Have you gotten your flu shot yet?

Each year, the flu vaccine is updated to target specific strains of influenza that virologists predict will be circulating in the coming flu season. This year’s shot is a quadrivalent vaccine, meaning it protects against four viruses – two influenza A and two influenza B viruses. This is an advancement from previous vaccines that have been trivalent and formulated to protect against three viruses – two influenza A and one influenza B virus.

When should I get my flu shot?

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends getting your flu shot by October, but it’s never too late to get it. Since it takes about two weeks for the flu shot to kick in, getting it as soon as possible before the start of flu season is ideal. These FAQs from the CDC provide good information.

Do I need to get a flu shot every year?

Yes, you should get a flu shot every year, not just to protect yourself, but to protect others as well. Other steps you can take to prevent the flu include:

  • Avoiding others who are sick
  • Staying home when you’re not feeling well
  • Covering your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing
  • Washing your hands regularly

How much does it cost?

The flu vaccine is fully covered by your Cigna medical plan with no cost to you. If you don’t have a Cigna medical plan, check with your insurance carrier if you have questions about coverage.

Where can I get a flu shot?

Flu shots are offered in many doctors’ offices, clinics, and pharmacies. If you’re used to walking up to your local pharmacy, hospital, or clinic to get a flu shot whenever it’s most convenient for you, you may find that doesn’t work this year, and you may need to schedule an appointment.

If you have a Cigna medical plan with BAE Systems, you can find a Caremark pharmacy that offers the flu shot. If you don’t have a regular doctor or nurse, you can get a flu shot from a nearby health department, pharmacy, or urgent care clinic.

What do I need to bring?

You’ll need to take your Cigna medical card or pharmacy card and a valid photo ID.

Could I receive my flu shot and my COVID-19 booster shot on the same day?

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), it is safe to get your flu shot and updated COVID-19 booster at the same time.

Can someone with suspected or confirmed COVID-19 get a flu shot?

No. Anyone with suspected or confirmed COVID-19, whether or not they have symptoms, should wait until you meet the criteria to end your isolation. When scheduling or confirming appointments for flu vaccination, please be sure to notify the doctor’s office, pharmacy, professional’s office, or clinic in advance if you currently have or develop any symptoms of COVID-19.

Can I get the flu from the shot?

No, the flu vaccine can’t cause the flu. According to the CDC, it contains an inactivated virus, meaning the virus is no longer infectious. Although the nasal spray flu vaccine does contain a live virus, the virus has been changed so that it can’t give you the flu.

Can the flu shot protect me from COVID-19?

Flu vaccines are not designed to protect against COVID-19 or any other viruses. Flu vaccination reduces the risk of flu illness, hospitalization, and death in addition to other important benefits, as explained by the CDC.

How does the coronavirus differ from the flu?

It can be confusing, but there are many similarities between the coronavirus and the flu. Both are respiratory viruses that spread through droplets. The classic symptoms for flu are fever, body aches, cough, and other respiratory symptoms like shortness of breath. COVID-19 has all of those and more, like sore throat, rashes, and strain on the heart, lungs, and brain.