How Much Is A Flu Shot At Cvs
To get a flu shot, visit any CVS Pharmacy or MinuteClinic with or without an appointment. You can make an appointment at the CVS website, using the CVS app, or by texting FLU to 287898. You can answer questions online and youll get a confirmation email which has a link you can use to check in once you get to the store.
CVS also accepts walk-in patients, but check with individual stores to confirm. The vaccine is available at no cost through most insurance plans, including Medicare B. If youre uninsured, the seasonal flu shot will cost you $31.99.
How Does The Flu Shot Work
The flu shot is an inactivated flu virus that teaches your immune system to recognize the virus and clear it if you are infected. The flu shot is safe and widely available.
While the flu is common, it can be serious. Getting a flu shot is especially important for groups who are at higher risk for major complications, including:
-
Those who are pregnant
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.
Also Check: Where Is The Cheapest Place To Get A Flu Shot
Diversity Equity And Inclusion
The HCC/DU recognizes that mandatory vaccination requirements may place undue burden on communities of color and those with trauma related to historical and contemporary experiences with medical care. We are relying on your compliance as we work to keep our communities safe. We have made efforts to remove barriers to care such as cost and access and follow the most rigorous scientific evidence available when providing and recommending healthcare to students. If you have questions or concerns about any aspect of the vaccination process, please reach out for support.
A list of resources and contact information listed in the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion support webpage can be found here:
What Are The Side Effects That Could Occur With The Nasal Spray Flu Vaccine
In children, side effects from the nasal spray may include:
In adults, side effects from the nasal spray vaccine may include:
If these problems occur, they begin soon after vaccination and usually are mild and short-lived. People sometimes faint after medical procedures, including vaccination. Tell your provider if you feel dizzy or have vision changes or ringing in the ears. Rarely, people can experience a severe allergic reaction after a flu vaccine there are about 1-2 cases of severe allergic reactions per million flu vaccine doses administered and these reactions can be treated with medication. People who think that they have been injured by a flu vaccine can file a report with the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System .
More information about the safety of flu vaccines is available at Influenza Vaccine Safety.
Recommended Reading: What Is The Meaning Of Flu
What Is The Flu
Influenza is a respiratory illness, which means that it affects your airways. It is spread easily from person to person through coughing, sneezing and even talking. When you get the influenza virus, it sometimes takes one to four days before you start noticing symptoms. This means that you could spread the flu to those around you before you even know that you’re sick. Adults may be able to spread the flu for up to seven days after first becoming sick, and children may continue to spread the flu for even longer.
Which Brands Of The Flu Vaccine Are Covered At Network Flu Vaccine Pharmacies
All standard Trivalent and Quadrivalent available brands of the flu vaccine, including FluMist , are covered at network flu vaccine pharmacies. Please be advised that FluMist is not recommended by the CDC.
Fluzone intradermal, sort needle vaccine, and the Fluzone High Dose formulations are not covered at the retail pharmacy.
If you have questions about the flu, read more about it at www.cdc.gov/flu.
Don’t Miss: Can I Get A Flu Shot At Costco
Is The Flu Dangerous
The symptoms of the flu could range from mild to severe. If you get the flu, you may experience a sudden fever, cough, aches and fatigue. People who are 65 years or older, those with certain health conditions , pregnant women and young children are considered high risk and are especially vulnerable to the flu and its complications. Every year, thousands of people die in the United States due to the flu, and even more are hospitalized. Minority populations have higher rates of flu-related hospitalizations. Non-Hispanic Black people have the highest rates of flu-related hospitalizations, followed by American Indian and Alaska Native populations and Hispanic and Latino populations. Minority populations also have lower rates of flu vaccination. Flu vaccination rates for the 2019-2020 season were estimated to be 38% for Hispanic adults and 41% for non-Hispanic Black adults, compared to 53% for non-Hispanic white adults.
Where Can I Get The Flu Vaccine
DHEC and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend that everyone 6 months and older get the flu vaccine. You and your family can get the flu vaccine at many different locations, including health care provider offices, clinics, workplaces, pharmacies and DHEC health departments.
South Carolina pharmacies:
- No prescription is needed for anyone 12 years and older to get a flu vaccine, age may vary by pharmacy.
- Cost of vaccine at the pharmacy depends on insurance coverage. Most health insurance plans cover the flu vaccine with no or low copay.
Read Also: What Is Best For Flu
Can The Flu Shot Make Me Sick
No, flu vaccines cannot cause flu illness. Some people report having mild side effects after flu vaccination, such as:
- Low-grade fever
- Arm pain at the injection site
To help ease the pain and avoid the symptoms, you can take a pain reliever like Tylenol or Ibuprofen for muscle aches, headaches and a low-grade fever.
