As a health care worker it is imperative for me and my family to take as many precautions as possible to prevent illness from entering our home. One of the most important steps we take is with getting our flu shot. It has become such a strong part of our fall/autumn routine that my son actually reminds me when it is time — he requests that I add it onto our schedule!
He reminds me when it is time because he has learned that that vaccination is the first line of defense against the flu. While, eating right, exercising regularly, washing your hands and getting enough sleep (7-8 hours a night!), can also help, the single most effective way to avoid getting the flu, is to get a seasonal flu shot!
This year we chose to receive our flu shots at CVS Minute Clinic. CVS makes getting a flu shot so easy that when my son said “add Flu Shots to he schedule”, I was able to skip the schedule and go right away!
Let’s Go!
Follow the Signs!
When we arrived, my guys followed the signs inside our local CVS to the sign-in at the electronic kiosk. My husband was even impressed with how easily they were able to sign in and get their shots.
What Flu Shot Will You Get?
CVS Minute Clinic offers two types of flu shots for families, Trivalent and Quadrivalent. The Trivalent Vaccine (TIV) contains 2 A strains and 1 B strain of the influenza virus. This has been the standard flu vaccine since the late 1970s. AND the Quadrivalent Vaccine (QIV) protects against an additional B strain. This influenza virus vaccine was created based on research from the past 12 influenza seasons and offers an additional layer of protection against the flu. (They also offer a High dose vaccination for customers 65 years and up that provides an elevated level of antigens, which create a stronger immune response in seniors. )
It is important to decide which flu shot you wish to receive, but you can always ask more questions from the practitioner at your visit to make a fully informed decision.
Did you know…
The flu can spread before someone even realizes they’re sick?
Most healthy adults can infect others 1 day before and up to 5-7 days after becoming sick.
For children and those with weakened immune systems, that period can be even longer.
Customers will *receive a 20% off CVS/pharmacy Shopping pass
when they get a flu shot at CVS/pharmacy or MinuteClinic.
To learn more about the flu, how to keep yourself healthy, and what to do if you do get sick visit www.cdc.gov/flu and MinuteClinic’s vaccination offerings HERE.
Check out tips and ways to fight the flu from MinuteClinic Chief Nurse Practitioner Officer Angela Patterson HERE.
RSVP to the Twitter Party!
Join @MinuteClinic and the @CDCFlu for a Twitter chat to discuss ways to stay healthy this flu season. The CDC will share tips and tricks to feel better and keep your family healthy using hashtag #NoTimeforFlu. Prizes will be given to participants at random – so the more you join in, the more chance you have to win! RSVP HERE.
*Disclaimer: 20% off CVS/Pharmacy Shopping Pass is NOT available in MA, RI, PA and NY.
MinuteClinic vaccinates patients 18 months and older. If you have a child between 6-18 months, they should receive their vaccination from a pediatrician. *Disclaimer: 18 months and older; 24 months in KY; 5 years and older in CT.
Health insurance plans, including Medicare Part B, typically cover the full cost of a flu shot, and MinuteClinic accepts most insurance! They also accept cash payment.
