What Insurance Does Rite Aid Accept For Flu Shots

Rite Aid Makes Flu Shots Available

All of Rite Aids locations are now offering flu shots for the upcoming flu season. The chain is encouraging all age groups to get flu shots as soon as possible to bolster their immune systems and minimize the number of flu hospitalizations this year as the COVID-19 pandemic continues.

“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 at 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.”

Health providers and government agencies are warning that a potential second wave of COVID-19 could coincide with flu season, underscoring the importance of getting a flu shot and other vaccinations. Rite Aid said that its pharmacists can offer counseling about vaccinations that can help offer protection from preventable illness.

Rite Aid said that this yar it is offering a quadrivalent flu vaccine, FLUAD trivalent vaccine with an adjuvant for patients 65 years old and older, high-dose Fluzone HD for older patients, and egg-free Flublok.

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.

What Are The Different Types Of Flu Vaccines

There are several different types of flu vaccines available. Rite Aid offers the following flu vaccines:

Quadrivalent flu vaccine – this vaccine protects against two Influenza A strains and two Influenza B strains.

For those 65 years of age and older, there are two types of flu vaccines that are designed to provide a greater immune response.

• High-dose flu vaccine – this vaccine contains four times more antigen than standard dose flu vaccines.
• Adjuvanted flu vaccine – this vaccine contains an ingredient that provides a stronger immune response.

Ask your Rite Aid pharmacist which vaccine is right for you.

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A Community Health Center Or Community Flu Clinic

If you dont have health insurance, the Philadelphia Department of Public Health provides flu shots atcity health centers and community flu clinics. There currently arent any community flu clinics scheduled, but look to the citys flu clinic calendar here. Community flu clinics offer the flu shot for free during set hours.

At both community flu clinics and community health centers, flu shots are available for anyone over the age of 6 months old. You have to show proof of Philadelphia residency .

Community health centers accept walk-ins. You can get a flu shot at any of the following Community Health Centers, whether or not you have insurance:

• South Philly: 1700 S. Broad St., Unit 201, Mon.-Fri. 9-11 a.m. and 1-3 p.m.

• Strawberry Mansion: 2840 West Dauphin St., Mon.-Fri. 8 a.m.-12 noon

You can find a map of locations offering flu shots here.

Are There Other Ways To Save On Vaccines At Rite Aid

If you have insurance, check to see which preventive vaccines are provided at no cost.

If you have to pay for a vaccine out of pocket, cost-saving options at Rite Aid include:

• The wellness+ rewards program is a membership plan that gives shoppers discounts on select purchases and cash rewards that can be redeemed in the store or online. You can sign up online or with a store associate.

• Rite Aid offers weekly deals on various products.

• Rite Aid digital coupons can save you money on select products.

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What Is The Difference Between A Brand And A Generic Medication

When a new product is introduced to the market, the manufacturer assigns it a brand or trade name, different from its “chemical” name. Once the patent rights to the product expire , other companies are free to manufacture generic versions of the product provided they meet all the requirements the FDA requires of the brand name drug. Generic drugs are regulated by the FDA just like the brand name drug and must meet the same stringent standards to ensure safety and efficacy for their intended uses. Most states require generic substitution by law, unless otherwise specified by the patient or physician. Please consult with your local Rite Aid pharmacist concerning the substitution laws in your state.

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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How Do I Get A Nonpreferred Drug

Drugs are listed in groups called drug classes. Drug classes are made up of drugs that treat similar conditions. You must have tried and failed, or be intolerant to, at least two preferred drugs within the drug class, unless there is a reason you cannot or only one drug is preferred. The prescriber of your drug or your pharmacy will need to contact your health plan with this information.

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:

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Learn More About Our Pharmacists

Rite Aid pharmacists are unique because they understand the importance of personalized care. On top of receiving a comprehensive education needed to meet state licensing requirements, all our pharmacists are professionally certified to provide immunizations. What sets our pharmacists apart from the rest are their daily interactions with you, our customers. Because at Rite Aid, we care.

Rite Aid pharmacists do much more than dispense prescriptions. Your pharmacist can help you and your family stay healthy by:

How Much Do Vaccines Cost At Cvs

Here are the retail costs for several in-demand vaccines at CVS Pharmacy:

If you live in an area that has both CVS Pharmacy and MinuteClinic, compare prices and insurance coverage. You may be able to get a slightly better price by shopping around. You may also be able to ask one store to match the price of the other.

Also Check: What Is Considered The Flu Season

We Accept Most Major Insurance Plans

If your pharmacy can no longer meet your needs, count on Rite Aid to help you and your family stay well. Rite Aid accepts most major plans including Tricare, Elixir Insurance, Express Scripts, Caremark, OptumRx, Medimpact, Cigna, Humana, Medicaid, Medicare Parts B and D, and many more.

Its easy to transfer your prescriptions online here, or by talking to a Rite Aid pharmacist in store. All you need is your existing prescription label information, and well do the rest!

