Seasonal Flu Coverage And Benefits
One of the most important steps you can take to protect your health and well-being is to get an annual flu shot. Each year thousands of people are hospitalized because of complications from the flu. Thats why we encourage all our members to get their yearly flu vaccination.
Most Independence Blue Cross members with prescription drug coverage will pay $0 for a flu shot at an in-network pharmacy or provider.¹ Members will not need a referral, precertification, or preapproval to get their seasonal flu vaccine.
Whether in or outside of our service area, members should be able to receive a flu shot from in-network providers without having to pay upfront or submit a form for reimbursement.
Find an in-network provider
To find an in-network pharmacy or provider near you, log in at ibx.com.
Please note: For members who have 100 percent coverage for services in accordance with the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act of 2010 and the Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act of 2010, no cost-share should be applied for the vaccine and administration of the vaccine when it is administered by an in-network provider.
Coverage is subject to the terms and conditions of the applicable benefit plan. Individual benefits must be verified.
What Is The Tetanus Vaccine
Four combination vaccines used to prevent diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis are: DTaP, Tdap, DT, and Td. DTaP and DT are given to children younger than seven years of age, and Tdap and Td are given to adults and older children.
It is recommended that children get five doses of DTaP, one dose at each of the following ages: 2, 4, 6, and 15-18 months and 4-6 years. DT does not contain pertussis, and is a substitute for DTaP among children who cannot tolerate the pertussis vaccine.
Td is a tetanus-diphtheria vaccine given to adults and adolescents every 10 years, or after an exposure to tetanus. Tdap is similar to Td but also contains protection against pertussis. Adults 19 and older and adolescents 11-18 years of age should receive a single dose of Tdap. Women should receive Tdap during each of their pregnancies in the third trimester between the 27th and 36th week. Tdap should also be given to 7-10 year olds who have not been immunized against pertussis. Tdap can be given no matter when Td was last received.
Saving On Pharmacy Vaccinations
Just like at your doctors office, pharmacies that offer vaccinations will file with your insurance.
Many vaccinations wont cost you anything if you have a private insurance plan through your employer or that you purchased on a state marketplace. Under the Affordable Care Act, private plans are required to fully cover the cost of recommended vaccinations for adults and children as preventive medical care.
Unfortunately, Medicare doesnt do as good of a job of covering recommended immunizations. Only flu, pneumonia, and hepatitis B vaccines are fully covered under Medicare Part B. Other vaccinations are treated like prescription drugs and are covered under Medicare Part D or Advantage plans. That means youll be responsible for paying any co-pays and deductibles required by your prescription drug plan.
If youre paying out of pocket, shop around to find the lowest price. When we checked, we found the lowest prices without insurance at Costco. For example, Pneumovax pneumonia vaccine cost $110 at CVS and Target, but just $97 at Costco pharmacies. And the dual Hepatitis A and B vaccine costs $145 at CVS, $150 at Walgreens , and $93 at Costco.
Another option if you are uninsured or paying out of pocket is to check with statewide free health clinics and community health centers, which offer free or low-cost preventive care and low-cost vaccinations. Find a clinic near you.
You May Like: Pneumonia Shot For 65 And Older
Rite Aid Hosts Flu Shot Clinics
Rite Aid Pharmacy will host two clinics on Cape Cod. There is no charge for Medicare Part B cardholders. Fees otherwise are $30 for flu shot and $40 for pneumonia shot. You must be 18 years of age to get a shot at these clinics.
Hyannis: Airport Rotary
Thursday, Oct. 18: 2-6 p.m.
Falmouth: 520 Main St.
How Much Does Pneumovax 23 Cost With Insurance
Your copay for Pneumovax 23 vaccination with insurance will vary depending on your plan. However, Pneumovax 23 will sometimes be covered by your health insurance as a medical benefit rather than a prescription drug benefit. Ask the clinic or hospital where you receive Pneumovax 23 injections if they will accept a SingleCare Pneumovax 23 coupon you could pay only $138.31 if they do.
Also Check: What Medicine Is Used To Treat Pneumonia
Flu Shots Are Now Available At Walgreens Nationwide For Everyone Ages 3 And Up
Walgreens ready to co-administer flu shots and COVID-19 vaccines, anticipating boosters this fall
DEERFIELD, Ill., August 24, 2021—-Walgreens is now offering flu shots for everyone ages 3 and up by walk-in or appointment at more than 9,000 store locations nationwide to help protect communities from vaccine-preventable illnesses such as influenza. This years flu season coincides with the return to many in-person school, work, travel and social activities. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention , this increased face-to-face interaction may result in an active flu season1.
