When Can I Get Flu Vaccines At Rite Aid?

Rite Aid is now offering flu vaccines and flumist, a nasal spray, to protect against the expected influenza strains in the United States this year. The CDC recommends that all persons aged 6 months and older get an annual flu shot, with rare exceptions. Flu season generally begins in October and can last as late as May, but timing and duration can vary. As the flu season approaches and COVID-19 spreads, now is the time to get both shots.

Rite Aid has opened online scheduling for flu shots at its locations, including Bartell Drugs in the Pacific Northwest, and is now accepting walk-ins. Flu vaccines are generally recommended in September or October, and health officials say that most people shouldn’t get vaccinated earlier than that, despite flu. Rite Aid promises to treat your data with respect and will not share your information with any third party.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends getting a flu shot either this month or next, as flu activity typically picks up in the fall. Rite Aid offers various flu vaccines, including the Quadrivalent flu vaccine, designed specifically for people ages 65 and older while supplies last. Customers receiving flu shots until September 30 will receive a $5 discount.

At Rite Aid, appointments for influenza (flu) and respiratory syncytial (RSV) vaccines are currently available at all stores. The CDC reports flu-like activity in your area, so schedule or walk in for your flu shot today to stay up to date on COVID-19 and other vaccines. With a clinic, pharmacists come to you, bringing vaccines like flu, COVID-19, and others, to help members stay up to date.

Is it too late to get a flu shot now?

If you’re not vaccinated by the end of flu season, it’s still better to get the vaccine later than not at all. Many healthcare providers offer flu vaccines through May if the virus is still circulating. Getting a missed vaccine late in the season is especially important for travelers, as the flu can be active globally from April to September. Understanding the flu vaccine can help keep your family healthy each year.

What are the worst side effects of the flu jab?

The flu shot can cause common side effects such as soreness, redness, swelling, headache, fever, nausea, muscle aches, and fatigue. Severe allergic reactions are rare and can include breathing problems, hoarseness, wheezing, hives, paleness, weakness, a fast heartbeat, or dizziness. These reactions can occur among individuals allergic to the vaccine’s ingredients, such as egg protein. It is important to inform your doctor, nurse, clinic, or pharmacist if you have a history of allergies or severe reactions to the influenza vaccine or any part of the flu vaccine.

There is a small possibility that flu vaccine could be associated with Guillain-Barré syndrome, but this is much lower than the risk of severe complications from flu, which can be prevented by flu vaccine.

Are all flu shots the same this year?

The CDC recommends using licensed, age-appropriate flu vaccines for the 2023-2024 season. All available vaccines are quadrivalent, designed to protect against four different flu viruses: 2 influenza A and 2 influenza B. Options include inactivated influenza vaccines (IIV4), recombinant influenza vaccine (RIV4), and live attenuated influenza vaccine (LAIV4). Different vaccines are licensed for different age groups, and some are not recommended for certain groups.

Three flu vaccines are preferentially recommended for adults aged 65 and older: quadrivalent high-dose inactivated flu vaccine, quadrivalent recombinant flu vaccine, and quadrivalent adjuvanted inactivated flu vaccine.

What is the quadrivalent flu vaccine?

A synthetic vaccine comprising hemagglutinin antigens from four inactivated influenza viruses, representing two distinct influenza A and two distinct influenza B strains, has been developed with the objective of eliciting protective immunological responses. The official website of the US government provides further information on cancer, including details on the various types of cancer, research initiatives, funding opportunities, training programmes, news updates and events.

When can I get a flu jab?

The NHS is introducing new vaccination campaigns to protect against the flu, COVID-19, and flu. Eligible individuals will receive invitations to receive jabs, while GP practices and local NHS services will contact people to offer both vaccines. The flu vaccine can be booked online or found at local pharmacies. Starting adult vaccinations in October will ensure those most at risk are protected during colder months.

The NHS is also offering respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccines for the first time, available to those aged 75-79 and pregnant women from 28 weeks. The aim is to prevent a “tripledemic” of RSV, COVID-19, and flu during a busy time for frontline staff.

What is the best month to get a flu shot?

Dr. William Schaffner, a professor of infectious diseases at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, recommends getting the flu shot before October to build immune protection before flu activity increases. The CDC recommends getting the vaccine before October ends to ensure protection lasts through winter. However, the flu shot doesn’t work immediately as it takes about two weeks for the body to develop antibodies, which help fight off the virus.

Which flu vaccine is best for 65 and older?

The CDC recommends FLUZONE ® HIGH-DOSE, a higher-dose flu vaccine, for people 65+ over standard-dose flu shots. The effectiveness of FLUZONE ® HIGH-DOSE has been studied for 10 years, and its effectiveness has been shown to reduce flu-related complications. Factors such as lowered immunity and chronic health conditions make getting the flu more likely and dangerous for people 65+, making it essential to use an age-appropriate influenza vaccine if none are available.

What to avoid after a flu shot?

After a flu shot, it is important to allow your body 24-48 hours to recover from mild side effects, especially if you experience arm soreness. The flu shot is an annual vaccination that is updated and carefully formulated to protect against the influenza strains predicted to be most prevalent that year. Although it doesn’t offer 100% protection, it significantly reduces the chances of getting sick and lessens the severity of symptoms if you do catch the flu.

The flu shot works by introducing a weakened or inactive form of the influenza virus into your system, which triggers your immune system to develop antibodies. This “pretend” infection prepares your body to fight off the real flu bugs when encountering an active virus. It’s important to remember that the flu shot does not give you the flu, and if you feel unwell shortly after getting the shot, it could be a coincidence and likely means you were already exposed to the virus before the vaccination.

How long after a flu shot does Guillain-Barré develop?

The risk of Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) is highest in the first 2-3 weeks post-vaccination, with an estimated risk of one to two cases per million vaccinations. The condition is caused by a mutation in the gene responsible for the immune response to certain proteins, and its causes, immunopathogenic mechanisms, and treatment are still under investigation. Further research is needed to understand the complex relationship between GBS and vaccination.

When should I get the flu shot in 2024?

It is recommended that vaccination occur annually from April to September to protect against the influenza season, which typically occurs from June to September in most Australian regions. Nevertheless, it is never too late to receive the vaccine, as influenza can persist throughout the year.