Get Your Flu Shot Now

You may have heard people remark, “I’ve never had the flu, so I don’t need a flu shot.” Don’t believe this line of thinking. Even if you’ve never had the flu, that doesn’t mean your immune to its charms.  

Even with widespread public health initiatives and disease prevention, the flu remains a potent and deadly threat to the American public. Fortunately, the flu shot provides powerful, accessible protection. This simple immunization serves as one of the best and most surefire disease prevention mechanisms. 

Getting a Flu Shot? Use Your Insurance! 

The flu vaccine is a cornerstone of disease control and prevention. The Affordable Care Act requires most health insurance plans to cover a yearly flu vaccine as a preventative service. Under the law, insurers must cover these items at no cost to the insured patient. 

Use caution when verifying your insurance coverage for a flu vaccine. Some plans might not cover the cost of the flu vaccine. You may also have to follow certain insurance regulations to get a free flu shot. For example, you might have to visit a special provider to ensure the preventative service coverage kicks in.  

If you don’t have insurance, or your insurance doesn’t cover the cost of a flu shot, you may still have options. State health departments and other regulations have put in place various programs to help uninsured and underinsured individuals get flu shots. To see if you qualify for a free or reduced-cost vaccine, contact your insurer or your local health department. 

Getting the Vaccine and Preventing the Flu 

To ensure you receive full coverage for your flu shot, make sure you’re getting the correct vaccine. The flu vaccine changes from year to year, so always get the updated version. Furthermore, one form of the flu vaccine, the flu mist, was at one time a non-shot alternative to the traditional immunization. However, questions about the reliability of this method have caused many insurers to drop coverage for the mist. If your insurer is one of them, you may only qualify for a free vaccine if you get the traditional shot. 

It is better to get your flu shot earlier in the flu season. The flu vaccine usually takes full effect a couple of weeks after you get the shot. And if you’re already sick, you won’t benefit from the shot. So, make sure you’re healthy, and then get the shot when it first becomes available. 

After you get the vaccine, you may experience some mild symptoms. This is normal, as the vaccine is taking effect in your body and your immune system is beginning to produce antibodies. 

We have answers to your questions on flu shots. Contact Ranch and Coast Insurance SVCS today for more information.