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.
How Do I View My Minor Childs Vaccinationrecords
Check your email for the COVID-19 vaccination recordif both the following conditions apply:
- The minor was vaccinated at CVS Pharmacy®
- An email address was provided at scheduling/check-in
A record of the vaccination should have been immediately sent tothat address. It would have been sent from with a subject line of âFor Your Records.â
How Much Do Vaccines Cost At Minuteclinic
MinuteClinic is a walk-in clinic that provides health screenings, treatment for common illnesses, and vaccinations for children, teens, and adults. Its located inside more than 1,100 CVS Pharmacy and Target locations in 33 states and Washington, D.C.
At MinuteClinic, the rules are a little different than at CVS Pharmacy. First, MinuteClinic doesnt offer COVID-19 vaccines. Many clinics still accept walk-ins, but some require appointments during the pandemic.
Lastly, unlike CVS Pharmacy, where pharmacists give shots, MinuteClinic is staffed by medical providers. That means a nurse practitioner or physician assistant will deliver your immunization instead of a pharmacist.
MinuteClinic accepts most insurance plans and lists its prices on its website. The prices represent the fee for a vaccine only. If you end up discussing other healthcare concerns during your vaccine appointment, you also may be charged for a separate medical visit.
Here are MinuteClinic cash prices for some of the most commonly requested vaccines, including:
| Commonly requested vaccines |
|---|
| $75 |
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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.
Groups Who Should Especially Get The 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.
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Some Children Are At Higher Risk
Children at greatest risk of serious flu-related complications include the following:
Flu Is Dangerous For Children
Flu illness is more dangerous than the common cold for children. Each year, millions of children get sick with seasonal flu thousands of children are hospitalized, and some children die from flu. Children commonly need medical care because of flu, especially children younger than 5 years old.
- Complications from flu among children in this age group can include:
- Pneumonia: an illness where the lungs get infected and inflamed
- Dehydration: when a childs body loses too much water and salts, often because fluid losses are greater than from fluid intake)
- Worsening of long-term medical problems like heart disease or asthma
- Brain dysfunction such as encephalopathy
- Sinus problems and ear infections
- In rare cases, flu complications can lead to death.
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Who Should Get Vaccinated
- Adults and children who are 6 months of age and older
- This includes:
- Anyone 65 years and older
- People who live in nursing homes and other long-term care facilities
- Women who will be pregnant during the influenza season
- Adults and children 6 months and older who needed regular medical care or were in a hospital during the previous year because of
- a metabolic disease
- chronic kidney disease
- chronic respiratory disease
- chronic cardiac disease
- weakened immune system
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.
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Does Medicare Cover Vaccines
Medicare covers the flu and pneumococcal vaccines at 100% under Part B, along with the hepatitis B vaccine for those at higher risk. That means no out-of-pocket cost to the patient. A tetanus shot after experiencing a deep wound or burn also should be covered.
Medicare Part D plans should cover the shingles vaccine, but check with your plan. You may have to pay at least a portion out of pocket if you havent yet reached your deductible for the year . There may be a copay, depending on your plan.
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.
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Flu Shots Now Available At Cvs Pharmacy And Minuteclinic
Nearly three quarters of Americans say they plan to get a flu shot this year, with 45 percent planning on getting their vaccine at a retail pharmacy
WOONSOCKET, R.I. 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. By getting a flu shot this fall and taking other proactive measures to improve general health and immunity, individuals and families can protect themselves against seasonal flu and help safeguard the overall health of the community.
According to a survey commissioned by CVS Health Flu Intention Survey, commissioned by CVS Health in June 2021 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 percent of those surveyed saying they definitely or likely will get a flu shot this season. In addition, 45 percent 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.
Video and photo assets from MinuteClinic and CVS Pharmacy are available in the CVS Health Media Gallery.
Getting A Flu Vaccine Has Many Benefits
- The flu vaccine can keep you from getting the flu.
- The flu vaccine can help make your illness less severe if you do get sick with the flu.
- The flu vaccine can reduce the risk of being hospitalized with the flu for children and adults.
- Learn more about why its so important for pregnant women to get a flu shot during pregnancy.The flu vaccine protects pregnant women during and after pregnancy from flu complications. It also protects their newborn children for several months after birth.
- The flu vaccine reduces the risk of a heart attack in people with heart disease.
- The flu vaccine can reduce the risk of a child dying from the flu.
