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.
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 50-70% of seasonal flu-related hospitalizations and 70-85% 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 seniors: the 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 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.
Psa: Get Your Flu Shot
By Sarah Braner onOct 12, 20211 Comments
Hey, remember that other respiratory virus thats also a major pain in the ass?
So youve gotten your COVID-19 vaccine, and maybe youve even gotten a third dose by this point. But is something inside you still aching for the high of protecting yourself against a dangerous respiratory virus? Well, youre in luck, because flu shot season is in full swing.
In all seriousness, while there was unusually low flu activity last year , that does not mean you dont need to worry about the flu this year. Indeed, some experts say that flu season this year could be a bit more intense, according to the Atlantic. And no, COVID-19 vaccines do not protect against the flu. You need both the COVID-19 vaccine and the yearly flu shot to protect against both viruses.
Below are some of the most convenient places to get the jab for Columbia students:
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The Most Important Flu Vaccine You Ever Get
With COVID-19 still around, it is especially important to get the vaccine this year and the Health Department is launching a campaign to urge New Yorkers to get vaccinated
In normal years, there are about 2,000 deaths from seasonal influenza and pneumonia, which can develop as a complication of flu, which made it the third leading cause of death in NYC in 2017
The Health Department today announced a citywide campaign to alert New Yorkers that “This year’s flu vaccine could be the most important one you ever get. New Yorkers older than ages 6 months should get a seasonal flu vaccine and it is especially important for adults ages 50 and older, pregnant people, children ages 6 months to 5 years, and people with chronic diseases.
The flu can be deadly even in normal yearsand we know 2020 is not a normal year, said Health Commissioner Dr. Dave A. Chokshi. Influenza continues to circulate in our communities, and it has many of the same symptoms as COVID-19. Our friends and neighbors, particularly the most vulnerable New Yorkers, are counting on everyone to get their flu vaccine.
The flu media campaign will run citywide, beginning on Monday, September 14, and will appear on subway , bus shelters, Staten Island Ferry, neighborhood business , newspapers, television, radio as well as digital and social media channels. Ads will run in English, Spanish, Mandarin, Cantonese and in additional languages for newspaper ads.
Where Should I Get The Vaccine
Rite Aid, CVS and Walgreens all have the vaccine in stock, as do other pharmacies. To find a location near you, try the Healthmap Vaccine Finder tool. In an effort to expand access, the U.S. Department of Health is also allowing pharmacists to administer the vaccine to young children. Walgreens reduced its age requirement to 4 years old from 7 years old in eligible states, while CVS pharmacists are administering the shot to kids as young as 3. You may also contact your doctor.
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Who Does The Cdc Say Should Be Vaccinated First
The CDC priority group recommendations are:
Phase 1a:
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Residents and employees of long-term care facilities
Phase 1b :
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Adults age 75 and older
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Teachers and childcare workers
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Adults with high-risk medical conditions
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Adults ages 65 to 74
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Other essential workers such as those in law, construction, media, public safety
What About Coronavirus Precautions
The C.D.C. has released safety guidelines for all health care providers. So as long as your provider is following these guidelines, it is safe to get your shot there. For example, Dr. Ban said, Walgreens has implemented rigorous cleaning protocols and is checking patients for symptoms of Covid-19, the disease caused by the novel coronavirus. Pharmacists who administer the shots wear both a face mask and a face shield, and patients are required to wear a mask.
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What If I Am Allergic To Eggs
Some vaccines are grown using chicken eggs, so some people with egg allergies have avoided getting the shot. Those with mild or moderate egg allergies should still get the shot, Dr. Marcelin said. If you have a severe allergy, however, you should consult your doctor, who should supervise the vaccination. There is also an egg-free vaccine available.
If you are pregnant and allergic to eggs you should consult your doctor about the best vaccine for you.
Can I Get The Flu Shot If I’m Pregnant
Yes, the CDC recommends receiving a flu shot during pregnancy. In fact, it is recommended that all women who are pregnant or may become pregnant during the flu season receive a flu shot during any trimester. A flu shot protects both the mother and the baby from getting the flu since the mother can pass some of the antibodies onto the baby. Any of the age-appropriate flu shots may be used. It is important that pregnant women only receive a flu shot the nasal spray flu vaccine is not recommended during pregnancy.
