By the GWAAR Legal Services Team
Flu season starts each fall and lasts until the following spring. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that everyone six months of age and older get a flu shot every season with few exceptions. Vaccination is especially important for people who are at high risk for complications from the flu. People aged 65 and older are at great risk of serious complications compared with younger adults.
It's important to get vaccinated before flu activity begins in your community. In general, it takes about two weeks after vaccination for antibodies to develop in your body and provide protection against the flu. If possible, you should get a flu shot before the end of October. However, getting vaccinated later can still help later in the season while flu viruses are circulating.
In addition, it’s safe to get the flu shot with other vaccines. Protect yourself against COVID-19 by getting your COVID-19 vaccine or booster at the same time as your flu shot.
Most insurance, including Medicaid, covers an annual flu shot without charging a copay or coinsurance. Check with your plan to find out whether you must go to a specific provider to receive the shot. