Flu Shots For Adults And Kids
Flu vaccinations for adults and children are now available at our Richmond and Hawthorn medical practices.
Influenza, commonly known as the flu, is a highly infectious disease caused by the Influenza virus. Symptoms can be mild to severe. The most common symptoms include:
- high fever and chills
- cough, sore throat and stuffy nose
- muscle aches, joint pains, headache and tiredness
- nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea.
There two important types of Influenza virus types A and B.
You can catch the flu at any time of year but there are more cases in winter.
Getting a flu vaccine every year can help to protect you and your family against influenza.
Who should get the flu vaccine?
The vaccine is prepared each year to match the strains predicted for the coming influenza season.
You will be protected about two weeks after receiving the vaccine. It lasts up to a year.
The government recommends that everyone over 6 months of age should receive a flu shot every year.
Remember, even healthy people can catch influenza.
Can I Get The Flu Vaccine For Free
Free is everyones favorite number, and luckily, the flu shot is available to many people at no cost. This includes:
- Most people with health insurance: Many health insurance plans allow you to get the flu shot at no cost. You can check your plans information or call an insurance representative to learn if your plan covers the flu shot.
- Anyone with a plan through the Health Insurance Marketplace: The Marketplace is the name for insurance under the Affordable Care Act . The ACA guarantees a free annual flu shot.
- People with Medicare Part B: A free annual flu shot is included with this plan.
- Many college students: Colleges and universities often provide free flu shot clinics to all students in order to reduce the risk of an outbreak on campus.
- Veterans: Military veterans should be able to get a free flu shot from a nearby VA healthcare facility.
- People in certain cities or counties: This ones vague, but certain parts of the country make flu shots free for citizens. Thats because flu outbreaks cause a tremendous burden on a community, and investing in vaccines saves money, resources, and lives. To find out about free flu shots in your area, check your local or state health department website.
What Are The Side Effects Of Flu Vaccines
The flu vaccine is safe and cannot give you the flu. Most people have no problems after getting a flu vaccine.
When side effects occur, they are generally mild and go away on their own. The most common side effects are soreness, redness, or swelling at the site where you got the shot. Some people also get a headache, fever, nausea, or muscle aches. These side effects start shortly after getting the vaccine and can last up to two days. They typically do not get in the way of daily activities.
If you have allergies, talk with a health care provider about your options for flu vaccines. Even people with mild egg allergies can safely get most flu vaccines. Egg-free flu vaccines are also available. You should not get vaccinated if you have had a severe allergic reaction to the flu vaccine in the past.
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How Much Does The Flu Shot Cost Otherwise
The typical price for a flu shot is between $20 to $40. The cost of the senior dose flu shot is around $60 to $70.
The price varies depending on where you get the vaccine. While some pharmacies charge around $40, places like CostCo offer the shot for a lower price. Plus, some stores offer special deals if you get the flu shot at their location. You may get a gift card to use in the store, for example. It may be worth it to check a few different places in your area and compare prices so that you can find the best deal.
Finally, if you have health insurance but it doesnt cover the cost of a flu shot, know that the vaccine is eligible to be reimbursed with funds from a flexible spending account or health savings account , if you have one.
Still unsure where to get a free or low-cost flu shot? Talk to your doctor or pharmacist. They may have suggestions based on your area and personal factors.
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When To Get The Influenza Vaccine
New season influenza vaccines under the NIP are expected to be available from April. Timing may be different for your local area. Check with your immunisation provider to find out when they will have the vaccine available and when you will be able to book in to have the vaccine.
Annual influenza vaccine should occur anytime from April onwards to be protected for the peak flu season, which is generally June to September. The highest level of protection occurs in the first 3 to 4 months following vaccination.
However, it is never too late to vaccinate since influenza can circulate in the community all year round.
Pregnant women should receive the vaccine at any stage during pregnancy.
Influenza vaccines can be given on the same day with a COVID-19 vaccine.
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Is The Flu Vaccine Safe
Like vaccine effectiveness, it’s a fact that no vaccine is 100% safe. Flu vaccines are comprised of inactive viruses such that they cannot possibly give you the flu.
Flu-like symptoms may show up to 48 hours after receiving a flu shot but tend to be mild. For people with allergies or who have concerns about flu vaccine side effects, it’s advisable to discuss the matter with their trusted doctor or immunisation provider. Immunisation Nurses have the proper training to screen for allergic reactions before vaccine administration and also deal with any Adverse Events Following Immunisation
What To Do If I Experience Any Side Effects
Side effects, if at all experienced, are minor and short-lived. Mild reactions show within 6-12 hours and usually resolve on their own without any need for treatment.
Infants and children who develop a fever above 38.5 degrees Celsius can be given paracetamol if not contraindicated . If high temperatures persist, call your doctor or seek medical assistance.
