Getting A Flu Shot At Rite Aid

How To Get A Discount On Your Flu Shot

If you cant secure a free flu shot, make sure to compare prices at singlecare.com before choosing where to get your jab. You can find the least expensive location near youplus, youll see coupons to save on flu shots, flu medications, and other prescriptions you need to get you through cold and flu season.

If its your first time using your SingleCare card, you can use a coupon for an additional $5 off the price of the following brands.

Getting The Rite Aid Flu Shot

Getting a flu shot is one of the best things you can do for yourself, for others, and for a health care system already overburdened due to the pandemic. Unlike the Covid-19 vaccine, which will be available to most people next year, the flu vaccine is available right now at retailers nationwide, including Rite Aid pharmacies. If you havent already, its not too late to get the flu vaccine.

There is no downside to taking the flu vaccine, says Theodore Strange, MD, interim chair of medicine at Staten Island University Hospital in Staten Island, New York. Its a preventable disease and even if you get the flu it will minimize the disease.

The more people who get the flu vaccine, the more likely communities will achieve herd immunity which is when enough people in an area get vaccinated to protect those who arent. There is a higher demand for flu shots this year but, so far, there seem to be enough vaccines to go around, Dr. Strange says.

Does Medicare Pay For Flu Shots At Cvs

If you are enrolled in Medicare Part B, flu shots at CVS are covered.

CVS is a Medicare-enrolled pharmacy and accepts assignment, which in short means that you have no deductible or co-insurance to pay.

Normally, CVS will bill Medicare directly for your flu shot.

If you have Medicare Part C you are covered for the same services as Medicare Part B, but you would be advised to check that CVS is a provider in your plans network, or you may find you have to pay out-of-pocket yourself.

Remember to ask the pharmacist to forward the information of your flu vaccine to your primary care doctor.

You May Like: When Do Flu Shots Start 2021

Who Should Get The 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.

When Is The Best Time To Get A Flu Vaccine

The North American flu season typically begins in October, peaking between December or February though it can last longer. The best time to get a flu vaccine is early fall, according to the CDC. That time has already passed for the 2020-2021 season, but its not too late.

It takes two weeks for the vaccine to become fully effective so now is still a good time for a flu vaccine.

Don’t Miss: What Does The Flu Feel Like

Free Flu Shots For Those Eligible To Receive Va Care

If you are eligible to receive VA health care, you can receive a flu shot at a VA clinic. If you are not already in the system, youll be required to complete VA Form 10-10EZ. Submit to your nearest VA medical center along with your DD Form 214 discharge paperwork or the equivalent before you can receive a free flu shot.

Schedule Your Free* Flu Shot

The CDC recommends a yearly flu vaccine as the first and most important step in protecting against flu viruses. Schedule your appointment for individuals 3+ today!

* No cost with insurance after satisfaction of any applicable deductible.Flu shots available while supplies last. Ask your pharmacist for details. Age restrictions apply in some states.

Recommended Reading: Flu Symptoms For 2 Weeks

What Should I Expect When I Get To The Store

All Rite Aid stores are following public-health guidelines to limit the spread of Covid-19. All customers are required to wear a face mask. The person giving the shot will also be wearing a mask or face shield, and the area where vaccinations are given are sanitized after each shot.

Next, heres how you can tell the difference between a cold and the flu.

Is It Too Late to Get a Flu Shot?

Flu Shot Mistakes to Avoid

Covid-19 Symptoms vs Flu Symptoms

Why Is It Important For The Elderly To Get Flu Shots

There are three main groups of people who are at the greatest risk from the flu virus, and they are

• young children under the age of 5
• people with certain underlying health conditions

Unfortunately, the elderly, and by elderly we mean the over 65s, are often in two of these three categories, making the risk even greater.

Every year, the elderly account for 9 out of the deaths from flu, and for 6 out of the 10 hospital stays caused by flu.

Source: NCOA Center for Benefits Access Vaccines: What Medicare pays for read that here.