- The flu vaccine can reduce the risk of adults dying from the flu.
- Getting a flu vaccine can also help protect the people around you from getting the flu, especially people at high risk for serious complications from the flu.
- Getting a flu vaccine this fall is more important than ever to reduce your risk of flu and help ease the burden on a health care system likely to be dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic.
- For more information see the fact sheet: Why Get a Flu Vaccine
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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:
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Most colleges offer free flu shots for their students. Check on your schools website to confirm.
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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.
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Many county health departments offer free, or discounted, flu vaccinations during flu season. Examples include:
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The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, in partnership with select LA County Libraries, will offer free flu shots through November.
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The San Francisco Health Department offers convenient locations for members of the public to easily access free or low-cost flu vaccines.
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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.
We Offer More Than Just Flu Shots
While vaccine availability may vary by state, all of our CVS Pharmacy and MinuteClinic locations offer most of the vaccinations commonly recommended by the CDC, including pneumonia, MMR , meningitis, and Hepatitis A and B.
Additionally, your pharmacist is an excellent resource for information about what vaccinations are appropriate for your age group.
An appointment for a vaccination is not required, but we do recommend that calling the store first to confirm that the vaccination youre looking for is in stock.
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People At High Risk Of Flu Complications
Anyone can get the flu and serious complications from the flu can happen at any age.
Some people are at high risk for serious complications from the flu. This includes: older people, pregnant women, young children and people with certain health conditions. Three of the nations leading, non-profit health organizations the American Lung Association, the American Diabetes Association and the American Heart Association – urge adults living with chronic disease to prioritize getting an annual flu vaccine and are also calling on health care professionals to advocate for and support flu immunization in their practices. Infants under 6 months of age have a higher risk of flu complications than children of any other age. Yet they are too young for the flu vaccine.
Those who live or work with people who are at high risk of flu complications should get a flu vaccine to keep from spreading the flu to them.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, flu vaccine is also especially important for:
- During the COVID-19 pandemic, flu vaccine is also especially important for people at risk of severe illness from COVID-19: Including adults 65 years and older, residents in nursing homes or long-term care facilities, and anyone with underlying medical conditions.
Can I Get Free Or Low
Whether you go to a pharmacy, your doctors office, or an urgent care clinic, vaccines can be pricey if you dont have insurance. That doesnt mean you have to give up essential vaccinations.
There are several ways you and your family can get free or low-cost vaccines.
- The Vaccines for Children Program provides vaccines at no cost for children under age 19 who qualify for Medicaid, dont have insurance, cant cover out-of-pocket insurance costs, or are Native American or an Alaskan Native.
- Federally funded health centers provide vaccinations, and the cost may vary based on your income. You can search for local health centers on the Health Resources and Services Administration website.
- Your states health department can also provide information on getting free or low-cost vaccines. The CDC offers on online directory of state health departments.
- Check to see if local community centers, schools, or places of worship are offering vaccinations.
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How To Get Low
Children can receive financial assistance through the federal Vaccines for Children program. This is for kids who are:
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Uninsured
-
Medicaid-eligible
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American Indian or Alaska Native
The shingles vaccines manufacturer, GlaxoSmithKline, offers a patient assistance program for those without insurance who cant afford the vaccine. Your healthcare provider needs to apply for the program on your behalf.
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.
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Who Should Get A Flu Vaccine This Season
Everyone 6 months and older should get a flu vaccine every season with rare exceptions. Vaccination is particularly important for people who are at higher risk of serious complications from influenza. A full listing of people at Higher Risk of Developing Flu-Related Complications is available.
Flu vaccination has important benefits. It can reduce flu illnesses, doctors visits, and missed work and school due to flu, as well as prevent flu-related hospitalizations and deaths.
Different flu vaccines are approved for use in different groups of people.
- There are flu shots approved for use in children as young as 6 months old and flu shots approved for use in adults 65 years and older.
- Flu shots also are recommended for pregnant people and people with certain chronic health conditions.
- The nasal spray flu vaccine is approved for use in non-pregnant people who are 2 years through 49 years of age. People who are pregnant and people with certain medical conditions should not receive the nasal spray flu vaccine.
There are many vaccine options to choose from. CDC does not recommend any one flu vaccine over another. The most important thing is for all people 6 months and older to get a flu vaccine every year.
If you have questions about which flu vaccine to get, talk to your doctor or other health care professional. More information is available at Who Should Get Vaccinated.