Elderly People More Likely To Experience Side
People over 65 were also less likely to have side effects than people under 65, regardless of which vaccine they received. Data from millions of v-safe participants indicate that injection site pain is common after both the first and second doses of either mRNA-based vaccine. Systemic reactions, including fatigue, headache, myalgia, chills, fever, and joint pain, occurred in participants after the first dose, although they were more frequently reported after the second dose among both Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna vaccine recipients.
Customers Of Most Age Groups Can Receive Vaccinations In Our Stores
At CVS Pharmacy, vaccinations are available for adolescents, adults and seniors, while at MinuteClinic, children as young as 18 months can receive certain vaccinations. Call your nearest location to talk to the pharmacist about what vaccinations are right for your age group and whats available at that location.
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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How To Learn More About Medicare Coverage For Pneumonia Vaccines And Other Preventative Services
Would you like more information about Medicare coverage for the pneumonia vaccine or other preventative services? Im here to help you:
- To communicate with me by phone or email, use one of the options below.
- Use the Compare Plans Now button on this page to get more information about Medicare insurance in your local area.
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Becoming eligible for Medicare can be daunting. But don’t worry, we’re here to help you understand Medicare in 15 minutes or less.
Flu Shots Now Available At Cvs Pharmacy And Minuteclinic

Two-thirds of Americans say they plan to get a flu shot this year, with 54 percent planning on getting their vaccine earlier than last year
WOONSOCKET, R.I. With the ongoing health impacts of COVID-19 on local communities, CVS Health is reminding the public that 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, help safeguard the overall health of the community and minimize the impact on health care resources.
According to a survey commissioned by CVS Health “Flu Intention” Survey, commissioned by CVS Health in July 2020. and conducted among a general population of U.S. consumers, the impact of COVID-19 is significantly influencing individuals’ likelihood to get a flu shot this season. Results have shown that consumers’ intention to get vaccinated has been increasing month over month, with 66 percent of those surveyed in July saying they definitely or likely will get a flu shot this season, compared to 34 percent of those surveyed in January 2020. In addition, 54 percent of consumers surveyed indicated that they plan to get their immunization earlier than last year.
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Five Things To Know: Getting Vaccinated At Cvs Pharmacy
Across the country, in nearly 10,000 communities nationwide, our customers turn to their local CVS Pharmacy to help lead them on a path to better health, not only through our prescription services, but our innovative assortment of health-focused products and services as well.
One of those services is vaccinations. Administered in all of our retail locations nationwide by a certified immunizer and by a nurse practitioner at our MinuteClinic locations, our vaccination offerings go well beyond the annual influenza shot. And since no appointment for vaccinations is required, CVS Pharmacy is a convenient and reliable place for customers to get CDC-recommended vaccines when and where they need them.
Here are some things to know before heading to a local CVS Pharmacy for a vaccination.
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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Will There Be New Products And Services Offerings Once A Schnucks Pharmacy Becomes A Cvs Pharmacy
Pharmacy customers will have access to other CVS Pharmacys leading pharmacy care programs which can help consumers save time, save money, and achieve better health outcomes. These additional programs include Rx Savings Finder , and ScriptPath , among many others. These programs will be introduced to store teams and patients on a rolling basis in the months to come.
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.
Vaccine |
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Who Should Not Get Vaccinated Or Should Wait
- Anyone who has had a lifeâthreatening allergic reaction to any component of the vaccine Prevnar 7 or any vaccine containing diphtheria toxoid: CDC.gov/Vaccines/VPD/Pneumo/Public/Index.html
- Anyone who is moderately or severely ill when the shot is scheduled should wait until feeling better
- For information regarding additional warnings and precautions, please visit: CDC.gov/Vaccines/VPD/Pneumo/HCP/Recommendations.html#Contraindications-Precautions
Is The Shingles Vaccine Covered By Medicare And Can I Get It At Cvs
Because the shingles vaccine requires two doses, if you have to pay full price around $400 total it may approach the $445 maximum Part D deductible that Medicare allows for 2021.
If thats the case, you may want to consider getting your vaccine early in the year. This way you dont have to worry about your deductible resetting in a new plan year soon after meeting it. You should discuss the risks and benefits of this strategy with your healthcare provider.
As far as going to CVS Pharmacy or CVS in Target to get your shingles vaccine, this is definitely an option. You can always call ahead or go online to schedule same-day appointments, or go in on a walk-in basis at many locations.
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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
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
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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.
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How Much Do The Pneumonia Vaccines Cost
Medicare Part B covers 100% of the cost of the pneumococcal vaccines with no copayments or other costs. Check that your provider accepts Medicare assignment before the visit to ensure full coverage.
The costs for a Part B plan in 2020 include a monthly premium of $144.60 and a deductible of $198.
There are many different Medicare Advantage plans offered by private insurance companies. Each come with different costs. Review the benefits and costs of each plan with your specific budget and needs in mind to make the best choice for your situation.
What Kind Of Insurance Does Cvs Accept For Vaccines
CVS accepts more than 5,000 health insurance plans for vaccinations. Many routine vaccinations are considered preventive care under the Affordable Care Act and must be covered with no charge to you for visits to an in-network provider.
