Rite Aid Nasal Flu Vaccine

What Are Some Key Reasons To Get A Flu Vaccine

• Every year, flu vaccination prevents illnesses, medical visits, hospitalizations, and deaths.

• Flu vaccination also is an important preventive tool for people with chronic health conditions. For example flu vaccination has been associated with lower rates of some cardiac events among in people with heart disease.

• Vaccinating pregnant women helps protect them from flu illness and hospitalization, and also has been shown to help protect the baby from flu infection for several months after birth, before the baby can be vaccinated.

• A 2017 study showed that flu vaccine can be life-saving in children.

• While some people who get vaccinated still get sick, flu vaccination has been shown in several studies to reduce severity of illness

Why Is It Important To Get A Flu Vaccine Every Year

• Flu viruses are constantly changing, so flu vaccines may be updated from one season to the next to protect against the viruses that research suggests will be common during the upcoming flu season.

• Your protection from a flu vaccine declines over time. Yearly vaccination is needed for the best protection.

Does Medicare Pay For Flu Shots At Cvs

Flu shots at CVS are covered by Medicare, just so long as you are enrolled in Medicare Part B, and you havent already had another flu shot in the same flu season.

CVS is a Medicare-enrolled pharmacy and accepts assignment, so the shot is free there is no deductible or coinsurance to pay.

Just remember to ask the pharmacist to forward the information of your flu vaccine to your primary care doctor, so that your records may be updated.

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Number One Rule Of A Flu Fighter:

Understand why a flu shot is a great idea

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention studies show that a flu vaccination among healthy adults decreases risk of influenza-like illness by 60% when the flu vaccine is well-matched to circulating viruses. And the benefits of rolling up a sleeve last all winter.

Its no fun to suffer from a fever, muscle aches, fatigue, and a cough, but the flus more serious danger is how it can lead to an infection such as pneumonia. Post-flu complications are a particular risk for someone already afflicted with asthma, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, or some other compromised immune-response system.

The vaccine isn’t all about you. It also protects the people you know and care aboutparents, coworkers, and neighbors. People most at risk include children, pregnant women, and those over 60. In terms of looking out for the greater good, a flu shot is the right thing to do.

Assuming you pass up the $0 no-pay for your flu shot, the hacking, shivering, and dealing with other flu-like symptoms might cost you. In addition to sending someone to the store for over-the-counter remedies or seeing a doctor, you might need to dip into paid time off . Some copay exceptions may apply check your Member Handbook for details.

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.

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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.

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 peaks often in February and can last until May, 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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Protect Yourself From The Flu

The flu is a serious contagious disease spread by coughing, sneezing, and nasal secretions. The Centers for Disease Control says that everyone 6 months of age and older should get the flu vaccination because it is the best protection against this disease.

Getting a flu shot early in the season is your best protection against the flu. Dont wait until late in the season because you might have already been exposed to the virus.

All Priority Partners members can receive a flu shot at their primary care providers office. Members can also get their flu shot at CVS, Walgreens, Walmart, Rite Aid, and many other pharmacies that participate in the flu network. Search for a pharmacy .

If you receive your flu shot at a community pharmacy, please make sure to see the pharmacist at the prescription counter and not an in-store clinic. Some examples of in-store clinics include Target Clinic and CVS Minute Clinic.

Where can I get a flu shot?

Priority Partners members can receive a flu shot at their primary doctors office or at one of many flu network pharmacies, including CVS, Walgreens, Walmart, Rite Aid, and more. Find a nearby pharmacy.

Can the flu shot give me the flu?

No, the flu shot cannot cause flu illness. The viruses contained in flu shots are inactivated , which means they cannot cause infection.

Are there different types of flu shots?

How much does it cost?

Find a pharmacy in our vaccine network where you can get the flu vaccine.

Are Flu Shots Free

Under the Affordable Care Act, the federal government requires insurance companies to cover flu vaccines with no deductible or copay. But check with your insurance provider first, because you may be required to get your shot at a specific location.

According to a report recently released by the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, over 35 million Americans had health insurance in the fourth quarter of 2021, bringing the rate of those uninsured down to 8.8% for the full population. If youre uninsured, the resources below can help you find a free or low-cost jab.

