What You Need to Know About Getting a Flu Shot This Year

Updated on 8/29/22

Don’t forget to get your flu shot, at no cost to you. 

Getting your flu shot—in addition to the COVID-19 vaccine, also at no cost to you—is one of the most important ways you can protect yourself and your loved ones. 

Even when there isn’t a pandemic, we strongly recommend that all of our members get a seasonal flu shot each year, per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Why You Need a Flu Shot This Year

“Hi, I’m Dr. Chang. We really care about our members, and we have spent a lot of time and energy trying to keep our members safe, especially during this COVID-19 pandemic.

“I am really urging you, if not begging you, to please get your flu shot this year. I’m an internal medicine doctor. I really try to make sure that every single one of my patients receives the flu shot. We have all, as healthcare providers, received our flu shots this year. And especially during these really unusual times, this is a really important thing to do for your health, and frankly, the health of all of the people around you and the ones that you love.”

The Importance of Flu Shots During COVID-19

The COVID-19 pandemic is still a concern, and getting a flu shot is incredibly important to protect yourself, your family, and your community. The best way to keep from getting sick is to avoid catching any respiratory illness, which is why we recommend getting both the COVID-19 vaccine and the flu shot. This is especially important if you are an older adult or have a chronic condition. 

In a normal year, the flu can put you in the hospital, taking you away from your loved ones and favorite activities. With the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, there can be too many patients for our hospitals to handle. This risk will be higher if there is a large flu outbreak. This is one of the reasons we strongly urge you to get your flu shot in addition to your COVID-19 vaccine. 

Also, it’s important to note that you can get your flu vaccine and COVID-19 vaccine at the same time. If you haven’t gotten your COVID-19 vaccine yet, now’s a great time to get both your flu and COVID-19 vaccines to best protect yourself. 

As always, be sure to avoid people who are sick, cover any coughs, continue to wash your hands often, and wear a mask in public when needed.

Flu Shot Facts

• Getting your flu shot sooner is better.
• The flu shot helps prevent the flu and severe flu illness.
• The flu shot cannot give you the flu.
• The flu shot will not prevent you from getting COVID-19.
• You can get the flu shot at the same time as the COVID-19 vaccine.

Does Medicare Cover the Flu Shot?

Yes, Medicare Part B pays for one seasonal flu shot every flu season, and we make it easy for you. With a Clover Health Medicare Advantage plan, you can get your flu shot at NO COST at any one of over 67,000 pharmacies in CVS Caremark’s broad vaccination network now through April 30th, 2023. (Medicare and Clover Health also cover the COVID-19 vaccine, so you can get the vaccine at no cost to you.) Members must present their Clover member ID card to the participating pharmacy. 

Where Can I Get a Flu Shot Near Me?

Clover Health members can visit CVS, Giant, H-E-B, Kroger, Publix, Walgreens, Walmart, and many local independent pharmacies to get a flu shot. Or you can get the flu shot with a $0 copay through your doctor; an office visit or administrative fee may apply.

Getting a flu shot is so important, and we urge you to see your doctor or visit a participating pharmacy to get your shot right away. 

If you have questions about the flu shot or are a Clover Health member and need help finding a pharmacy location near you, please call Member Services at 1-888-778-1478 (TTY/TDD 711) 8 am to 8 pm local time, 7 days a week.*

 

This article was medically reviewed by Dr. Kumar Dharmarajan.

Published on 12/22/21

Updated on 8/29/22