As a result, people with private insurance often find they have zero copays for routine vaccinations at retail pharmacies. But youll want to check with your plan or ask the pharmacist to run your insurance card before you receive the vaccine to be sure.
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What Are The Risks Of A Vaccine Reaction
- Redness, swelling, pain, or tenderness where the shot is given, and fever, loss of appetite, fussiness , feeling tired, headache, and chills can happen after PCV13 vaccination.
Young children may be at increased risk for seizures caused by fever after PCV13 if it is administered at the same time as inactivated influenza vaccine. Ask your health care provider for more information.
People sometimes faint after medical procedures, including vaccination. Tell your provider if you feel dizzy or have vision changes or ringing in the ears.
As with any medicine, there is a veryremote chance of a vaccine causing a severe allergic reaction, other serious injury, or death.
People Who Received Moderna Vax Had More Side Effects
Researchers of this study say that a greater percentage of participants who received the Moderna vaccine, compared with the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine, reported reactogenicity this pattern was more pronounced after the second dose. Reactogenicity refers to a subset of reactions that occur soon after vaccination. People who got a Moderna shot were more likely to have a side effect — 73 per cent had an injection site reaction, compared with 65 per cent of people who had a Pfizer/BioNTech dose.
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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:
What Is The Pneumonia Vaccine
There are currently two types of pneumococcal vaccines that cover different strains of a common type of bacteria that can lead to pneumonia. This type of bacteria poses risks for young children but can also be risky for those who are older or have compromised immune systems.
The two vaccines are:
- pneumococcal conjugate vaccine
- pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine
According to recent data, the CDC Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices recommend that people who are 65 and older should get the Pneumovax 23 shot.
However, both vaccines may be needed in certain circumstances when there is greater risk. These situations can include:
- if you live in a nursing home or long-term care facility
- if you live in an area with many unvaccinated children
- if you travel to areas with a large population of unvaccinated children
Here is a comparison between the two available vaccines:
PCV13 | |
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Protects against 13 strains of Streptococcus pneumoniae | Protects against 23 strains of Streptococcus pneumoniae |
No longer routinely given to people 65 and older | One dose for anyone 65 years and older |
Only given if you and your doctor decide it is needed to protect you from risk, then one dose for those 65 and older | If you were already given PCV13, you should get PCV23 at least 1 year later |
Pneumonia vaccines can prevent serious infections from the most common strains of pneumococcal bacteria.
Possible side effects
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Who Should Not Get These Vaccines
Because of age or health conditions, some people should not get certain vaccines or should wait before getting them. Read the guidelines below specific to pneumococcal vaccines and ask your or your childs doctor for more information.
Children younger than 2 years old should not get PPSV23. In addition, tell the person who is giving you or your child a pneumococcal conjugate vaccine if:
You or your child have had a life-threatening allergic reaction or have a severe allergy.
- Anyone who has had a life-threatening allergic reaction to any of the following should not get PCV13:
- A shot of this vaccine
- An earlier pneumococcal conjugate vaccine called PCV7
- Any vaccine containing diphtheria toxoid
You or your child are not feeling well.
- People who have a mild illness, such as a cold, can probably get vaccinated. People who have a more serious illness should probably wait until they recover. Your or your childs doctor can advise you.
Who Should Get Prevnar 13 And Pneumovax 23

Prevnar 13 was developed for infants and children. The CDC recommends that all infants and children younger than 2 years of age get Prevnar 13. Prevnar 13 involves a series of four doses of the vaccine given at 2 months, 4 months, 6 months, and sometime between 12 and 15 months of age.
Pneumovax 23 is the vaccine used in adults. It does not work in infants and children under 2 years old.
Most adults do not need a pneumococcal vaccine until they reach the age of 65. Once a person turns 65 years old, the CDC recommends Pneumovax 23.
The same is true for any adult who smokes or has one or more of these chronic illnesses:
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Chronic heart disease
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Chronic lung disease, including asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
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Diabetes
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Chronic liver disease
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Are You 65 Or Older Get Two Vaccinations Against Pneumonia
- By Gregory Curfman, MD, Assistant Professor of Medicine, Former Editor-in-Chief, Harvard Health Publishing
ARCHIVED CONTENT: As a service to our readers, Harvard Health Publishing provides access to our library of archived content. Please note the date each article was posted or last reviewed. No content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor or other qualified clinician.
If you or a loved one is age 65 or older, getting vaccinated against pneumonia is a good idea so good that the Centers for Disease Control now recommends that everyone in this age group get vaccinated against pneumonia twice.
This new recommendation is based on findings from a large clinical trial called CAPiTA, which were published today in The New England Journal of Medicine.
Streptococcus pneumoniae, sometimes just called pneumococcus, is a common bacterium that can cause serious lung infections like pneumonia. It can also cause invasive infections of the bloodstream, the tissues covering the brain and spinal cord , and other organs and tissues. Older individuals are especially prone to being infected by Pneumococcus, and these infections are often deadly.
The dark spots are pneumonia-causing Streptococcus pneumoniae bacteria isolated from the blood of an infected person.
One caveat is that while PCV13 is effective in preventing pneumonia caused by S. pneumoniae, it does not prevent pneumonia caused by viruses or other bacteria.