find a free or low-cost jab.
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More Ways You Can Help Protect Yourself Against The Flu
After you get your flu shot, continue to take steps to protect yourself and others from the flu and from COVID-19. That means frequent hand-washing, wearing a cloth mask and keeping a safe distance when youre in public spaces. Here are more ways you can help protect yourself and your community:
If youre feeling sick, stay home
Wash your hands throughout the day, especially after youve been in a public place or if you sneeze or cough
Avoid close contact with others and maintain a physical distance from others when youre in public spaces
Wear a cloth mask to cover your mouth and nose when youre around others. This helps protect others in case you may be infected
Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces daily, like doorknobs, tables, countertops, phones and more
The Vaccines For Children Program
Under 19, or have a child who is? If you don’t have insurance, you may be eligible for a flu shot through this government program that provides vaccines protecting babies, kids, and adolescents from 16 different diseases. Learn more at the website of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention .
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What Types Of Vaccines Are Available
There is more than one flu shot, so it can be challenging to decide which one to get. Flu shots are by far the most common flu vaccine available, although there is also a nasal spray. You can get the spray if youre healthy, between the ages of 2 to 49, and if you arent pregnant.
Almost all vaccines this year are quadrivalent, which means they protect against four different strains of the flu virus. Its important that you get a new flu vaccine every year. Thats because the specific virus strains change every year. Last seasons vaccine wont protect you against this seasons virus.
CVS Pharmacy and MinuteClinics are offering the standard quadrivalent flu vaccine as well as the high-dose flu vaccine, which is for adults 65 and over.
Adults 18 and older who are allergic to eggs can also get the Flublok quadrivalent, says Linda Molaka, pharmacy manager at CVS Pharmacy. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about which is best for you.
What Vaccines Can A Pharmacist Give
Along with the COVID-19 shot and the flu shot, most pharmacists can administer vaccines to protect against:
In addition to vaccinations, other kinds of injections may be available. Some pharmacies, for example, offer the birth control shot and vitamin B12 injections to patients over 18 with a prescription from a doctor.
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Can I Get A Flu Shot And A Covid Shot Or Booster At The Same Time
Getting your flu shot and COVID-19 booster at the same time is safe.
Yes, you can! If you’re eligible for a COVID-19 booster, you can get your booster and your flu shot at the same time, saving yourself a trip to the clinic or doctor. Similarly, if you’re not yet fully vaccinated against COVID-19, it’s safe to get your first or second COVID-19 vaccine along with your yearly flu shot, as long as you follow the recommended schedule for both vaccines. Most of the pharmacies, clinics and doctors’ offices who offer flu shots will also offer free COVID-19 shots.
“While limited data exist on giving COVID-19 vaccines with other vaccines, including flu vaccines, experience with giving other vaccines together has shown the way our bodies develop protection and possible side effects are generally similar whether vaccines are given alone or with other vaccines,” the CDC says on its website. “If you have concerns about getting both vaccines at the same time, you should speak with a health care provider.”
Research so far has confirmed the CDC’s guidance that it’s safe to give the COVID-19 vaccine and influenza vaccine at the same time.
Can You Get A Free Flu Shot
Your health insurance plan may be a determining factor in where you get your flu shot. Under the Affordable Care Act, health insurers are required to cover flu and other vaccines without charging a copayment or coinsurance, according to the HHS.
But be sure to check with your insurance company to find out if you must go to a specific facility to receive the vaccine. Some insurance plans only cover vaccines given by your doctor or at a limited set of locations, writes the HHS.
Many health insurance companies provide free-of-cost coverage of flu vaccines, since when they protect, they save very high costs of hospitalization, says Dr. Bloom. Thats a good deal for everyone.
If you must pay out of pocket, shots can range in cost from $19.99 at Costco to $40 at Walgreens.
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You Should Definitely Get It Before October
Getting a flu shot as early as possible is always important. The CDC recommends getting your vaccine by October because it takes a few weeks to become effective. But if you can get one now, you probably should. Among other reasons, it will help maintain availability of both vaccines and administrators by preventing a run on flu shots when the season actually hits.