Good news on the global health front: While there’s no COVID-19 vaccine at the moment, you can still protect yourself, your family, and your community by getting a flu shot. It’s quick and easy, it likely won’t cost you anything—and it could make a very big difference.
The backstory: Each year, millions of people contract a seasonal influenza virus (aka the flu). Symptoms include coughing, fever, muscle aches, fatigue—it’s no day at the beach. Worse yet, some who catch the flu will suffer complications such as pneumonia. And sadly, each year many who contract the flu will die.
This year, flu shots are more important than ever
The presence of the novel coronavirus (which causes COVID-19) makes the current flu season especially hazardous. Experts have raised the possibility of a “twindemic,” where COVID-19 cases combine with flu-related hospitalizations to overwhelm facilities, equipment, or manpower.
But the math is simple: Every person who gets a flu shot is reducing the chances they’ll catch the flu and pass it on to someone else. That’s why the CDC has made a strong recommendation that everyone six months and older should get a flu shot. (And you needn’t worry that a flu shot might give you the flu—that’s not actually possible.)
As for where to get a shot in these, shall we say, challenging times—PacificSource has you covered. Just bring your member ID to any in-network pharmacy, including Albertson’s, Bi-Mart, Costco, CVS, Fred Meyer, Kroger, and Safeway, and you’ll pay $0 for your shot. Your doctor may also be able to give you flu shot at no cost to you (though they may charge for an office visit).
Interested to learn more about your role in fighting the flu? Check out our new Flu prevention resource center.
Ready to roll up that sleeve? You can find a pharmacy at our site.
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