In addition, the older your loved one is, the less resistance they will have to catching the flu catch if they come into contact with the influenza virus, and the greater the chance that they will develop complications as a result.

Underlying health conditions will also make an elderly person even more susceptible to a greater risk of complications if they catch the flu, putting many elderly adults at greater risk again.

The following underlying health conditions can put an individual at increased risk of greater complications from flu include

• heart disease

Don’t Miss: Chances Of Getting The Flu

Where Can I Find Flu Shots Near Me

Most local pharmacies offer flu shots, as do drug stores and quick clinics. All of the major chain pharmacies in the US — CVS, Rite Aid, Walgreens, Walmart, Kroger — offer flu shots at most of their locations across the country.

Each one offers its own pharmacy finder:

• Flu shots at Kroger

Your local pharmacy probably offers flu shots, too.

You can also ask your primary care physician about getting a flu shot. Many urgent care clinics also offer flu shots, but you might have to cough up a copay — which is still better than coughing up your lungs if you get the flu.

What Are The Symptoms

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.

Read Also: How Long Is The Keto Flu

Rite Aid Now Offering Flu Vaccines At All Stores With Added Online Scheduling Similar To Covid

Rite Aid will be offering flu vaccines at all locations starting on Aug. 12, with additional options for online scheduling.

The Camp Hill-based pharmacy chain announced via press release that the flu vaccine will be available both via walk-in appointments as well as through an expanded online scheduling tool, which was originally put in place for scheduling COVID-19 vaccinations.

According to the press release, the flu vaccines offered by Rite Aid this year are as follows:

• 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

Rite Aid customers who wish to schedule a vaccination may go online to the Rite Aid pharmacy scheduler to make an appointment for flu, COVID-19 or other vaccinations.

Note to readers: if you purchase something through one of our affiliate links we may earn a commission.

Flu Shot Procedures For Guard/reserve Members Under Tricare

The TRICARE official site instructs Guard and Reserve members to seek out flu shots at a military hospital or clinic first. Influenza vaccines may also be available from retail pharmacies in your TRICARE network. Those who choose to get flu shots from a network pharmacy MUST receive their vaccination from a pharmacist.

Guard and Reserve members are warned NOT to get a flu shot from an onsite medical clinic at the pharmacy. This is because the entire cost of the shot will be billed to you and youll be required to pay out of pocket.

Any Guard/Reserve member who goes to a network doctor not listed as the patients primary care manager must have a referral from the PCM. You may also be required to document the shot with the following information:

• The date of the vaccination
• The vaccine name or code
• Manufacturer
• Lot number

Read Also: Meds To Take For Flu

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.

Free Flu Shots For Veterans Active Duty

Flu season is serious. There are so many cases of influenza every year that the CDC does not record them individually for a variety of reasons. As many as 49,000 people may die in a given year regardless of age from flu or flu-related complications.

Active duty members of the military are required to have a flu shot every year. This requirement means active duty service members get their shots for free. But what about military dependents?

There are many ways to get free or reduced-cost flu shots to prevent getting sidelined by influenza. Some of them are very easy to take advantage of while others may require a bit of homework on the patients part.

Also Check: Kaiser Permanente Flu Shot 2021 Southern California

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.

Getting The Flu Shot And Covid

Subject: Flu Shots and COVID-19

Get Your Flu Shot and COVID-19 Vaccine at the Same Time

As the coming flu season approaches and as we continue to prevent the spread of COVID-19, now is the time to get both shots. Luckily, this years flu shot and the COVID-19 vaccine can be administered during the same visit.

Not the Season to Be Sick

With the continued rise of the COVID-19 Delta variant and the unpredictability of a contagious flu season, coming down with flu-like symptoms could mean having the flu, COVID-19, or the possibility of both at the same time. Due to the toll COVID-19 has taken on hospital availability, its important to stay healthy and minimize your risk of having a severe case of either virus.

