Get Your FREE Flu Shot by Making an Appointment Now

• Simply put, what is the flu?

  Viruses of the influenza family are responsible for causing the annual flu epidemic. It can range in severity from causing minor discomfort to being fatal. In contrast to the common cold, influenza is a serious illness. Typically, flu symptoms will appear out of nowhere. Symptoms of the flu include high body temperature, chills, a cough, a sore throat, a runny or stuffy nose, achy muscles and joints, a headache, and extreme tiredness. Children are more likely than adults to experience stomach upsets like vomiting and diarrhea.

  People over the age of 65, children under the age of 2, and people with certain health conditions are particularly vulnerable to the severe flu complications. Getting an annual flu shot is the best way to protect yourself and your loved ones from the flu.

• The flu shot is what, exactly?

  A vaccine against influenza, commonly referred to as a "flu shot," Since the virus has been rendered harmless by being inactivated, it is typically administered via needle injection into an arm.

  Three or four of the influenza viruses that scientists expect to be most prevalent this season are covered by this year's vaccine. The pandemic includes not only influenza A (H1N1) and A (H3N2) viruses, but also one or two influenza B viruses.

  It takes about two weeks for the vaccine to fully protect against influenza by building up protective antibodies in the blood. Getting vaccinated against the flu before it spreads in your area is crucial, as you may still be vulnerable to the virus for up to two weeks after receiving your shot.

  As there are many different types of influenza viruses, getting a flu shot will not guarantee that you won't get the flu. On the other hand, evidence suggests that vaccination can lessen the severity of flu symptoms and the risk of complications. It can also shield those who need protection but aren't candidates for the vaccine.

  CDC website opens a page in new tabVisit the CDC's website opens in new tab or download the following documents for more information on flu vaccinations:
  Influenza (Live, Intranasal) (PDF) opens a page in new tab(PDF) Influenza (Live, Intranasal) opens in a new tab.
  Influenza (Inactivated) (PDF) ) opens a page in new tabInactivated Influenza (PDF) opens in a new window
  

• If you have any doubts about whether you should get a flu shot, ask your doctor.

  The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) advises that every person aged 6 months and up, regardless of health status, get a flu shot every year. There is no minimum age requirement at Walgreens for receiving a flu shot. Anyone who wants to lessen their risk of contracting influenza should get vaccinated. Certain groups of people, such as those who are more likely to suffer from flu-related complications like pneumonia, should prioritize getting vaccinated. The following are included in this category:

  • Asthmatics, those with compromised immune systems, diabetics, and sufferers of chronic heart and lung diseases

  • Women who are expecting a baby

  • Persons over the age of 65

  • Those who are at high risk of serious complications because of their proximity to or care for someone at high risk Caregivers and people living in the same household as those who suffer from conditions like asthma, diabetes, and chronic lung disease are included in this category.

  • CDC analysis opens a page in new tabAnalysis opens in new tab of CDC flu hospitalization data shows that people of non-Hispanic Black, non-Hispanic American Indian or Alaska Native, and Hispanic or Latino origin are more likely to be hospitalized with the flu than the general population.

• What people should not get a flu shot?

  People who don't qualify for a flu shot include:

  • Newborn babies younger than six months
  • Those who have a severe allergy to the flu vaccine or any of its ingredients should not get vaccinated. Ingredients like gelatin and antibiotics may be used.

  Vaccination is not recommended for everyone; in some cases, medical clearance is required first. Among these patients are:

  • Those who are allergic to eggs or any of the other components of the vaccine
  • Paralytic guillain-barré syndrome (GBS) occurred in previously vaccinated individuals within six weeks of receiving the influenza vaccine.
  • If you have a moderate or severe illness with a fever, including COVID-19, you shouldn't get a flu shot until you've fully recovered.
• Can someone over the age of 65 get a flu shot?

  Over 60% of annual flu-related hospitalizations are in people over the age of 65, who are at a higher risk for developing flu-related complications. Recent studies suggest that people over the age of 65 may not respond as well to standard-dose flu vaccines because they do not generate as high of an antibody response following vaccination as younger people. Those who have low levels of protective antibodies may be more susceptible to influenza.