This press release features multimedia. View the full release here:
Walgreens is now offering flu shots for everyone ages 3 and up by walk-in or appointment at more than 9,000 store locations nationwide to help protect communities from vaccine-preventable illnesses such as influenza.
“Measures like social distancing, mask wearing and increased flu vaccinations contributed to very few flu cases last season, however, as communities return to everyday activities amid a surge in COVID-19 cases, it is critical that people remain diligent about getting their flu vaccine,” said Kevin Ban, M.D., Chief Medical Officer, Walgreens. “Walgreens pharmacy team members have more than a decade of experience administering vaccines and make it easy to get both your flu and COVID-19 vaccinations in one convenient stop.”
New this flu season:
How Should You Treat Shingles
Antiviral medicines like acyclovir, valacyclovir, and famciclovir have been developed to reduce the length and severity of the illness. They are most effective when started soon after the shingles rash appears. Consequently, you should call your health care provider to explore treatment options as soon as you contract or believe you have contracted shingles.
Topical or oral pain medicines may help reduce the pain caused by shingles. Wet compresses, calamine lotion, and colloidal oatmeal baths may also help relieve itching.
Read Also: Symptoms Of Pneumonia In Women
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.
What Should You Do If You Have Shingles
These simple steps can help you reduce the severity and spread of shingles:
- Cover the rash at all times
- Do not touch or scratch the rash
- Wash hands often to prevent the spread of the virus
- Before the rash develops crusts, avoid contact with:
- pregnant women who have never had chickenpox or been vaccinated against it
- premature or low birth-weight infants
- people with weakened immune systems including those receiving immunosuppressive medications or undergoing chemotherapy, organ transplant recipients, and people with HIV.
Don’t Miss: Pneumonia In Diabetic Patients Treatment
Where Can I Go To Get Vaccinations
Vaccines are offered at drugstore chains, including CVS, Rite Aid, and Walgreens warehouse clubs like Costco and Sams Club and many independent pharmacies.
The Federal Retail Pharmacy Program for COVID-19 Vaccination has 21 national pharmacy partners and independent pharmacy networks to help increase access to the vaccine. A list of the partners can be found on the CDC website.
Rite Aid Offers Full Vaccination Check With New Flu Shot Availability
CAMP HILL, Pa. – Rite Aid announced Tuesday the availability of seasonal flu shots at Rite Aid pharmacies nationwide.”Immunizations play a key role in a person’s overall health and wellness year-round, but this is especially true when it comes to protecting oneself from the flu,” stated Jocelyn Konrad, Rite Aid EVP pharmacy. “With more than 11,000 immunizing pharmacists and thousands of locations across the country, getting a flu shot at Rite Aid is a convenient and easy way for people to make sure that they are protected.”
Patients can get more than just a flu shot at their local Rite Aid pharmacy, however. “We also encourage people to use flu season as an opportunity to review their immunization history and need for other vaccinations,” Konrad said. “Rite Aid pharmacists can review a person’s immunization history and make recommendations for additional vaccinations based on the individual’s unique needs.”
Subject to state regulations, Rite Aid pharmacists are able to administer vaccines that protect against tetanus/diphtheria/pertussis , as well as pneumonia and shingles at the same time as the seasonal flu shot. One dose of Tdap is routinely given at age 11 or 12, and the CDC recommends a Td booster be administered every 10 years.
The CDC also recommends a pneumococcal vaccine for those 65 and older and the shingles vaccine for people aged 60 and older.
Don’t Miss: Is Pneumonia Contagious In Humans
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.
What Is Pneumovax 23
Pneumovax 23 is a brand-name vaccine that provides active immunity from pneumococcal infections. Pneumococcus is responsible for a wide spectrum of some of the most common bacterial infections: ear infections, sinus infections, blood infections, and meningitis, an infection of the membranes that cover the brain. Pneumococcus is the most common cause of pneumonia and Pneumovax 23 is often called a pneumonia vaccine.
The active ingredients in Pneumovax 23 are polysaccharides unique to the surface of the bacteria that causes pneumococcal infections, Streptococcus pneumonia. The body mounts an immune system response as if it were actually being attacked by living bacteria. The antibodies created provide a years-long line of defense against future pneumococcal infections.
Pneumovax 23 is injected as a single dose by a healthcare professional. Pneumovax 23 provides immunity against 23 strains of Streptococcus pneumonia.
Also Check: Is It Easier To Get Pneumonia After Having It Once
What Are The Symptoms Of Shingles
Shingles is a painful rash that develops on one side of the face or body. The rash forms blisters that typically scab over in 7-10 days. Shingles typically takes 2-4 weeks to clear up.
People often feel pain, itching, or tingling in the area 1-5 days before the rash appears.
