What Kinds Of Vaccines Are Available
There is more than one flu shot as well as a nasal spray, though shots are much more common. This year, there are four standard-dose flu shots, which are approved for people 6 months of age and older. This is the type of flu shot that most of us get, says Dr. Oller.
Theres also a high-dose flu shot which creates a stronger immune response in adults 65 and over who need extra protection, she adds. The CDC does not recommend one vaccine over another.
Ninety-nine percent of this years vaccines are quadrivalent, which means they protect you against four different strains of the influenza virus. CVS Pharmacy and MinuteClinic locations at Target stores are offering both the standard quadrivalent vaccine as well as the higher dose one for seniors.
Theyre also offering an egg-free version for people who are allergic to eggs. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about which is best for you.
When Were Flu Vaccines First Created And Approved For Use In The Us
Tran: The influenza virus was first isolated in people in the 1930s. The first flu vaccine was developed in the 1940s to support the U.S. Army during World War II because the flu was causing so much illness and death at that time. It wasn’t until 1945 that the first flu vaccine was licensed for use in civilians.
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
The flu shot wont protect you against COVID-19.
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Flu Shots Now Available At All Cvs Locations
Wednesday, July 28, 2021 in East Greenwich, R.I.
CVS Health announced Wednesday all pharmacies will now begin offering flu shots to continue improving the publics health and protecting the community.
CVS says especially with the rise in cases of COVID-19, its more important now than ever before to keep up with vaccinations and other needs. The CDC recommends getting vaccinated in the early fall, no later than the end of October.
CVS Health has administered approximately 30 million COVID-19 vaccinations to date, in addition to more than 20 million flu and other vaccinations over the past twelve months, Neela Montgomery, Executive Vice President, CVS Health and President, CVS Pharmacy said. We have built a simple vaccination experience where customers appreciate the convenience and safety.
The company says people are increasingly intending to get their flu shot, with 71% saying theyre definitely or most likely going to get it this season, according to a CVS survey.
CVS will have flu shots available seven days a week, with the intention to expand evening and weekend hours.
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
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Getting A Flu Shot At Target
This year the flu and Covid-19 are circulating simultaneously, which makes the flu shot even more imperative.
Influenza is a respiratory virus, like Covid-19, says Beth Oller, MD, a practicing family physician in Stockton, Kansas. We need to do everything we can this year to minimize having outbreaks of both viruses occurring at the same time. If your immune system is already under stress from one virus, you may be more susceptible to the other virus. This could potentially produce a more severe infection, she adds.
Your best protection right now is to get a flu shot as soon as you can. Flu season is underway, though there are still several months ahead. Target, through CVS and MinuteClinic, is offering flu shots in a store-within-a-store format in all Target locations where pharmacy and clinic services are available.
How Effective Is The Vaccine
The flu vaccine is usually 40 to 60 percent effective, says the CDC, although this depends on how well it matches the virus strains circulating in any given season. Because the influenza virus mutates, these strains change every year. We wont know how effective this years vaccine is until were further into flu season.
Even if you do get sick, though, the vaccine helps ensure you wont get severely ill. Which makes it less likely youll be one of the 140,000 to 810,000 people hospitalized by the flu every year, or one of the 12,000 to 61,000 who die.
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Five Things To Know: Getting Vaccinated At Cvs Pharmacy
Across the country, in nearly 10,000 communities nationwide, our customers turn to their local CVS Pharmacy to help lead them on a path to better health, not only through our prescription services, but our innovative assortment of health-focused products and services as well.
One of those services is vaccinations. Administered in all of our retail locations nationwide by a certified immunizer and by a nurse practitioner at our MinuteClinic locations, our vaccination offerings go well beyond the annual influenza shot. And since no appointment for vaccinations is required, CVS Pharmacy is a convenient and reliable place for customers to get CDC-recommended vaccines when and where they need them.
Here are some things to know before heading to a local CVS Pharmacy for a vaccination.
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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Can I Get More Than One Vaccine During The Same Visit
If you need more than one vaccine, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about whether you should get them all in one visit, or space them out.
Its very common to bundle immunizations for children, and there are many cases where adults may get two vaccines at the same time.
Shingrix, which is recommended to prevent shingles in adults 50 and older, can be given during the same appointment as a flu shot, according to the CDC.
The agency has also given the green light for people to receive a COVID-19 vaccine, including a booster shot , and the flu shot during the same visit.
In fact, the CDC says that the COVID-19 vaccine can be given without regard to the timing of any other vaccine.
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.
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Where Can I Go To Get Vaccinations
Vaccines are offered at drugstore chains, including CVS, Rite Aid, and Walgreens warehouse clubs like Costco and Sams Club and many independent pharmacies.
