How Do I Get A Flu Shot At Cvs

Does A Flu Shot Protect Against Coronavirus

While getting the flu shot improves the chances that you won’t get the flu, safety measures should still be taken. Distancing, wearing a mask and washing your hands, especially after coughs and sneezes, can improve the chances that you and others will not get the flu or COVID-19.

A recent article shows that those who received a flu shot were less likely to have severe health complications due to COVID-19, but Researchers didn’t find any connection between receiving a flu shot and being less likely to die from COVID-19.

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Flu Shot Discounts: How To Get A $5 Credit Or 10% Off Groceries In California

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Health officials in California and across the country encourage everyone 6 months and older to get vaccinated with a seasonal flu shot – with some exceptions. In many cases, retailers will give you $5 in-store credit or other discounts to get the flu vaccine .

Flu Shots Available At Cvs Pharmacy Minuteclinic

CVS Health is reminding Americans that as the country continues to deal with the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, it is more important than ever to stay current with vaccinations and other routine health care needs.

According to a survey commissioned by CVS Health and conducted among a general population of U.S. consumers, consumers intention to get vaccinated against seasonal flu increased five percentage points from June 2020 to June 2021, with 71% of those surveyed saying they definitely or likely will get a flu shot this season. In addition, 45% of consumers surveyed said they planned to get a flu shot at a retail pharmacy, the most preferred destination cited, followed by a doctors office .

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that individuals make plans to get vaccinated early in the fall before flu season begins, and ideally 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, said Neela Montgomery, executive vice president, CVS Health and president, CVS Pharmacy. We have built a simple vaccination experience where customers appreciate the convenience and safety.

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Looking For Flu Shot Deals Read This

I called each chain to confirm their flu shot deals and prices.

For the latest information,

No matter what the quoted price is, you should always ask the pharmacy about any qualifying coupons before you pay for your flu shot. Whether the pharmacy supplies you with a coupon or not, the price may not be able to beat this GoodRx coupon.

Now lets look at what these major chains say youll pay for a flu shot at their pharmacies.

Not Sure Which Vaccinations You Need

Use the links below for Centers for Disease Control and Prevention vaccination recommendationsfor everyone age 18 months and up.

• Anyone over the age of 60 who:

• Has not received the Shingrix vaccine, even if theyhad shingles in the past

• Were previously vaccinated with Zostavax

• Are not sure if they had chickenpox. Learn more

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Help Withvaccine Side Effects

Side effects from vaccines are often mild and are a normal signthat your body is building protection. Our CVS Pharmacy® team can provide overâtheâcounterrecommendations forhow to manage side effects. Additionally, MinuteClinic offers a vaccine side effectservice available either in person or via telehealth.

Flu Shots Available At Hundreds Of Cvs Locations As Students Head Back To School

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BOSTON

Flu shots, which are a requirement for most Massachusetts school children this fall, are available at hundreds of CVS locations across the state.

More than 400 CVS Pharmacys and 65 MinuteClinic locations are open for flu shots, the company said. Children ages 9 and above can get immunized at any CVS Pharmacy location, and children ages 18 months and above can receive an immunization at MinuteClinic.

All patients must wear a face covering and will have their temperature taken prior to the immunization, CVS said. Pharmacists and MinuteClinic providers administering vaccines will wear personal protective equipment and will observe enhanced cleaning protocols.

Patients may schedule an immunization appointment with a MinuteClinic provider at MinuteClinic.com or check the website to see if walk-in appointments are available in their area. Walk-in appointments are also welcome at CVS Pharmacy locations throughout flu season.

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What Types Of Vaccines Are Available

There is more than one flu shot, so it can be challenging to decide which one to get. Flu shots are by far the most common flu vaccine available, although there is also a nasal spray. You can get the spray if youre healthy, between the ages of 2 to 49, and if you arent pregnant.

Almost all vaccines this year are quadrivalent, which means they protect against four different strains of the flu virus. Its important that you get a new flu vaccine every year. Thats because the specific virus strains change every year. Last seasons vaccine wont protect you against this seasons virus.

CVS Pharmacy and MinuteClinics are offering the standard quadrivalent flu vaccine as well as the high-dose flu vaccine, which is for adults 65 and over.

Adults 18 and older who are allergic to eggs can also get the Flublok quadrivalent, says Linda Molaka, pharmacy manager at CVS Pharmacy. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about which is best for you.

