Does Rite Aid Have Flu Shots Yet

Groups Who Should Especially Get The Vaccine

Shoreline clinic offers the flu shot alongside the COVID-19 vaccine

The flu shot can protect you against the flu. Because of this, it can reduce your chances of being infected with COVID-19 and the flu at the same time. This can lead to serious complications. You should especially receive the flu vaccine this season if youre:

at high risk of severe COVID-19 related illness
capable of spreading the flu to those at high risk of severe illness related to COVID-19

The flu vaccine is especially important for the following groups.

Who Should Get A Flu Vaccine

Everyone 6 months and older should receive a yearly flu vaccine, with rare exceptions. The flu vaccine causes your body to make antibodies that fight the flu, decreasing your risk of becoming sick with the flu. Since the viruses in the vaccine are not live, they cannot cause the flu. The flu vaccine is recommended annually, as immunity decreases over time. It takes about two weeks for the vaccine to be effective, so it is important to get the vaccine before the flu starts spreading in your area.

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.

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Military Hospital Or Clinic

Active duty service members have priority
If not available stateside at your military hospital or clinic, you can seek the flu vaccine at a participating network provider or TRICARE-authorized providerAn authorized provider is any individual, institution/organization, or supplier that is licensed by a state, accredited by national organization, or meets other standards of the medical community, and is certified to provide benefits under TRICARE. There are two types of TRICARE-authorized providers: Network and Non-Network. DS.
If not available overseas at your military hospital or clinic, you can seek the flu vaccine by:

Getting a referral from your military provider and an authorization from the overseas regional contractor, and then seeing a civilian TRICARE-authorized provider for the flu shot at no cost OR

Seeing a civilian TRICARE-authorized provider for the flu shot. You would pay the cost up front and then submit a claim for reimbursement.

If you’re an active duty service member, you need to follow your unit chain of command and service guidance for recording the vaccine in your service medical record

Walgreens Taking Proactive Measures In Preparation For Flu Season To Meet Customer Demand And Ensure The Health And Safety Of Communities During Covid

DEERFIELD, Ill., August 17, 2020 – With the upcoming flu season expected to coincide with the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, Walgreens is now offering flu shots daily at all of its nearly 9,1001 pharmacies with additional safety measures in place. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is urging everyone over 6 months of age to get a flu shot2 to help protect themselves and their communities from vaccine-preventable illnesses.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here:

The convergence of COVID-19 and flu season means that flu vaccinations are critical to reduce the overall burden of respiratory illnesses on the healthcare system and help protect communities, said Kevin Ban, M.D., Chief Medical Officer, Walgreens. Getting your flu shot at Walgreens is one more thing we know everyone can do to help keep themselves and their loved ones healthy, in addition to social distancing, thorough hand washing and wearing face coverings.

The Flu Shot Experience at Walgreens

Throughout the pandemic, Walgreens continues to make the health and safety of its team members and customers a top priority, added Dr. Ban. We want our patients to know that we are there to help them and are taking precautions necessary to keep our communities safe.

Who can get a flu shot:

How to prepare for a visit:

What to expect in the pharmacy:

Lifesaving Vaccines for Children Around the World

About Walgreens

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Us Pharmacies Attract New Flu Shot Customers As Coronavirus Surges

NEW YORK – Walmart Inc, Walgreens Boots Alliance Inc, CVS Health Corp and Rite Aid Corp have told Reuters demand for flu shots at their U.S. pharmacies is up sharply – in some cases double from last year – as people try to protect themselves from influenza in the midst of a worsening COVID-19 pandemic.The pharmacies are giving millions more flu shots than they have in past years, filling a gap from COVID-19 wary consumers who are avoiding the doctor’s office. The gains represent millions of dollars in potential profit.

U.S. public health officials have been urging Americans for months to inoculate themselves against the flu, which kills about 60,000 people a year, warning of a potential “twindemic” of influenza and the novel coronavirus that could overwhelm hospitals this winter.

