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Flu season is pretty much here and continues to be a threat with the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.
Here’s what you need to know about where to get the flu shot in 2021, who needs it, the best time to get the flu shot, and everything else about the upcoming flu season.
The flu shot is usually available at several locations, including your personal physician’s office, community health departments, some schools, college and university student health centers, flu clinics, and local pharmacies such as CVS, Rite Aid and Walgreens.
The following major retailers also carry flu shots: Acme, Sam’s Club, ShopRite, Stop & Shop, Target, and Walmart. Some stores even offer benefits if you get a flu shot. However, it is always recommended to check availability at your local store first.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), anyone aged 6 months and older should receive a flu shot, with rare exceptions.
People who are at a higher risk of developing complications from the flu should also receive the vaccine.
In general, the fall months, September and October, are the best times to get a flu shot. The CDC says that ideally everyone should be vaccinated by the end of October.
Adults, especially those 65 and older, should not get the vaccine early because the effects of the vaccine may wane over time, but children can get the vaccine as early as July or August, according to the CDC.
The CDC added that early vaccination may also be considered for those in their third trimester of pregnancy, as it can help protect newborns who are too young to be vaccinated in their first few months of life.
There are several types of vaccines on the market, including injectable influenza vaccine, live attenuated vaccine, recombinant nasal influenza vaccine spray, inactivated influenza vaccine and more.
Some vaccines are only approved for adults 18 years of age and older, such as the recombinant influenza vaccine, while those who are only 6 months old can receive the inactivated influenza vaccine.
However, only a certified healthcare professional can find the best vaccine for your unique situation.
Many health insurance plans cover the expenses related to the flu shot, but it is best to check with your health insurance company first if you are unsure.
You may need to visit a specific facility to be covered.
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Katherine Rodriguez can be reached at [email protected]. Do you have any advice? Tell us at nj.com/tips.
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