Get Them Together and Get Protected

The CDC has stated that receiving a COVID-19 vaccine and flu shot during the same visit is safe. Its important to note that each is its own separate shot and each may have minor side effects, but getting them during the same visit will save you time. As school and more in-person occasions begin, and we prepare for the cooler weather and the holiday season thats ahead, now is the time to schedule your COVID-19 vaccine and flu shot appointment.

Also Check: Where To Get Flu Shot

Rite Aid Flu Shots Now Available In Virginia Beach Officials Recommend Getting It Early

FILE This June 25, 2019, file photo shows a sign for a Rite Aid Pharmacy is on the facade at a strip mall in Harmony, Pa. Rite Aid Corporation reports financial results on Thursday, Dec. 19.

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. Public health officials recommend getting the flu shot early this season as they project a major strain on the health care systems once the two viruses converge.

Rite Aid announced on Thursday that the company is now offering seasonal flu shots to all age groups at locations throughout Hampton Roads.

Rite Aid has remained on the front lines helping communities during these challenging times, and our team of certified immunizing pharmacists are the whole-being health advocates customers can depend on for guidance this flu season, said Jocelyn Konrad, executive vice president and chief pharmacy officer, Rite Aid.

Our trusted pharmacists are here seven days a week to offer a holistic approach to keeping our communities as healthy as possible, including insight into ancillary vaccines, as well as vitamins, supplements and wellness products that can support immunity and overall health.

Read the full release here.

Does Medicare Cover Flu Shots At Rite Aid

by Gareth Williams

For the over 65s it is particularly important to get their flu vaccine each year, and this year with the pandemic, even more so. Our elderly loved ones are at a greater risk from the flu virus as they age because their immune systems become less efficient, and so less able to fight the flu viruses, and the health consequences can be very serious.

f you have Medicare Part B you are covered for a flu shot at Rite Aid, and as Rite Aid accepts assignment you will have no deductible or coinsurance to pay. Rites Aid should bill Medicare directly.

If you have Medicare Part C you are entitled to the same services as Medicare Parts A and B, but you will need to check with your plan provider that Rite Aid is in their network of pharmacies, before you get your flu shot, as you need to stay within the providers network to have coverage.

Recommended Reading: Alka Seltzer Tablets Cold And Flu

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.

What Is In Your Flu Shot

Do you know whats in your flu shot and how it works to prevent infections of the influenza virus?

• The flu vaccine is an inactivated vaccine that contains a dead virus.
• The flu shot helps your body develop protective antibodies that can help prevent infection.
• The flu shot is strongly recommended for all age groups starting at six months to 64 years old.
• Some providers may offer a high dose flu shot intended for patients aged 65 years and older.

Recommended Reading: Is There Medicine To Treat The Flu

Get A Flu Shot In The Way That Works For You

Kaiser Permanente Northern California is offering convenient ways to get the flu shot including at retail pharmacies.

Its officially the start of flu season, and its more important than ever to get a flu vaccine. With infectious disease experts predicting that flu could come back with a punch this season, as well as the continued threat of COVID-19, a flu shot is your best defense against the flu and can eliminate confusion around which illness you may have.

Flu vaccines are available at no cost to all Kaiser Permanente members who are 6 months and older. Explore different ways to get your flu shot below. Find information on how to get a COVID-19 vaccine, which is safe to receive at the same time as your flu shot.

Can I Still Get The Flu If I’ve Been Vaccinated

Yes. Those who have been vaccinated may still get the flu.

This can be caused by one or more of the following:

• Exposure to the virus before vaccination
• Exposure to the virus during the two-week period after receiving vaccination, or before immunity develops.
• Exposure to flu strains that may be circulating and are not included in the flu vaccine.

In the United States, the Food and Drug Administration reviews the flu data and determines the combination of viruses most likely to prevent the flu each year. Despite the amount of research that goes into the flu vaccine composition, the virus is constantly changing. Therefore, the vaccine may not be a perfect match to the current circulating virus. The good news is, those who have been vaccinated generally have a milder case of flu than those who are unvaccinated.

You May Like: Osom Rapid Flu Test Instructions