  A standard flu shot is safe for adults over the age of 65, but there are vaccines designed for patients over the age of 65 that improve the body's ability to produce antibodies to the flu, thereby providing a more robust immune response. These include Fluzone High-Dose and FLUAD. These vaccines, like the traditional flu shot, are administered via injection into the upper arm, and their side effects are similar to those of the standard flu shot, with the possible exception of more severe pain, redness, or swelling at the injection site in some patients.

• When is the right time to get a flu shot?

  The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) advises that the flu vaccine be given as soon as it is made available, ideally before late fall, when the virus typically becomes widespread. In the United States, the busiest months are typically between October and March. S However, as long as the virus is still circulating, vaccinations should be given. Getting a flu shot every year is the best way to prevent getting the flu and protecting those around you.

• Can you tell me about the typical flu shot adverse reactions?

  Getting the flu from a flu shot is impossible because the viruses in the vaccine have been killed (inactivated). Some potential side effects include:

  • Adverse reactions at the injection site, such as pain, redness, or swelling
  • Low-grade fever
  • Aches

  If these reactions do happen, they typically start right after the shot and last for a day or two. Minor side effects may be treated with over-the-counter medications. The majority of people who get the flu shot don't experience any serious side effects.

• When can I get an appointment for a flu shot?

  Walgreens offers the convenience of booking flu appointments online. Shop at Walgreens from anywhere with the convenience of Walgreens.com or their mobile app! Call your local pharmacy or 1-800-WALGREENS (1-800-925-4733) to make an appointment.

• Is it true that all Walgreens locations offer flu shots?

  Vaccines against the flu, shingles, pneumonia, whooping cough, and COVID-19 are available at all Walgreens stores.
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• I was wondering who at Walgreens is in charge of giving out the flu shots.

  All Walgreens pharmacies offer flu shots, which are administered by licensed pharmacists, pharmacy interns, and trained technicians. Stop by Walgreens today to consult with a pharmacist about getting a flu shot.

• Does Walgreens accept my insurance for a flu shot?

  Most health insurance plans cover the flu vaccine without a deductible or copayment, and those on Medicare Part B and many on Medicaid in certain states* may be eligible for free vaccinations. These are the terms of our cash offer:

  • $42 for a shot that protects against four diseases at once 49
  • 65 : 99

  Prescription Savings Club members at Walgreens save 20% off the regular cash price.

  State-specific. * For more information, consult your local pharmacy.

• I was wondering if I could get the flu shot and the COVID-19 vaccine at the same time.

  Yes You can get both the flu shot and the COVID-19 vaccine at the same time if you wish. If you have any questions or concerns about getting the flu shot and COVID-19 vaccine at the same time, please contact your local Walgreens pharmacist.

• The flu and COVID-19: what's the difference?

  Comparing the COVID-19 virus to the influenza virus, we find that both are airborne diseases that spread through droplets from the nose and throat. Because of the overlap in severity and symptoms (such as fever, cough, body aches, and fatigue), it can be hard to tell which one is causing the distress you're experiencing. Getting vaccinated against the flu and COVID-19 is crucial during the ongoing pandemic in order to reduce the likelihood of contracting a life-threatening illness and/or losing your life to it. Vaccination safeguards not only the vaccine recipient but also those in close proximity.

• How is COVID-19 different from the flu?

  Droplets exhaled through the nose and mouth can carry a variety of viruses, including the influenza virus and the novel coronavirus known as COVID-19. The fact that they can cause anything from mild to severe illnesses with similar symptoms like fever, cough, body aches, and fatigue can make it hard to tell them apart. Getting vaccinated against the flu and COVID-19 during the current pandemic is crucial in preventing serious illness and even death. Vaccination shields not only the vaccine recipient but also those in close proximity.

• Have the immunization records for my family been made public?

  Yes Following this link will allow you to view your vaccination record at Walgreens, which you can share with your family.

  You'll need to add your loved ones to your account before you can view their vaccination records. Here are the measures to take:

Do not hesitate to dial 911 if you feel you are experiencing a true medical emergency.