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Why Get A Flu Shot

For your own health and wellbeing

Influenza viruses are always changing, so it is important to get vaccinated each year. The flu vaccine is reviewed annually to ensure it protects against changing viruses.

To protect your friends and family

Getting the flu shot not only protects you, but also keeps you from potentially exposing your friends and family to the virus.

To keep resources for those who need them most

Getting your flu shot reduces your risk of getting sick or hospitalized and also helps keep health care resources available for COVID-19 patients.

Your Primary Care Provider

If you’re enrolled in a health insurance plan through the Affordable Care Act or have almost any private plan, your health insurance will cover the cost of the flu shot. That’s right, no copayment for your appointment just protection from the fluwhether you’ve hit your yearly deductible yet or not.

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Heres Why You Really Need To Get The Flu Vaccine Every Year

The flu vaccine is recommended for anyone six months or older, with very rare exceptions , the CDC says.

There are four kinds of influenza virusesA, B, C, and Dbut typically A and B are the ones that cause annual flu epidemics, the CDC says. Each year the influenza vaccine is designed to protect against the two strains of influenza A and one or two strains of influenza B that experts think will be most dangerous that flu season, according to the CDC. Influenza viruses change very quickly, which is why its important to get vaccinated every year, Dr. Schaffner says.

No matter which influenza strains are wreaking havoc in a given year, common flu symptoms include fever, coughing, sore throat, runny nose, muscle aches, fatigue, and vomiting or diarrhea, according to the CDC. But to think that the flu is merely a very bad cold severely underestimates its power. Influenza can cause hospitalizations, complications like pneumonia, and even death.

To that point: When you get the flu vaccine, youre contributing to herd immunity . This is the baseline level of vaccination a community needs to have to prevent vaccine-preventable illnesses from spreading. Additionally, the CDC notes that even if you do get the flu after being vaccinated, your symptoms will typically be less severe.

• Nows a Great Time to Get Your Annual Flu Shot

Heres What To Expect After Your Free Flu Vaccine

After getting a flu shot, you might experience pain at the injection site, as well as redness and swelling. You might also notice a headache, fever, nausea, and muscle aches, according to the CDC. These are totally normal occurrences that should go away within a few days and dont mean youve actually gotten the flu. In some extremely rare cases, the flu shot can cause more serious side effects like Guillain-Barré syndrome, which happens when the immune system attacks nerve cells in the body, but there are fewer than one or two cases of Guillain-Barré syndrome per 1 million people whove gotten flu shots, the CDC says.

Typical nasal spray flu vaccine side effects are very similar to those from the shot, according to the CDC. Again, these symptoms are usually mild and clear up in a few days. What doesnt go away after the side effects fade? Your amped-up protection against this season’s flu strains.

If youve never had the flu before, it can be hard to convince yourself its worth taking the time to get vaccinated. Trust us when we say that its a good decision. Even if you think you can brave the season unvaccinated, take one for the team. Seriously, think about your family members, commuter buddies, coffee shop comrades, and coworkers. Nobody wants to be a dreaded spreader and make other people sick, Dr. Schaffner says.

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Fighting The Flu Is Part Of Your Coverageand Does A World Of Good

PacificSource health plans include seasonal flu-vaccine coverage at no cost to members. Check your immunization benefit for high-dose flu shots, and flu nasal mist.

What copay? Your flu shot is covered with a no-pay.*

For your annual flu shot, all you need is your PacificSource member ID: Just show up at your doctor’s office, an in-network urgent care clinic, or a nearby in-network pharmacy. If youre part of employee group coverage, ask your employers benefits manager if an onsite flu-shot clinic is being planned.

The flu shot is effective

A fleeting prick to the arm can be a comfort all winter long. Healthy adults can cut their flu risk by 60% by getting a vaccination, say studies by the Centers for Disease Control. And reducing your flu risk means lowering the chance of passing the flu along to people you care about.

In-network pharmacies

Participating pharmacieswith a few possible exceptions in some communitiesinclude Albertsons, Bi-Mart, Costco, Fred Meyer, Haggen, Hi School, Kmart, Kroger, QFC, Rite Aid, Rosauers, Safeway, Shopko, Smiths, Target, Walgreens, and their affiliates. Your no-cost flu shot is also available at any of the CVS Caremark pharmacy locations, nationwide.

