Are you planning on getting a flu shot this year? You have some options about where to go to receive one. You can try to get an appointment at your doctor’s office. Or, you can go to the nearest pharmacy, and get your flu shot whenever it is most convenient for you to do so. Bring your health insurance card to the pharmacy.
According to the Center for Disease Control, the best way to prevent yourself from having the flu is to go and get a flu shot. It also helps to practice good health habits, such as washing your hands, and covering your cough.
The CDC says that the flu vaccine can prevent at least 66% of influenza infections in young children, (and an even higher percentage in older children). It can help prevent adults from catching the flu, and missing work.
In previous years, people who wanted to get a flu shot had to make an appointment to see their doctor. Then, they had to wait for that appointment, which could be weeks away. Hopefully, the person didn’t end up catching the flu while waiting to be seen by their doctor. Every year, some people have trouble finding a way to get a doctor’s appointment to fit around their work schedule.
This year, however, there are plenty of options available for people who want to get a flu shot. In 2010, the Affordable Care Act prevented (most) insurers from charging a copay for preventative care. A flu shot is considered to be preventative care.
This change means that Americans do not have to worry about whether or not their health insurance will cover the cost of a flu shot. It will be covered, no matter where you choose to get your flu shot from.
As a result, pharmacies have started offering flu shots. Efforts have been made to train pharmacists how to give flu shots. Pharmacies are one of very few places that are able to accept people’s health insurance cards as a form of payment. They have already been doing this with prescription medications.
Many people have decided that it is much more convenient to get their flu shot from the closest pharmacy than it is to try and schedule an appointment with their doctor. A person can go get a flu shot while they are grocery shopping, or picking up a few things at the drug store, or whenever they want to.
I have noticed that drug stores, and grocery stores that have pharmacies, are competing with each other in order to attract people who want to get a flu shot. CVS and MinuteClinic do not require you to make an appointment in order to get a flu shot. They accept “many health plans”. If you are not covered by health insurance, and pay for a flu shot, you will get a $5.00 Gift Card.
Walgreens will let you schedule an appointment to get a flu shot through their website. The Target website says that their pharmacies have flu shots available right now, (and that most health insurance plans cover them). If you get your flu shot at the Vons pharmacy, you will get 10% off your groceries.
Image by Luis Markovic on Flickr