Most commonly, shingles forms a single stripe of rash on either the left or right hemisphere of the body. Occasionally, the rash occurs on one side of the face. Less commonly, the rash looks similar to chickenpox and is spread more liberally . Shingles can sometimes affect the eyes and cause loss of vision.
Other symptoms of shingles can include fever, headache, chills and upset stomach.
How Does Tetanus Spread
Tetanus is a bacterial infection caused by Clostridium tetani. Tetanus bacteria can be found everywhere in the environment, including manure, soil and dust. This bacteria enters the body through broken skin from injuries by contaminated objects. Areas in the skin that are more likely to get infected with tetanus bacteria are:
- Wounds contaminated with spit , dirt or feces
- Wounds caused by an object puncturing the skin, like a needle or nail
- Burns
- Injuries with dead tissue
The time from exposure to illness is usually 321 days , but it can range from one day to several months. The majority of cases occur within 14 days. Shorter incubation periods are common with heavily contaminated wounds, more severe disease, and a worse disease prognosis.
Recommended Reading: Small Cell Lung Cancer And Pneumonia
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.
What Are The Side Effects Of Pneumovax 23
Although not a complete list, common side effects of Pneumovax 23 include, but are not limited to, fever, chills, headache, nausea, vomiting, weakness, fatigue, muscle pain, and joint pain. Site reactions to the injection are common and include redness, pain, swelling, and/or a hard lump at the needle site. Injection site reactions will usually go away after one or two days. Allergic reactions are very rare. If you experience symptoms of an allergic reaction, such as hives, difficulty breathing, or swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat, seek emergency medical treatment. Consult your doctor for additional information and medical advice regarding drug interactions.
Also Check: Best Pneumonia Vaccine For Cattle
Do You Need The Flu Shot If You’ve Received The Covid
Video transcript
If youve already gotten the COVID-19 vaccine, it is also recommended and important that you get the flu shot this year. One covers you against the influenza virus, and the other covers you for the COVID-19 viruses. Theyre two distinct vaccines.
Every year, the flu vaccine is different.
This year, we suspect that the cases for the flu may increase.
Once you get the flu shot, it takes two weeks to become effective in your system. So the earlier you get it, the less exposure you have to others who are sick within your community.
What Vaccines Can A Pharmacist Give
Along with the COVID-19 shot and the flu shot, most pharmacists can administer vaccines to protect against:
In addition to vaccinations, other kinds of injections may be available. Some pharmacies, for example, offer the birth control shot and vitamin B12 injections to patients over 18 with a prescription from a doctor.
Read Also: Do You Need A Pneumonia Vaccine Every Year
What Routine Vaccines Are Covered By The Affordable Care Act
If you have insurance, you may not have to pay anything for certain vaccines. Many preventive care services are provided through health insurance plans at no out-of-pocket cost to you as part of the Affordable Care Act . This means you can receive certain services without a copay or coinsurance even if you have not met your deductible. Preventive care includes wellness visits, screenings, and routine vaccines.
What You Need To Know About The Pneumonia Vaccine
Youve probably heard that diabetes increases your risk for certain health complications, but did you know that pneumonia is on the list?
Diabetes may increase your chance of getting pneumonia . Once you have it, youre more likely than someone without diabetes to become seriously ill. Fortunately, theres a quick and easy way to reduce your risk: Get the pneumococcal vaccine.
Protect Yourself
The pneumococcal vaccine guards against the majority of pneumococcal bacteria, which are the most common cause of pneumonia in the United States. These same bacteria can also cause bacteremia or meningitis . The pneumococcal vaccine helps protect you against such severe illnesses.
While the vaccine cant prevent every single case of pneumonia, youre likely to have a milder case and fewer major complications if youve been vaccinated.
Stay Up to Date
The American Diabetes Association recommends that everyone with diabetes should receive the pneumococcal vaccine. The protection lasts for years. Most people only need one shot until age 64. At age 65 or older, you may need to be vaccinated again if your first shot was more than five years ago. Ask your doctor whether youre up to date.
Visit your local Rite Aid Pharmacy to get your pneumococcal vaccine today!
Fast Facts About Pneumococcal Pneumonia. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. www.cdc.gov/pneumococcal/about/facts.html.
Recommended Reading: What Does Early Pneumonia Feel Like
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
Are There Medicines To Treat The Flu
People diagnosed with the flu or with suspected flu infection and at high risk of serious flu complications should seek treatment immediately.
There are prescription medications available that can lessen fever and flu symptoms, shorten the length of flu illness, and reduce the risk of complications. It is best if they are taken within 2 days of the start of flu symptoms.
The four FDA approved prescription medications for the treatment of flu are oseltamivir phosphate , zanamivir , peramivir , and baloxavir marboxil .
Also Check: What To Do If I Think I Have Pneumonia