For arm pain, apply a cool compress and keep your arm moving after the shot.
Get the facts about the flu
Is It Too Late To Get A Flu Shot
If it turns out you dont have the flu, and you havent received your flu shot, then you can get one on the spot. To schedule your flu shot and/or COVID-19 vaccine or booster at a CVS Pharmacy or MinuteClinic nearest you, visit cvs.com or use the CVS Pharmacy App.
Schedule your flu and COVID-19 vaccines today! These vaccines are an important way to protect yourself and your loved ones from serious illness.
You May Like: Flu Vaccine Route Of Administration
Are There Any Contraindications To Giving Breastfeeding People The Nasal Spray Vaccine
Breastfeeding is not a contraindication for the nasal spray vaccine. Breastfeeding people younger than 50 years can get the nasal spray flu vaccine as long as they do not have a contraindication to getting that vaccine. Prevention and Control of Seasonal Influenza with Vaccines: Recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices has a list of contraindications and precautions for the nasal spray vaccine.
How Does The Flu Vaccine Work
There are several different kinds of flu vaccines available today. The flu shot is either made with inactivated or killed viruses or no virus at all. The vaccines that do not contain the virus are called recombinant vaccines and only contain certain proteins found in the influenza virus, known as subunits. The nasal spray flu vaccine is made with live viruses that have been rendered too weak to cause any illness. This type of vaccine is called a live-attenuated vaccine. Regardless of which type of vaccine you get, your body creates antibodies that protect you from the flu by attacking the virus.
Read Also: Is There A Flu Vaccine For Seniors
How Long Does The Flu Shot Last & Why Do I Need It Every Year
A flu vaccine is needed every year for two reasons. First, a persons immune protection from vaccination declines over time, so an annual flu vaccine is needed for optimal protection.
Second, because flu viruses are constantly changing, the composition of flu vaccines is reviewed annually and are updated to protect against the viruses that research indicates will be most common during the upcoming flu season.
For the best protection, everyone 6 months and older should get vaccinated annually.
Get the facts about the flu
Flu Shots Now Available At Cvs Pharmacy And Minuteclinic
Two-thirds of Americans say they plan to get a flu shot this year, with 54 percent planning on getting their vaccine earlier than last year
WOONSOCKET, R.I. With the ongoing health impacts of COVID-19 on local communities, CVS Health is reminding the public that it is more important than ever to stay current with vaccinations and other routine health care needs. By getting a flu shot this fall and taking other proactive measures to improve general health and immunity, individuals and families can protect themselves against seasonal flu, help safeguard the overall health of the community and minimize the impact on health care resources.
According to a survey commissioned by CVS Health”Flu Intention” Survey, commissioned by CVS Health in July 2020. and conducted among a general population of U.S. consumers, the impact of COVID-19 is significantly influencing individuals’ likelihood to get a flu shot this season. Results have shown that consumers’ intention to get vaccinated has been increasing month over month, with 66 percent of those surveyed in July saying they definitely or likely will get a flu shot this season, compared to 34 percent of those surveyed in January 2020. In addition, 54 percent of consumers surveyed indicated that they plan to get their immunization earlier than last year.
Also Check: What Is The Best Medication For Cold And Flu
What Are Other Ways I Can Protect Against The Flu
In addition to your yearly flu vaccine, there are a few other things you can do to protect your family and yourself from the flu. There are daily precautions you can take such as limiting contact with sick people as much as possible and washing your hands with soap and water often. If you have received a prescription for flu antiviral medications, it’s important to take them as directed by your healthcare provider.
But remember, the No. 1 way to protect yourself and your family against the flu virus is to get vaccinated every year.
Clinically reviewed and updated June 2021.
Getting The Flu Shot At Cvs
Flu season is here and, this year, its colliding with another potentially life-threatening infection: Covid-19. That makes it more important than ever to protect yourself as much as possible by getting a flu vaccine.
Recovering from the flu and then getting Covid-19 or vice versa could be devastating, says Alexa Mieses Malchuk, MD, a practicing family physician in Durham, North Carolina.
We cannot protect you from Covid-19 with a vaccine , but we can protect you from the flu, says Dr. Mieses Malchuk, whos also an assistant professor, department of family medicine, UNC School of Family Medicine, Chapel Hill.
Not only does the flu vaccine protect you, it also protects others, she adds.
Heres what you need to know about this years vaccine, including its effectiveness, side effects, and how much is the flu shot at CVS.