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How Much Does It Cost
For those with private insurance, Medicare or Medicaid, the shot is typically free or comes with a low co-payment. Contact your insurer for more information.
If you dont have coverage, it may be worth shopping around. At Walgreens, the uninsured cost is $40.99 for the quadrivalent shot, which is the most common variety, and $72.99 for the shot geared toward those 65 and older. At CVS and Rite Aid, it is a little cheaper: $39.99 for the seasonal vaccine, and $69.99 for the high-dose vaccine.
What If I Have An Egg Allergy
Most flu shots and the nasal spray flu vaccine are made using egg-based technology, and may contain a small amount of egg proteins. However, studies show that severe allergic reactions to the flu shot and nasal spray vaccine are unlikely in people with egg allergies. People who have experienced only hives after exposure to eggs can receive any influenza vaccine. If eggs have given you serious allergic reactions, meaning any symptom other than hives, you can still receive any of the available influenza vaccines but you should receive it in a health care provider’s office, hospital, clinic, or health department under the supervision of a health care provider who can recognize and manage severe allergic reactions. Your provider may recommend that you receive the egg-free influenza vaccine.
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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.
Are Influenza Vaccines Safe
Absolutely. Despite unfounded fears, there is no evidence of adverse effects in most people. Some people do experience mild symptoms like a sore arm, itchy eyes or fatigue after getting the flu shot, but these usually go away on their own within a few days.
Even if you are pregnant, you can and should get vaccinated. Pregnant women are one of the groups the C.D.C. says are at high risk for influenza complications.
Vaccines undergo several clinical trials, the results of which are reviewed and approved by the Food and Drug Administration before the medicine is released to the public. The vaccines continue to be monitored for safety and effectiveness, and every year the C.D.C. releases new flu vaccination guidelines.
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Empty Nyc Retail Spaces Cast Pall On Key Shopping Corridors
Its the vaccine everyones clamoring for and its already in short supply.
New Yorkers are rushing to get their annual flu shots perhaps hoping to avoid whats been deemed the twindemic of COVID-19 and influenza.
The C.O. Bigelow Pharmacy in the Village ran out of the flu vaccine three weeks ago and has a waiting list of about 200 people who want their shots, said Joe Camp, a manager at the Sixth Avenue shop.
It wont work for COVID, but it gives them peace of mind, Camp said.
The Caligor Pharmacy at the Upper East Side ordered its main flu shot supply in April, but has not received it. It has just a small inventory on hand of the adult vaccine and none of the higher dose shots for seniors, said Rachel Mushibayev, the supervising pharmacist.
She said demand was high including from those who would normally get vaccinated at their workplaces, but are now at home.
We do have patients who are coming in because theyre not able to get them at their usual places, she said.
Moms are also complaining on social media that their pediatricians offices have run out of the vaccine or have long waits for appointments.
Many more patients came in September for their flu vaccine than in typical years, said Dr. Rebecca Farber at Apple Pediatrics with offices on the Upper East Side and midtown.
But we have had a week without the vaccine to give our patients, she said.
Why Do I Need To Get The Flu Vaccine Each Year
Getting a flu vaccine¹ each year is the best thing you can do to protect yourself, your family, and your community. Children, adults over 65, and people with chronic conditions such as asthma are at a higher risk of flu complications. Vaccination is also important for women who are pregnant or have recently had a baby.
Flu viruses evolve fast, so last years flu vaccine may not protect you from this years viruses. You will need this years flu vaccine to fight this years flu.
¹ If you have severe, life-threatening allergies to any ingredient in the vaccine, such as gelatin, antibiotics, or other ingredients, or have ever had Guillain-Barré syndrome, you should not get the flu vaccine. Please talk to your doctor if you have questions.
To learn more, visit our flu resources. To help you stay updated on COVID-19, visit our COVID-19 resource hub.
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Who Should Get The Nasal Flu Vaccine Or Another Option
Ask one of our providers about other ways to receive a flu vaccine, such as:
- Nasal flu vaccine: You might be able to receive the flu vaccine by nasal spray if you are between the ages of 2 and 49 and not pregnant.
