Ready for your flu shot? Website helps you find vaccine locations during pandemic
Getting vaccinated for the flu this year is more important than ever as the novel coronavirus continues to infect millions across the country. Health officials warn a properly timed flu shot will not only protect you, but also reduce strain on health caresystems handling COVID-19 patients.
The locations that offer flu vaccines this year might differ depending on where you live, but many CVS pharmacies, Targets, clinics and some local health departments are good places to start looking. Pricing varies upon each location and could be affected by insurance plans.
If you’re struggling to find a safe location to receive your vaccination, there’s a free, online service called VaccineFinder that provides all available clinics, pharmacies and health departments offering flu vaccinations in your area. The service is provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Harvard Medical School, Boston Children’s Hospital and HealthMap.
All you have to do is select which shot you want and type in your zip code, city or state and a map will show you numbered locations with its contact information and address.
And if you need help keeping track of what vaccines need updating, use this “assessment tool” to get a list of what you might need depending on your age, gender and underlying health conditions.
Despite the ongoing pandemic, the CDC says you shouldn’t change the timing of your vaccination. September and October are “good times” to get the flu shot for everyone 6 months and older, “with rare exceptions.”
“However, as long as flu viruses are circulating, vaccination should continue, even in January or later,” the agency added. Health officials say wearing a mask, social distancing and hand washing are a must for a safe vaccination process.
People with suspected or confirmed COVID-19 are advised to hold off on routine vaccination, including the flu shot, “until criteria have been met for them to discontinue isolation,” the CDC says. This will help prevent coronavirus spread to health careprofessionals and other patients.
The criteria to end isolation should be dependent on symptoms, rather than a second test to confirm you’re free of infection, according to the agency. At least 10 days must have passed since your symptoms started before leaving quarantine and at least 24 hours since your last fever without fever-reducing medications.
For those who are asymptomatic, at least 10 days must pass after receiving a positive coronavirus test before ending isolation.
If you’re still unsure about where to safely receive your flu vaccine, you can call 211 or 311 for more information on vaccination locations in your area.
This story was originally published September 15, 2020 at 6:11 PM with the headline "Ready for your flu shot? Website helps you find vaccine locations during pandemic."