More Americans are choosing to get vaccinated at local pharmacies than in the past, partly due to cancellation of annual flu shot clinics in workplaces that remain shut by the pandemic. Walmart < WMT.N> reported increased demand from entire families seeking shots.

“Right out of the gate, we saw much more volume than last August,” Rite Aid Chief Pharmacy Officer Jocelyn Konrad said.

She said the company has been able to keep up with the high demand and has not seen any vaccine shortages.

The shift to pharmacies is a potential boost to the countrys biggest chains that may not yet be factored into many Wall Street earnings estimates.

DOUBLING OF DEMAND

Rite Aid Announces Seasonal Flu Vaccine Available Statewide

ALBANY, N.Y. Rite Aid announced on Thursday that seasonal flu vaccinations are available at all New York locations

Rite Aid offers flu shot appointments online. How online scheduling works:

Visit Rite Aids website to pick the best time and location to schedule an appointment for flu, COVID, and other recommended vaccinations
Provide necessary information and consent forms through the secure portal before the appointment
Receive reminders in the days leading up to the appointment via text or email

This year, Rite Aids flu vaccinations include:

Quadrivalent flu vaccine, which provides protection against four strains of the flu: the influenza A H3N2 virus, the influenza A H1N1 virus, and two strains of influenza B virus
FLUAD, a quadrivalent vaccine with adjuvant, an ingredient that helps create a stronger immune response to vaccination, approved for people 65 and older
Fluzone HD, a high-dose quadrivalent vaccine indicated for patients 65 and older

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The Flu Shot Is Effective

The effectiveness of the vaccine varies from season to season. It depends on:

how well the vaccine matches with the circulating flu viruses
the health and age of the person getting the flu shot

The viruses circulating in the population can sometimes change during the time it takes to produce a vaccine. When this happens during the flu season, the flu shot may not work as well as expected.

It’s also important to remember that the flu shot protects against several different flu viruses each season. The seasonal flu shot can still provide protection against the remaining 2 or 3 viruses, even when theres:

a less-than-ideal match
lower effectiveness against one virus

If you do get the flu, the flu shot may reduce the severity of flu-related complications.

Getting your flu shot is still the most effective way to protect yourself against the flu and flu-related complications.

Where To Get A Flu Shot If You Don’t Have Insurance

Getting A Flu Shot Amid Coronavirus Pandemic

If you don’t have insurance, the best place to get a flu shot is usually a pharmacy, according to Rite Aid’s executive vice president of pharmacy and retail operations, Jocelyn Konrad. The cost typically ranges from $30 to $40, but there will be no copay or office visit fee, as there would be if you went to a traditional primary care office.

Some pharmacies offer discounts or promotions to incentivize flu shots, such as CVS’s “$5 off $20” coupon when you get your flu shot.

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Is It Safe To Get Vaccinated At A Drug Store

Drug stores are an excellent place to be vaccinated, Schaffner says.

Today, pharmacists are well-trained in vaccines and their indications, as well as safety protocols and inoculation technique, he explains.

In the era of COVID-19, pharmacies are also taking extra safety precautions: People coming in to be vaccinated are required to answer COVID-19 screening questions, wear masks, and maintain physical distancing at immunization sites, while pharmacists, pharmacy technicians, and nurse practitioners administering vaccines must wear masks and gloves.

Are There Medicines To Treat The Flu

Common flu symptoms may include fever or chills, muscle aches, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, headache and fatigue/tiredness. If you have flu symptoms get plenty of rest, drink fluids, and manage symptoms with over-the-counter OTC medications when appropriate. If symptoms continue to worsen, contact your healthcare provider.

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Everyone 6 Months And Older Should Get The Flu Shot

The flu shot is your best defence against the flu. The flu shot is recommended for everyone 6 months of age and older.