How Effective Is The Vaccine

This varies from season to season because the vaccine itself changes each year. If the vaccine and the virus strains are a good match, the vaccine should be between 40 percent and 60 percent effective, says the CDC. If you do get sick even after a vaccine, chances are your illness will be much milder.

The CDC estimates that every year the flu hospitalizes 140,000 to 810,000 people and kills between 12,000 and 61,000. The vaccine may save 6,300 lives annually.

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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.

Is The Vaccine Safe

The flu vaccine is safe, says Dr. Mieses Malchuk. The most common side effect is muscle soreness where the shot was given. If the vaccine is doing its jobwhich is to stimulate the immune systemyou may also feel achy or tired.

This does not mean youre sick, she stresses. Because the flu shot doesnt contain any live virus, it cant give you the actual flu. It also doesnt cause autism or any other illness, despite continuing rumors to the contrary.

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Wondering If You Need To Make An Appointment For A Flu Shot At A Pharmacy Read This

With flu season around the corner, we’re preparing for potentially one of our history’s most intense flu seasons. And while there are a lot of things you can do to help prevent your chances of catching the nasty bug, getting a flu shot should be at the top of your list. But finding a good time for a pharmacy visit might be a bit tricky, especially as some have eliminated walk-ins altogether. Which poses the question: do you need an appointment to get a flu shot?

For most major pharmacies, the answer is no however, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, it is highly recommended to schedule an appointment to limit contact with other patients and your time within the store.

Who Should Get The Flu Vaccine

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that everyone over the age of 6 months get a flu vaccine every year. People who are at a higher risk of complications from the flu are even more strongly urged to get a vaccine. This includes those 65 and over, pregnant women, children under 5, and people with certain chronic conditions like asthma.

If youre allergic to eggs, have had Guillain-Barré syndrome in the past, or are presently sick, talk to your doctor or pharmacist before getting vaccinated. Guillain-Barré syndrome is a rare type of autoimmune-related paralysis that can be triggered by infections.

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Cvs Urges Locals To Get Their Flu Shot

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– CVS pharmacies have given out 30 million doses of the COVID vaccine during the pandemic, now they’re gearing up for flu season.

There were very few flu cases last year because many of us were wearing masks, being socially distant, and staying home.

The restrictions have relaxed, and flu cases could rise.

In this Wednesday, Feb. 3, 2021 file photo, a CVS pharmacy is seen in Los Angeles.

Dr. Kirsten Anderson, a CVS pharmacist said, this year its different, we are not wearing masks. We are not staying home. We are trying to get back to normal. We anticipate the flu season could be very bad.”

Anderson oversees clinical operations for CVS Health in the northeast.

Getting a flu shot can protect you from getting the flu and getting severely ill.

The best time to get a flu shot is before the end of October, but flu shots are available now, and you don’t need an appointment.

“Lets say you start to feel sick. You have a fever and chills. You think is this flu or is this covid. Get both vaccines, that way you have less of a chance of getting those symptoms, and the anxiety that goes along with thinking what do I have,” said Anderson.

CVS said last year they gave out a record number of flu shots, double the normal amount. They anticipate similar numbers this year.

Free Flu Shots Through Clinics Community Organizations And Public Health Departments

Many health departments and free clinics offer low-cost or free flu shots across the U.S. Here are a few examples:

• Most colleges offer free flu shots for their students. Check on your schools website to confirm.

• Military veterans enrolled in health care through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs can get a flu shot at their nearest VA health care facility. This program does not apply to family members of veterans.

• Many county health departments offer free, or discounted, flu vaccinations during flu season. Examples include:

• The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, in partnership with select LA County Libraries, will offer free flu shots through November.

• The San Francisco Health Department offers convenient locations for members of the public to easily access free or low-cost flu vaccines.

• The Houston Health Department offers flu shots to uninsured and underinsured people on a sliding scale that ranges from free to $15.

Cant find a location near you on this list? Watch for announcements on your local news station or in your local newspaper or search online for free flu shots in your area or through your citys health department.