When unsure or greatly concerned about post-vaccination symptoms you or your child may be experiencing, call:
–Healthdirect Australia for 24-hour health information advice on
-Your doctor for advice or seek immediate medical attention
-An ambulance by phoning 000 or go directly to your closest Emergency Department
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Possible Side Effects Of The Flu Vaccine
Like any medications, the flu vaccine can have some minor and short lasting side effects.
Common side effects may include:
- pain, redness and swelling at the injection site
- drowsiness, tiredness or irritability
- muscle aches
- low grade fever of 37 to 38 degrees Celsius.
Some side effects may appear as flu-like symptoms, but all flu vaccines currently available in Australia do not contain live virus and cannot cause the flu.
Rare side effects may include a severe allergic reaction.
If you are concerned or worried, seek further advice from your doctor, immunisation provider, SA Healths Immunisation Section or healthdirect Australia.
When To Get The Flu Vaccine
The flu vaccine is available from early October until late April everyyear.
It will protect you against the most common strains of flu going around eachwinter. As strains of flu change every year, you should get a new flu vaccineevery flu season.
When you get the flu vaccine, your immune system will start to produceantibodies. Then, if you come into contact with the flu virus, these antibodieswill fight it and stop you from getting sick.
The flu vaccine does not contain live viruses this means it cannot giveyou flu.
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What To Expect When You Get Your Flu Vaccine
Many local pharmacists can also give the flu jab to people aged 3 years and older. If your appointment is at your GP or healthcare provider, a nurse will most likely give you the vaccine.
After your vaccination, you may be asked to wait for up to 20 minutes so that treatment can be given quickly if a very rare, severe allergic reaction occurs. Many people aged 13 years and older will only need to wait 5minutes. Children under 13 years will need to wait 20 minutes.
Avoid driving, cycling, or using any other mobility device for 20 minutes after your vaccination.
The Affordable Care Act
If youre under age 65 and dont have health insurance, you may be eligible for low-cost coverage through Healthcare.gov or a state exchange established by the Affordable Care Act .
Under the ACA, routine vaccines are considered preventive care. This means they must be covered at no cost to you when given by a provider who is covered by your insurance. This is also true for most private health plans. Adult children are allowed to stay on their parents health plans until age 26.
You can apply for ACA coverage through the extended August 15 deadline on Healthcare.gov. If your state runs its own exchange, you can check the enrollment deadlines on Healthcare.gov as well.
Monthly premiums on ACA marketplace health plans are lower than usual, too. Due to the pandemic, the federal government has boosted financial assistance for people of all income levels.
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Who Can Have A Free Flu Vaccine
The Free Flu Vaccine Program will continue from 01/07/2022 until 10/07/2022 after which the fee is $15.00.
The flu vaccine is free for:
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged 6 months and over
- Adults aged 65 years and over
- Children between the ages of 6 months and 5 years old
- Pregnant women at any stage of pregnancy
- People aged 6 months or over who have medical conditions that mean they have a higher risk of getting serious illness. This includes cardiac disease, chronic respiratory conditions, chronic neurological conditions, immunocompromising conditions, diabetes and other metabolic disorders, renal disease, haematological disorders and children aged 6 months to 10 years on long-term aspirin therapy.
Seasonal Flu And Covid
COVID-19 and the flu will likely both be spreading this season, according to the CDC. Protecting yourself from the flu with a flu shot helps reduce your risk of serious illness and hospitalization.3 Thats important this year because there continue to be concerns about hospital capacity with the ongoing spread of COVID-19. It may be hard to know if you have COVID-19 or if it may be the flu or a cold, since symptoms are similar. Getting the COVID-19 vaccine and the flu vaccine will give you the best protection. You can even get them at the same time.3 Ask your doctor if you have more questions about how these vaccines can help protect you.
- Those with specific health conditions
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The Flu Vaccine Helps Protect You And Your Family From The Flu
Millions of people get influenza every year. While it may be common, seasonal flu is a potentially serious disease. It can lead to hospitalization and even death, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention .1 Thats why its recommended to get a flu vaccine every year to help protect yourself and your family.2 The flu vaccine can help:
- Weaken or prevent the flu
- Reduce the risk of having to go to the doctor with flu by 40 percent to 60 percent during seasons when the flu vaccine viruses are similar to circulating flu viruses1
How Much Will It Cost To Get A Covid
- The federal government has poured billions of dollars into the development of COVID-19 vaccines.
- Pharmaceutical companies will charge for the vaccine when theyre released, but that cost may not reach Americans.
- In the United States, the government will cover the cost for the vaccines at least initially.
- In some cases, individuals may have to get certain costs reimbursed.
All data and statistics are based on publicly available data at the time of publication. Some information may be out of date. Visit our coronavirus hub and follow our live updates page for the most recent information on the COVID-19 pandemic.
A COVID-19 vaccine may be approved for use by the end of December.