The Federal Retail Pharmacy Program for COVID-19 Vaccination has 21 national pharmacy partners and independent pharmacy networks to help increase access to the vaccine. A list of the partners can be found on the CDC website.
The Best Flu Shot Deals At Cvs Target Publix And More
If youre looking for a place to get a flu shot, theres a good chance your local pharmacys immunization program has what you need. But as youll see, some pharmacies may have better flu shot prices and deals than others.
In this article, Im going to show you some major grocery and pharmacy chains offering flu shot deals as of September 2021.
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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.
These Retailers Are Offering Coupons And Discounts To Anyone Getting Their Flu Shot This Fall
The focus this year has been on getting your COVID-19 vaccine, but getting a flu shot is still important! As we head into fall and winter, it’s crucial to get a flu shot to protect yourself and others and to avoid putting more strain on the still-overburdened healthcare system. Experts recommend getting the flu shot as early as September, before flu season really kicks into high gear, though when it comes to the flu vaccine, it’s better late than never. No matter what your schedule looks like, there are plenty of stores and pharmacies offering free, walk-in flu shots this year.
If you’d rather not head to a doctor’s office for your flu shot – or you just want the convenience of getting one while you’re out running errands – these clinics offer quick and easy vaccinations. Plus, they even have some incentives for customers who get a flu shot at their locations! Stop by one of these retail locations and take advantage of their convenient flu shots and helpful discounts.
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What Does It Mean When People Talk About The Flu Shot Being A Good Match
Tran: Because the influenza virus is constantly evolving, international public health authorities track the dominant strains year-round. In the U.S., the FDA meets in late February or early March to decide which strains the flu shot should protect against during the following flu season. They settle on the top three to four strains that are likely to spread the most easily and cause the worst harm. Some years, the flu vaccine is a good match for the viruses actually circulating, causing it to work very well. Other years, it’s not as good of a match and less effective.
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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Where Can I Get A Flu Shot Which Stores And Pharmacies Offer Flu Shots
Pharmacies such as CVS are currently offering flu shots for the 2020 season.
Flu season is almost upon us and is even more of a threat this year with the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.
TheCenters for Disease Control and Prevention recommends an annual flu shot for protection, except for babies under six months or those severely allergic to the vaccine. However, the agency warns that getting vaccinated in August is too early, especially for older people, because of the likelihood of reduced protection against flu infection later in the flu season.
Heres everything you need to know about where to get a flu shot in 2020.
Where can I get a flu shot?
Many family doctors, pediatricians and health clinics offer flu shots, in addition to pharmacies and select stores.
Appointments usually have to be made in advance at doctor offices. If you just prefer to walk in, you can go to a local store or pharmacy.
What pharmacies offer flu shots for 2020?
The following pharmacies are currently offering flu shots:
Your Vaccination Can Be Added To Your Medical Record
Following your vaccination, with your permission, CVS Pharmacy or the MinuteClinic practitioner can notify your primary care physician so that the shot is added to your medical record.
For more information about vaccinations offered at CVS Pharmacy and MinuteClinic, as well as location-specific availability, visit cvs.com/pharmacy or minuteclinic.com/services.
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Saving On Pharmacy Vaccinations
Just like at your doctors office, pharmacies that offer vaccinations will file with your insurance.
Many vaccinations wont cost you anything if you have a private insurance plan through your employer or that you purchased on a state marketplace. Under the Affordable Care Act, private plans are required to fully cover the cost of recommended vaccinations for adults and children as preventive medical care.
Unfortunately, Medicare doesnt do as good of a job of covering recommended immunizations. Only flu, pneumonia, and hepatitis B vaccines are fully covered under Medicare Part B. Other vaccinations are treated like prescription drugs and are covered under Medicare Part D or Advantage plans. That means youll be responsible for paying any co-pays and deductibles required by your prescription drug plan.
If youre paying out of pocket, shop around to find the lowest price. When we checked, we found the lowest prices without insurance at Costco. For example, Pneumovax pneumonia vaccine cost $110 at CVS and Target, but just $97 at Costco pharmacies. And the dual Hepatitis A and B vaccine costs $145 at CVS, $150 at Walgreens , and $93 at Costco.
Another option if you are uninsured or paying out of pocket is to check with statewide free health clinics and community health centers, which offer free or low-cost preventive care and low-cost vaccinations. Find a clinic near 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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People At High Risk Of Complications From The Flu
- people with health conditions, such as:
- cancer and other immune compromising conditions
- diabetes
- kidney disease
- neurological or neurodevelopmental conditions
- children up to 18 years of age undergoing treatment for long periods with acetylsalicylic acid