Were committed to helping you manage your health. Thats why we offer great services like OneTripRefills, where we coordinate all your refills so theyre ready for pick up on the same date. We also provide free refill reminders, and you can easily manage your prescriptions online or with our mobile app. Plus, if you ever have questions about your health or medications, you can talk to a pharmacist 24/7* online or on the phone.

People At High Risk From The Flu

Anyone can get sick , and serious problems related to flu can happenat any age, but some people are at high risk of developing serious complications if theyget sick. People at high risk of flu complications include:

People 65 & Older

People with Chronic Health Conditions

People living in long term care or nursing homes

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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

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.

Related:

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Make Your Workplace A Flu

In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s now more important than ever for employers to take precautions. Keep your employees healthy and safe but stopping the spread of the flu. Request vouchers redeemable at any Rite Aid pharmacy or schedule an on-site clinic2.

Want more protection? Add pneumonia, shingles, tetanus or hepatitis A or B immunizations to your clinic.

I Received An Email Reminder That My Prescription Is Due For A Refill But The Name Of The Medication Is Not Included In The Message What Is The Medication

In order to protect the confidentiality of our customers, we do not disclose patient profile information over the Internet. Prescription numbers are located in the pink shaded area in the upper left corner of your prescription label. If you are unable to locate your prescription vial, please contact your local Rite Aid store for assistance.

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Chat With A Healthcare Professional

Get answers from a healthcare professional now with online chat

Were committed to offering you, our customers, personalized online pharmacy care and resources, whenever and wherever you need it..

• As a Rite Aid Rewards member, you have 24/7 access to a healthcare professional via online chat

• wellness+ members can also speak with a clinical healthcare professional 24/7 by phone, by calling

• . Hearing or speech disabled dial 711 to reach us through National Telecommunications Relay.

• Diabetes specialists are available via online chat and over the phone Monday through Friday from 9 am to 8 pm EST.

Feel free to contact a healthcare professional with questions or concerns about your prescriptions, potential drug interactions, or anything else regarding your medications. Or look through the following frequently asked pharmacy questions to see if your question has already been answered.

What Kinds Of Vaccines Does Cvs Offer

CVS Pharmacy offers a full list of vaccines. Among the most commonly requested ones are:

• Influenza : The flu vaccine is offered on a seasonal basis. Two different kinds are available. Four-strain flu vaccine protects against four strains of the virus for children and adults. The high-dose or senior-dose flu vaccine is for people age 65 and older.

• Shingles: The shingles vaccine is recommended for people age 50 and older. It is given in two doses spaced 2 to 6 months apart.

• COVID-19: The long-awaited coronavirus vaccine is finally available to all adults age 16 and older starting April 19 and earlier in many places. A vaccine for younger teens and children is expected later this year.

• Tdap: The CDC recommends the combination tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis vaccine for adolescents and adults every 10 years to protect against all three infections.

Each state has its own age requirements and other vaccine restrictions, so be sure to check your local stores rules before heading to CVS.

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More Ways You Can Help Protect Yourself Against The Flu

After you get your flu shot, continue to take steps to protect yourself and others from the flu and from COVID-19. That means frequent hand-washing, wearing a cloth mask and keeping a safe distance when youre in public spaces. Here are more ways you can help protect yourself and your community:

If youre feeling sick, stay home

Wash your hands throughout the day, especially after youve been in a public place or if you sneeze or cough

Avoid close contact with others and maintain a physical distance from others when youre in public spaces

Wear a cloth mask to cover your mouth and nose when youre around others. This helps protect others in case you may be infected

Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces daily, like doorknobs, tables, countertops, phones and more

Tips For Getting Vaccinated At The Pharmacy

You’ll no doubt remember if you’re due for your annual flu shot. But for other vaccinations, it’s a good idea to check with your physician about what immunizations are recommended for you based on your age and medical history.

Pharmacists in all states are allowed to administer a long list of vaccinations, but state laws varyfor example, you can’t get hepatitis vaccines at the pharmacy in New York. Also, in some states, certain vaccines require a doctor’s prescription. When in doubt, check with your pharmacist.

According to Catizone, the following tips can help getting your vaccinations at the pharmacy go smoothly:

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What Are The Prices For Vaccines At Rite Aid

The amount you spend out of pocket for a vaccine depends on several factors. If you have insurance, you may have responsibility for part of the cost or you may not have to pay anything for certain vaccinations.

Where you live also can impact what you pay for a vaccine, even at the same retailer. For example, a Rite Aid pharmacy in Oregon may charge a different cash price than a Rite Aid pharmacy in New Hampshire.

Here is how out-of-pocket costs compare at Rite Aid pharmacies in four states:

Rite Aid Pharmacy: Flint, Michigan

Shingrix: $136

HPV: $359 per dose

Flu : $85

Flu : $44

Rite Aid Pharmacy: Gardnerville, Nevada

Shingrix: $252