Your doctors office

If your doctor is in-network, your seasonal flu shot or high-dose flu shot is covered. Tip: Call your doctors office in advance. If you want to be spared the potential cost share of a doctor’s visit, mention you only want a flu shot.

Best spot to get your shot

How Do I Get A Flu Vaccine At Rite Aid

Rite Aid is offering flu vaccines seven days a week at all 2,400 locations in 17 states. You dont need to make an appointment and, while youre there, you may want to think about other vaccines you might need. Most insurance plans, including Medicare Part B, will pay for flu vaccines with no copay.

Shots cost $39.99 for those who dont have insurance or who dont have plans that will cover the price. To save time, fill out an immunization evaluation and screening questionnaire and consent forms before your visit. For people 65 and older, the chain is offering the high-dose vaccine FLUAD. The egg-free vaccine Flublok is available for adults.

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Getting Your Rite Aid Flu Shots 2021

by Gareth Williams

This winter, it is even more important to get your flu shot, so you dont run the risk of getting both the flu and Covid -19, and also to slow down the community spread of the flu virus. If we can stop the flu spreading so widely we can protect our elderly loved ones and other vulnerable individuals, and vitally reduce the number of people who need hospital treatment and beds, at a time when the demands on the health services and resources are so great, and so stretched.

To get at flu shot at Rite Aid, you just walk in and ask for a flu shot. Rite Aid is offering 4 different flu vaccines this year, and the prices start at $31.99 for those without insurance. If you have insurance it is, in many cases, free.

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.

You can use our free flu shot coupons for the whole family. SingleCare is accepted at thousands of pharmacies including CVS, Walgreens, Walmart, and more. Find a pharmacy near you that accepts SingleCare coupons here.

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Is The Vaccine Safe

People have been getting the flu vaccine for half a century and it rarely produces a serious reaction.

Any vaccination has some side effects but its so rare the benefit clearly outweighs the risk, says Dr. Strange. Some minor side effects include a sore arm, the sniffles, and a low fever, but you cannot get the flu from the vaccine, he emphasizes. The proteins used in the vaccine may result in some local inflammatory response but nothing like the flu, he says.

Any stories you may have heard about the vaccine causing the flu or autism are just flu myths.

Some people are allergic to ingredients in the vaccine, like eggs, but only 20 percent of todays flu vaccines are grown in eggs, according to the CDC. Long ago, there were reports after flu shots of Guillain-Barré syndrome , but that has not been proven.

Rite Aid Opens Online Scheduling For Flu Vaccines At All Locations

Customers can now schedule online for appointments beginning today or walk in at Rite Aid and Bartell Drugs locations

PHILADELPHIA—-Its not too early to schedule your flu shot. Rite Aid has opened online scheduling for flu shots at its locations including Bartell Drugs in the Pacific Northwest, and is now accepting walk-ins, providing convenient options for families to get vaccinated.

With children going back to school, now is the perfect time to schedule a flu shot as well as other needed routine vaccines, said Karen Staniforth, Chief Pharmacy Officer at Rite Aid. More than ever, our customers want to keep themselves and their families healthy including protecting against flu, COVID-19 and other diseases and we are committed to providing them with convenient access to the immunizations they need.

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 that helps create a stronger immune response to vaccination, approved for people 65 and older
• Fluzone HD, a high-dosage quadrivalent vaccine for patients 65 and older
• Flumist, a nasal spray flu vaccine, which is in limited supply at all locations

How online scheduling works:

About Rite Aid Corporation

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Free Shots Without Insurance

According to GoodRx, many county health departments offer free flu shots during flu seasonwith or without insurance. Contact your county’s health department to see if you can benefit from this service. Even if you don’t have health insurance , you may be able to get the jab without cost through local churches and synagogues, free clinics, and community centers.

“Last flu season, the CDC reported record numbers of people vaccinated against the flu, and we experienced a near non-existent flu season,” Kevin Ban, MD, chief medical officer at Walgreens, told Health. “This shows that the flu shots, combined with other preventive measures, remain the best way to fight off flu.”

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:

• 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

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