The U.S. federal government has poured billions of dollars into the development of vaccines. They have also put in orders for hundreds of millions of doses.
AstraZeneca announced Nov. 23 that its COVID-19 vaccine is 70 percent effective, making it the third vaccine shown to be effective at preventing a severe case of COVID-19.
Pfizer and Moderna recently announced their vaccines were nearly 95 percent effective.
The Food and Drug Administration will now evaluate the clinical trial data, and if all goes to plan, grant emergency use authorization in mid-December.
Developing and manufacturing these vaccines has come with a hefty price tag.
Heres a breakdown of what the government has funded and how much each vaccine will cost.
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Why Do You Need A Flu Vaccine Every Year
You need a flu vaccine every year for two reasons. First, flu viruses change and the flu vaccine is updated each year to target the flu viruses that are anticipated to spread that year. Second, the protection you get from a flu vaccine lessens with time, especially in older adults. Getting your flu vaccine every fall gives you the best protection from that year’s flu viruses.
Availability Of Flu Vaccines
Different brands of the flu vaccine from different manufacturers are used and they become available at different times. Some flu vaccines are used only in the funded program, some are used only for private programs and others may be used for both funded and private programs.
When adequate stocks are available, the funded flu vaccine is distributed to immunisation providers using the established South Australian vaccine distribution system. Privately purchased flu vaccine supplies are arranged by the providers that use them and may be available at a different time to funded flu vaccines.
Check with your immunisation provider to find out approximately when they will have the vaccine available and when you will be able to book in to have the vaccine.
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What A Flu Shot Will Cost You At These 6 Stores
If you haven?t gotten your annual flu vaccine this year, it?s not too late. Flu season peaks between December and March, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
And while there?s no evidence that getting a flu shot will protect you from COVID-19, it can be helpful in another way. The fewer people who contract the flu this year, the better: U.S. healthcare systems are already strained under the demands of the ongoing pandemic.
Most flu vaccine in the U.S. is quadrivalent, which means it protects against four strains of the virus. There are also specially formulated flu vaccines, including a high-dose vaccine, for people over 65.
While most major health insurance providers cover the cost of flu shots, that?s not always an option. Without insurance, you can still get a flu shot starting at $19.99, depending on where you go. Here are six stores that offer seasonal flu shots and how much the vaccine costs there.
Local Retailers Grocery Stores And Pharmacies
Many places you already shop offer free flu shots, and some pharmacies and stores will even throw in a special deal or coupon to save money on a future purchase.
Some providers may have limited supplies of the flu vaccine, so check with your location before you go.
Just by showing your insurance card, you can get a free shot. If you dont have insurance, you can typically get the shot for less than $50 at the following businesses:
Costco
You dont need to be a member of the warehouse club to use a Costco pharmacy. And even if you dont have insurance, you can get a flu vaccine starting at $19.99. Walk-ins are welcome, or .
CVS
Get your flu shot at CVS pharmacy or its Minute Clinic. Through Dec. 31, CVS is offering a $5 coupon off any shopping trip of $20 or more when you get a flu shot at one of its locations.
Kroger
You can make an appointment to get a flu shot at Kroger Healths pharmacies.
Publix
The grocery chain typically welcomes walk-up flu shot appointments at its in-store pharmacies, but this year it is also offering an online service that allows customers to schedule an appointment and sign consent forms ahead of time, which you can do by . Publix provides free flu shots through most health insurance plans, including Medicare.
Rite Aid
Safeway
Target
Stop by a CVS pharmacy at Target walk in or schedule an appointment. Flu shots are free with most insurance plans.
Walgreens
Walmart
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Heres What The Government Has Spent So Far
The federal government has partnered up with Moderna, Pfizer, Johnson & Johnson, Novavax, and AstraZeneca to help develop, produce, and administer COVID-19 vaccines as quickly as possible.
Under Operation Warp Speed, the federal government has pledged close to $9 billion to fund the development and production of the vaccines.
Moderna received nearly $1 billion for its COVID-19 vaccine development and is set to receive an additional $1.5 billion for 100 million doses.
Pfizer, with its German partner BioNTech, will be given $1.95 billion for 100 million doses, but received no federal funding for the research and development of their vaccine.
Novavax will get $1.6 billion in federal funding for research, development, and 100 million doses.
AstraZeneca is set to receive $1.2 billion that will cover 300 million doses along with certain costs pertaining to phase 3 clinical trials and manufacturing.
The federal government will likely purchase additional doses in the coming months.
Already, the government has pledged to purchase an additional 500 million doses from Pfizer and may buy 200 million more from Johnson & Johnson.
The huge money that we spent in this case is unprecedented. Its never happened before, said Haizhen Lin, an associate professor of business economics and public policy at the Indiana University Kelley School of Business and a faculty research fellow at the National Bureau of Economic Research.