Your Guide to the Annual Flu Vaccine [Video] | hioscar Blog | Oscar
Your Guide to the Annual Flu Vaccine [Video]
It’s that time of year again: flu season. Dr. Stephanie Reznick returns with her new segment on the annual flu vaccine.
Virtual CareClinically Speaking
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Getting your flu shot is always important, but it’s especially important more than ever this year with the COVID-19 pandemic.
Watch (opens in new tab) Dr. Stephanie Reznick return to "From the Frontlines" with her latest segment on the annual flu vaccine.
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Your Guide to the Annual Flu Vaccine [Video]
Video Transcript
"Hi everyone, it's Dr. Stephanie Camaglia Reznick. I'm a board-certified internist and one of the medical directors for virtual care here at Oscar.
In today's segment, I'd like to talk about something that's very important now that it's fall. It's not pumpkin spice lattes, it's not preparing for sweater weather, it's not even decorating for Halloween — it's the flu shot.
The flu shot is always important because not only does it decrease your chances of getting the flu in the first place, but it also makes it more likely for you to have a mild course if you were to catch the flu, meaning you're less likely to be hospitalized or even die from the flu.
This year more than ever, it's important because we have COVID-19 going around at the same time. This means healthcare resources may be limited so it's really really important this year to protect yourself from the flu.
Who can get the flu shot?
Anyone who's six months old or older can get the flu shot.
A tip if you have a child who has not had the flu shot before: they may need to get two doses so make sure to talk to your pediatrician.
One big question is when to get the flu shot. This is somewhat debated as there are arguments that if you get the flu shot too early, the immunity may wane come the spring when the flu is still circulating.
Generally, the CDC recommends that you get the flu shot in September or October. Of course late is better than never so even if you're watching this in November, December or even February and you haven't gotten your flu shot yet, you still should.
What are the side effects of the flu shot?
Another common question I get is "what are the side effects from the flu shot?" Since the flu shot is mimicking a flu infection, you may have some of those immune system waking up symptoms meaning a little bit of a fever, some muscle aches, but you shouldn't get the frank flu from the flu shot.
The shot itself is made of inactivated — meaning dead — virus so you can't catch the flu from the shot.
Where can I get the flu shot?
If you're an Oscar member, you can get it at any in-network pharmacy including your CVS local pharmacy. CVS Pharmacy as well as many other locations are taking precautions to make sure it's safe for you to get your flu shot during COVID-19, including wearing masks and making appointments so there's a limited number of people getting the flu shot at one time.
Of course, if you have any questions as an Oscar member, you can reach out to Virtual Urgent Care (opens in new tab) at any time and we'd be happy to answer them."
Video published 2020-10-04
Flu shots at CVS Pharmacy are $0 when administered by an immunizing pharmacist. If you obtain your flu shot through CVS MinuteClinic, the visit may be subject to normal cost-sharing.
Flu shots and vaccines may not be available in all pharmacies at all times. Call for availability and to make an appointment, if needed. Most vaccines require a prescription (except for the flu shot). The flu shot and many vaccines to treat common illnesses are generally covered under the Affordable Care Act by non-grandfathered group health plans and non-grandfathered individual and group health insurance coverage typically with no cost sharing if provided by an in-network provider, consistent with specified dosage limits and satisfaction of age and other vaccine specific requirements. Other restrictions may apply.
This content does not constitute medical advice and is not meant to be a substitute for professional medical advice, including diagnosis or treatment. Contact your physician with any questions you may have regarding COVID-19 or your personal health. If you are experiencing a medical emergency, dial 911 for immediate assistance.
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