It can save lives by:

protecting you, if you’re exposed to the virus
preventing you from getting very sick
protecting people close to you:
because you’re less likely to spread the virus
who are at higher risk of serious flu complications if they get the flu

reducing additional burden on the health care system during the COVID-19 pandemic

reduce your chances of being infected with COVID-19 and the flu at the same time, which could lead to more serious complications

The flu shot wont protect you against COVID-19.

How Effective Are Flu Shots And How Long Do They Last

Why You Should Get a Whooping Cough Vaccination

It lasts about six months, said Richardson, which is why its important to get vaccinated now so youre covered during the peak months.

There are several strains of influenza that spread every year. The flu vaccine is what health care professionals think will be the top three or four strains, thats why some years it works well or not so well, said Richardson. We dont know how well the flu vaccine is going to work this year.

But that doesnt mean you should be less keen to get it. Its still possible that you can catch influenza after having had the flu shot. But if you have had the flu shot and you develop antibodies, you generally get a much less severe course of the influenza, said Wong. You will not get as sick as you would have without it in your system, he explained.

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Are You An Active Duty Or Guard/reserve Member

Youre required to get the flu vaccine.

You have priority to get the vaccine at military hospitals and military clinics.
You can also get vaccines at participating retail network pharmacies.

If you go to a participating network pharmacy, you won’t have any cost-shares or copayments if the flu vaccine is administered by a pharmacist. You can also go to a TRICARE-authorized provider at a participating network onsite clinic.

If you go to a network doctor other than your primary care manager , you must get a referral from your PCM. In addition, you may have to pay copayments or cost-shares for the office visit.

When you get a flu vaccine from a participating network pharmacy, follow your Service policy guidance for recording the vaccine in your shot record. You’ll need the following information:

The date the vaccine was given
The vaccine name or code
Manufacturer

Over 65 You Have A Choice Of Flu Vaccines

Health Tips

When it comes to influenza shots, older adults have an extra option

In addition to the regular-dose influenza vaccine, people 65 and older have the option of being vaccinated with a high-dose vaccine made to bring about a stronger immune response. This stronger formulation was developed because peoples immune systems weaken as they age, making older adults more likely to catch the flu. Aging also lowers the bodys ability to have a strong immune response after getting the flu vaccine.

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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.

Can I Get A Flu Shot And A Covid Shot Or Booster At The Same Time

Some facing confusion over vaccine appointments at Rite Aid

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.

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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.

The Cost Of A Flu Shot At Major Pharmacies

Pharmacy

American Indian
Alaska Native

Vaccines provided by VFC are free, but there may be an administration or office-visit fee. Contact your local VFC coordinator to find doctors who work with the program. Or, you can visit a public health clinic, federally qualified health center, or rural health clinic to get vaccines through VFC.

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What’s The Best Way To Protect Yourself From The Flu

Video transcript

Its important to get the flu shot every year. The flu shot protects you against the flu virus.

It can help you prevent a hospitalization or complications of actually getting the flu.

It is very easy to find a local pharmacy or your providers office. Its offered in multiple, multiple locations.

Not only that, its also covered at 100% in most plans.

People At High Risk From The Flu

Anyone can get sick , and serious problems related to flu can happenat any age, but some people are at high risk of developing serious complications if theyget sick. People at high risk of flu complications include:

People 65 & Older

People with Chronic Health Conditions

People living in long term care or nursing homes

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Rite Aid Announces Availability Of Flu Vaccines At All Locations

Beginning Aug. 12, customers can walk in or schedule vaccine appointments online

CAMP HILL, Pa., August 12, 2021—-Rite Aid announced the availability of flu vaccines at all stores beginning today. Additionally, by expanding its COVID-19 online scheduling tool to include flu and ancillary vaccinations, Rite Aid now offers online scheduling in addition to walk-in availability for flu shots. Following CDC warnings that influenza infection rates could return to pre-pandemic levels this flu season, Rite Aid is making it as simple and convenient as possible to get the whole family vaccinated.