- Recombinant flu shot: If you are 18 or older and allergic to or do not eat eggs, the Flublok® shot might be right for you.
Is There Mercury In The Flu Shot
Vials of vaccine that contain more than one dose contain thimerosal, which is a mercury-based preservative. These multi-dose vials have a preservative because every time a needle enters the vial there is a risk of introducing bacteria or fungi, which could be dangerous. Thimerosal protects the vaccines from contamination. Our bodies remove thimerosal quickly and easily, so it does not stay or build up in our system. Flu vaccines available as single-dose, pre-filled syringes and nasal spray formulations of the flu vaccine do not contain thimerosal.
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When Will We Get Back To Normal Or Near
The pandemic in the U.S. appears to be a mixed picture. Deaths from COVID-19 have surpassed 539,000. Case rates are still high at about 60,000 new cases a day. But theyre leveling off in some areas and rising in others, causing concern about a possible resurgence of hotspots similar to what Europe has been experiencing.
Vaccination rates are accelerating after a slow, frustrating rollout and recent winter storms delayed vaccine shipments around the country. More than 13% of all Americans are fully vaccinated, including 42% of people 65 and older. Public health officials urge people to continue to wear face masks and practice social distancing as the population works toward herd immunity.
In many places, people in high-priority groups such as older adults struggle to find open vaccine appointments. Here are some tips and tricks for nabbing a chance at a shot.
Cautious optimism has more governors easing restrictions and some lifting mask mandates meant to curb the virus. Californias theme parks and attractions are reopening at limited capacity.
At the same time, scientists are warning about COVID-19 variants that are more easily spread from person to person and threaten to undo recent gains against the virus. Some manufacturers are working on vaccine booster shots to combat the new strains of the virus.
President Biden said that conditions can change and variants may make things worse again, but he set a goal of July 4 for returning to semi-normal.
How Is The Vaccine Different This Year
As always, this years shot was updated to include the influenza variants that are predicted to circulate in the United States. But there is a special vaccine for adults 65 years old and older with a higher dosage that has been updated to protect against four strains of influenza, rather than three as in previous years. A version of that high-dosage shot containing adjuvant, which boosts immune response, was also licensed.
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Get Treatment For The Flu
Do you have flu symptoms, such as fever, body aches, cough, fatigue or sore throat? Get care fast with an Advocate primary care provider. We can evaluate your symptoms and decide whether you need to come in for treatment or a COVID test. Start with a virtual visit to:
- Speak with one of our providers, available 24/7
- Schedule a video visit with your provider during regular office hours
Who Should Get The Flu Shot
During a flu shot, you receive an injection with a needle into a muscle, such as the deltoid muscle in your upper arm.
People who should NOT receive the flu shot include:
- Babies younger than 6 months old
- Anyone with serious, life-threatening allergic reactions to vaccine ingredients, including those who have had severe allergic reactions to eggs
- Anyone with a moderate-to-severe fever
- Anyone who has had Guillain-Barré syndrome
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When And Where You Should Get A Flu Shot According To Doctors
Between 194 and 198 million doses of the vaccine are expected to be available in the US, but with some shipments staggered in the coming months.
Northwell Health, the states biggest hospital system, has plenty of the vaccine on hand, said Dr. David Battinelli, senior vice president and chief medical officer.
He said getting a flu shot this year was particularly important.
It would certainly be devastating to get the flu and COVID at the same time, he said.
And since the flu and COVID-19 share some of the same symptoms, including a fever and body aches, it would help doctors to know whether a patient had been vaccinated to possibly rule out a flu case, Battinelli said.
The CityMD urgent care centers said they were experiencing a rush for the vaccine.
This year more than ever, it is important that you receive your flu shot early. It appears the public is heeding this message. Due to high demand, we recommend calling your CityMD location ahead of visit to confirm the flu shot is in stock, said Dr. Dan Frogel, chief medical officer for the New York region of the network.
The Duane Reade and Walgreens chain said it was expecting demand for the flu and pneumonia vaccines to be as much as 50% higher than normal and had ample supply.
CVS said it was expecting to give out 18 million flu shots although at least one outlet, the Court Street store in Cobble Hill, has been running out by days end.
With Post wires