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Providing A Flu Vaccine

1. Determine which CCN region you are part of:

• If you are located in the following U.S. states and/or territories: AL, AR, CT, DC, DE, FL, GA, IA, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MA, MD, ME, MI, MN, MO, MS, NC, ND, NE, NH, NJ, NY, OH, OK, PA, PR, RI, SC, SD, TN, VA, VI, VT, WI, WV, you are part of:
• CCN Regions 1-3, administered by Optum®/CVS Caremark®. Contact Optum at 800-364-6331 if you need to confirm you are in-network.

2. Confirm the Veterans identity by checking their government-issued ID.

3. Check to make sure they are eligible for the flu vaccine, paid for by VA. To do this:

• Ask for the Veterans 10-digit Veteran ID number, then check their eligibility electronically.
• If you cant check their eligibility electronically, call Optum at 888-901-6609 or TriWest at 833-483-8669 to confirm their eligibility. The system will indicate urgent care eligibility which includes flu vaccines.
• If Veteran doesnt have or know their 10-digit Veteran ID number, ask for their Social Security Number , then call Optum at 888-901-6609 or TriWest at 833-483-8669 to confirm their eligibility. The system will indicate urgent care eligibility which includes flu vaccines.

Regions 1-3

Why Do You Need A Flu Shot Anyway

Vaccines lower your risks of catching the flu, and if you do end up getting infected, the shot may reduce its severity and duration. This could help prevent you from having to go to the hospital because of the flu, which could potentially make you more exposed to COVID-19.

Because symptoms of the flu and COVID-19 are similar, especially in its early stages, getting a flu vaccination could relieve some of the confusion as to who has what, Carrico says. Whats more, in the off chance you were to get hit with both at the same time, having had a flu shot could help you withstand COVID-19 a little better. You need to enter the situation with as much strength as you can, Carrico says. The flu shot gives you the best chance of that.

A flu shot also makes a positive impact on public health. When youre healthy, or at least healthy enough to recover at home, youre doing your part to prevent hospital systems from being overwhelmed. It allows those who need medical care most to get it, Carrico says.

While its true that vaccinations are not 100% effective at preventing the flu, they still make a big impact. According to the CDC, the vaccine was 45% effective overall last flu season. This, in turn, prevented an estimated 4.4 million flu cases, 2.3 million flu-related medical visits, 58,000 hospitalizations, and 3,500 flu-related deaths.

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Does Cvs Keep Immunization Records

vaccinationrecordvaccinationCVSrecord

Keeping this in view, what shots can you get at CVS?

Immunizations at CVS/pharmacy and MinuteClinic

• Flu Shot. Flu Shot High Dose. Pneumonia. Chickenpox
• Hepatitis A. Hepatitis A/Hepatitis B combined. Hepatitis B. HPV
• Meningitis Meningitis B. MMR Pneumonia

Also, where can I get my shot records? The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has a listing of registry contacts and websites at www. cdc.gov/vaccines/programs/iis/contacts-locate-records. html. Or to find the phone number of your local health depart ment, call the CDC Information Contact Center at 800-CDC-INFO .

Similarly one may ask, how do I get my CVS pharmacy records?

How to Get Started Now

Does CVS give hepatitis B shots?

A MinuteClinic provider can go over your health status with you and talk to you about your risk for getting Hepatitis B. Your plan may include getting the Hepatitis B vaccine. If it does, your MinuteClinic provider can give you the shots you need at times that are convenient for you.

When Should You Get Your Flu Shot

Its generally recommended that people get a flu vaccine by the end of October, according to the CDC. This is especially important because of the ongoing spread of COVID-19. The flu season can last until March or April, so you can still get the flu vaccine later. No matter when you get your flu shot, it will still be valuable to help protect you for the rest of the flu season. Talk to your provider about the best time to get your flu shot. Remember to ask about other vaccines you might need to protect yourself this year too.

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Who Should Get A Flu Shot

The CDC recommends that everyone 6 months and older get a seasonal flu vaccine each year, ideally by the end of October.

Children younger than 5 years oldespecially those younger than 2 are at higher risk of developing serious flu-related complications. A flu vaccine offers the best defense against flu and its potentially serious consequences and also can reduce the spread of flu to others.

Anyone 65 and older is recommended by the CDC to get a flu shot each year, as well as those with a weakened immune system due to disease or cancer.

Pregnant women can receive a flu shot, and those in their third trimester are advised to get the shot as soon as possible.

A full list of at-risk groups who should receive the flu shot is available at the CDC website.