- How do flu vaccines work?
- Will my doctor be notified if I get a flu shot at Walgreens so I can keep my medical records in one place?
- Does Walgreens accept insurance for flu shots?
- After I get a flu shot, how long does it typically take to become fully protected?
- Should children and seniors get a flu shot every year, too?
- Will a flu shot protect me from getting a cold?
- Can I schedule an appointment at Walgreens to get my flu shot?
- What do I do if I get the flu or cold?
- Who should get a flu shot?
- Which influenza strains does this year's flu vaccine provide protection against?
- Is this year's flu shot the same as last season's?
- What if I received the 2011-2012 seasonal flu shot a few months ago, should they wait to receive this season's influenza vaccine?
- Why do I need a flu vaccine every season?
- What kind of vaccines will be available for the 2012-2013 Flu season?
- What is Fluzone Intradermal?
- What is Fluzone High Dose?
- Is it possible to get vaccinated too early in the season?
- What's the benefit of getting a flu shot early?
- Are Walgreens pharmacists really experts when it comes to flu shots?
- Will my doctor be notified if I get a flu shot at Walgreens?
- Can I get my flu shot at Walgreens the next time I pick up my prescription?
- What is the immunization assessment?
- Does the assessment cost money?
How do flu vaccines work?
Flu Shots use inactivated (not live) viruses and are designed to provoke the immune system to attack antigens found on the surface of the virus. (Antigens are foreign molecules that the immune system specifically recognizes as alien and targets for attack.)
The nasal spray-type flu vaccine uses a live, weakened virus instead of a dead one like the flu shot. The vaccine helps support the specific immune factors in the mucous membranes of the nose that fight off the actual viral infections.
Source: http://www.walgreens.com/marketing/library/contents.html?docid=000094&doctype=10
Will my doctor be notified if I get a flu shot at Walgreens so I can keep my medical records in one place?
We're happy to send your doctor a copy of your immunization record. Just let us know.
Does Walgreens accept insurance for flu shots?
Yes. Walgreens accepts most insurance plans. If you have Medicare Part B, you'll have no out-of-pocket cost.*
After I get a flu shot, how long does it typically take to become fully protected?
The vaccine takes approximately two weeks to protect against prevalent flu strains.
Should children and seniors get a flu shot every year, too?
Yes. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends an annual flu shot for everyone six months and older.
Will a flu shot protect me from getting a cold?
According to the CDC, the flu vaccine does not provide protection against non-flu viruses that can cause colds and other respiratory illnesses.
Can I schedule an appointment at Walgreens to get my flu shot?
Yes. You can schedule an appointment online or by calling your nearby Walgreens.
What do I do if I get the flu or cold?
Ask a pharmacist for personalized advice. Chat 24x7 with a Walgreens pharmacy professional.
Who should get a flu shot?
The CDC now recommends that everyone over the age of 6 months receive the flu vaccine every year. The only exceptions are for those allergic to the vaccine. Two types of flu vaccine are available: a killed vaccine, given as an injection, and a live vaccine given as a nasal spray.
Everyone aged 6 months and over should get a flu vaccine; the only exception is for those who are allergic to the vaccine. It is especially important in the following groups, who are at a high risk for complications from the flu:
Everyone aged 6 months and over should get a flu vaccine; the only exception is for those who are allergic to the vaccine. It is especially important in the following groups, who are at a high risk for complications from the flu:
- People who are 50 or more years of age
- People who are 6 to 49 months of age
- People who have chronic lung disease, including asthma and COPD, or heart disease
- People who are 18 years old or younger AND taking long-term aspirin therapy
- People who have sickle cell anemia or other hemoglobin-related disorders
- People who have kidney disease, anemia, diabetes, or chronic liver disease
- People who have a weakened immune system (including those with cancer or HIV/AIDS)
- People who receive long-term treatment with steroids for any condition
- Women who are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during the flu season. Women who are pregnant should receive only the inactivated flu vaccine. (Vaccinations should usually be given after the first trimester. Exceptions may be women who are in their first trimester during flu season, because their risk from complications of the flu is higher than any theoretical risk to the baby from the vaccine.)
Which influenza strains does this year's flu vaccine provide protection against?
The 2012-2013 vaccine provides protection against:
- an A/California/7/2009 (H1N1)pdm09-like virus
- an A/Victoria/361/2011 (H3N2)-like virus
- a B/Wisconsin/1/2010-like virus (from the B/Yamagata lineage of viruses)
It will not prevent illness caused by other viruses.
Is this year's flu shot the same as last season's?
No, while the H1N1 virus is the same virus that was included in the 2011-2012 vaccine, the recommended influenza H3N2 and B vaccine viruses are different from those in the 2011-2012 influenza vaccine.
What if I received the 2011-2012 seasonal flu shot a few months ago, should they wait to receive this seasons influenza vaccine?
Everyone 6 months old and older are recommended to receive an influenza vaccination each season regardless of when they last received their shot. This season, this is especially important with the two virus strain changes that have occurred in the vaccine.
Why do I need a flu vaccine every season?
A flu vaccine is needed every season because flu viruses are constantly changing. Its not unusual for new flu viruses to appear each season. The flu vaccine is formulated each season to keep up with the flu viruses as they change.
Also, multiple studies conducted over different seasons have shown that the bodys immunity to influenza viruses (acquired either through natural infection or vaccination) declines over time. Getting vaccinated each season provides the best protection against influenza throughout flu season.
What kind of vaccines will be available for the 2012-2013 Flu season?
There are four different flu vaccines available:
- Intramuscular flu shot approved for people 6 months and older
- High-dose intramuscular flu shot approved for people 65 and older
- Intradermal flu shot approved for people 18 to 64 years of age
- Intranasal flu vaccine approved for healthy people 2 to 49 years of age who are not pregnant.
What is Fluzone Intradermal?
Fluzone Intradermal is the only intradermal influenza vaccine that delivers the vaccine into the dermal layer of the skin The microinjection system uses an ultra-thin needle, less than one tenth the length of the standard needles used for the traditional intramuscular route of administration. Fluzone Intradermal is indicated for persons 18 to 64 years of age
What is Fluzone High Dose?
Fluzone High-Dose vaccine is the only influenza vaccine designed specifically for patients 65 years of age and older.
By improving the production of antibodies in older patients, it may help provide a stronger immune response to influenza than traditional vaccines. This is critical for older patients who are at greater risk of flu-related complications.
Is it possible to get vaccinated too early in the season?
No, a flu shot will protect you all season long, even through peak flu periods like February and March.
What's the benefit of getting a flu shot early?
The earlier you get a flu shot, the sooner you're protected.
Are Walgreens pharmacists really experts when it comes to flu shots?
Absolutely! Each Walgreens pharmacist goes through an extensive training program to be able to provide immunization services.
Will my doctor be notified if I get a flu shot at Walgreens?
Yes. We're happy to send your doctor a copy of your immunization record. Just let us know.
Can I get my flu shot at Walgreens the next time I pick up my prescription?
Yes. Walgreens administers flu shots anytime the pharmacy is open, and walk-ins are always welcome.
What is the immunization assessment?
The immunization assessment is conducted by the pharmacist and helps to determine which other adult immunizations may be right for you, based on your immunization, age and overall health history. The assessment is conducted while you receive your flu shot.
Does the assessment cost money?
No, the assessment is free.