Don’t Miss: How Can I Get The Flu Shot
Seniors Urged To Get Extra
Doctors have a message for vaccine-weary Americans: Dont skip your flu shot this fall and seniors, ask for a special extra-strength kind.
After flu hit historically low levels during the COVID-19 pandemic, it may be poised for a comeback. The main clue: A nasty flu season just ended in Australia.
While theres no way to predict if the U.S. will be as hard-hit, last year we were going into flu season not knowing if flu was around or not. This year we know flu is back, said influenza specialist Richard Webby of St. Jude Childrens Research Hospital in Memphis.
Annual flu shots are recommended starting with 6-month-old babies. Flu is most dangerous for people 65 and older, young children, pregnant women and people with certain health problems including heart and lung diseases.
Heres what to know:
Where Can I Get A Flu Shot
There are more places than ever to get your flu vaccination. Doctors offices, clinics and health departments offer the flu shot, but you may need to make an appointment in advance. Pharmacies have become an easy and convenient option to get your flu shot. At Walgreens, we offer flu shots to everyone 3 and older. You can make an appointment online, through our app or by calling 1-800-WALGREENS .
Don’t Miss: What Time Of Year To Get Flu Vaccine
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.
Flu Shots Of The Future
The companies that make the two most widely used COVID-19 vaccines now are testing flu shots made with the same technology. One reason: When influenza mutates, the recipes of so-called mRNA vaccines could be updated more quickly than todays flu shots, most of which are made by growing influenza virus in chicken eggs.
Pfizer and its partner BioNTech are recruiting 25,000 healthy U.S. adults to receive either its experimental influenza shot or a regular kind, to see how effective the new approach proves this flu season.
Rival Moderna tested its version in about 6,000 people in Australia, Argentina and other countries during the Southern Hemispheres flu season and is awaiting results.
Left: Flu shot is advertised at East Arkansas Family Health Center in Lepanto, Arkansas. Photo by Karen Pulfer Focht/REUTERS
Also Check: What Medicine Treats The Flu
What Do Seniors Need To Know About The Flu Vaccine
Compared to younger adults, people who are 65 years and older have a greater risk of developing serious complications from the flu. It has been estimated that in recent years seniors have accounted for 50% to 70% of seasonal flu-related hospitalizations and 70% to 85% of seasonal flu-related deaths. In addition, seniors typically develop weaker immune responses to the flu vaccine. That’s why there are special flu vaccines specifically designed for seniorsthe high-dose flu vaccine and the adjuvanted flu vaccine.
Compared to a regular flu shot, the high-dose vaccine has four times the amount of antigen, which is the part of the vaccine that triggers the immune response. The adjuvanted flu vaccine contains an extra substance called an adjuvant that helps the vaccine work better by giving you a stronger immune response. Both the high-dose vaccine and the adjuvanted flu vaccine have demonstrated stronger immune responses in persons 65 years and older as compared to those who received the standard flu shot. Note that older adults can get any flu vaccine approved for use in their age group, including standard-dose flu vaccine.
Think You Might Have The Flu Heres What To Do
Feeling achy? Tired? Feverish? Wondering if you have the flu or even something else?
If youre feeling a little off this season, then you may be considering a sick visit to your neighborhood MinuteClinic®. Seeking care for your flu-like symptoms is more important than ever, especially as we get closer to peak flu season, which typically hits the U.S. in February. Unfortunately, this years flu season is once again complicated by the presence of COVID-19. So, if youre feeling a little off, you may be wondering, Do I have the flu?, making it even more important to get checked, tested and treated as soon as you start to feel symptoms.
Recommended Reading: Cvs Flu Shot On Sunday
What Are The Side Effects Of The Flu Vaccine
Common side effects of the flu vaccine include: soreness, redness or swelling at the injection site, fever, headache, nausea, and muscle aches.
Less common side effects may include: fainting, Guillain-Barre syndrome, and allergic reactions .
Egg Allergy: Since eggs are used in the production of some flu vaccines, those with a life-threatening egg allergy should only receive a flu shot in a medical facility that is prepared to handle a severe allergic reaction . Those who have experienced only hives from a flu shot may still receive the vaccine.
Should The Nasal Spray Flu Vaccine Be Given To Patients With Chronic Diseases
Nasal spray flu vaccine is not recommended for use in people with some chronic health conditions because the safety and effectiveness of this vaccine in people with those conditions has not been established.
Prevention and Control of Seasonal Influenza with Vaccines: Recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices has a list of contraindications and precautions for the nasal spray vaccine.
Recommended Reading: Does Medi Cal Cover Flu Shots At Cvs