Flu shot season

**shoiji** · 09-14-2011, 06:57 PM

CVS has their flu shot clinic going again. Already went for the shot. Seems to work every year so I am happy about that. Also if you have medicare it is free, which is even better.

Realize not everyone gets a flu shot, just wanted to get it out there in case someone wants to.

**jennordhavn** · 09-15-2011, 01:25 PM

My job offers free flu shots (for the past two years) and I always get one, so that makes it really convenient.

**Megareader** · 09-15-2011, 03:02 PM

Walmart near us is offering them also. They hava a sign that says if you have Part B Medicare the shot is free. So DH will get a free shot but I'll have to pay for mine. I don't like shots but I don't like the flu even more...so I'll go for the shot!

**mamachop** · 09-15-2011, 03:38 PM

Thanks Shoiji! DH and I just got our flu shots yesterday.

**SwirlyThing** · 09-16-2011, 02:47 AM

I get mine free from work as well. As an added benefit, the company also decreases my portion of my medical insurance premium if I get the shot. It's a win-win for me.... who wants the shot anyway.

**cashcow** · 09-16-2011, 12:32 PM

Last year, I got a flu shot, but my husband said he didn't "need" one. In February, he caught the flu and was the sickest he has ever been in 57 years. This year, we will BOTH get our flu shots.

Even though I didn't get the flu from him, I still had to be his caretaker amidst all of his coughing, sneezing, snorting, gagging, etc. not to mention his chronic crankiness!

**dcompton** · 09-16-2011, 01:01 PM

They are not only free where I work - health care facility - but mandatory unless you go over and sign a waiver. I haven't heard anything about the program being underway yet though, unless they are just starting with direct care staff first. It doubtless will be soon.

**moasmom** · 09-16-2011, 01:12 PM

I had never been interested in getting a flu shot (and had never had the flu), but when my husband got a kidney transplant 18 months ago, suddenly it became very important that we both get the shots.

The past few years my work has provided them to employees for free. I don't know yet if they will again, but they probably will. Our insurance provider also gives them to members at no additional cost, so obviously we are covered either way, for which I am greatful. It would really bug me to have to pay for the priviledge of having a dead virus injected into my arm.

Kara

**Ramona** · 09-16-2011, 02:42 PM

We got our reminder emails from CVS to get our flu shots, it's on our to-do list the next time we're out and about.

**cjmobxnc** · 09-16-2011, 05:20 PM

I have an appointment on the 13th of next month to get mine. The clinic I go to gives them to established patients free every year. My mom is waiting to hear when her PCP will have the vaccine in.

**janal14** · 09-16-2011, 05:59 PM

For anyone that hasn't gotten it yet, I just wanted to pass on that my GP and my pulmonologist both suggest waiting until about the end of October to get the flu shot.

The effectiveness of the shot peaks a certain number of weeks after the shot, and apparently a late Oct/early Nov. date times it so the peak effectiveness is at the same time as the flu season generally peaks.

It will still work if you get it earlier or later, but if you wanted to get the most bang for your buck (or the most bang for your shot, if you get it for free), it might make sense to hold out just a bit.

I'll have to pay for mine at the doctor's office, but I'm considered high risk, since I'm allergic to eggs, which is a counterindication for the vaccine. I've never reacted to the vaccine before, but doc wants me in her office, with epi-pens out, just in case things go south. As a severe persistent asthmatic, it's more important that I don't get the flu (since doc promised me that flu will = hospital) as opposed to the small (for me) egg risk.

**piney** · 09-24-2011, 05:37 PM

I have appointment for 4 Oct at dr office to get mine.

**TigerGirl1226** · 09-24-2011, 08:05 PM

DH will get his through his work for free in mid October. DD and I will get ours around then too. The baby is too young, but it's important for us not to infect him.

**frugalwarrior2** · 09-24-2011, 08:29 PM

Sams club-$20. take some ins but not BC/BS
Kroger $25. w/o ins.
Cvs-either $24.99 0r $27.99 w/o ins.
Walgreens/Rite Aid $24.99 or $27.99 Can't remember exactly on the drug stores which was which.

**Holly** · 09-26-2011, 09:16 AM

I never get them and my husband quit getting them 3 years ago.
He hasn't had the flu since. ( He always got sick when he got them ) We both drink a big glass of oj and take a vitamnin each day.
works for us.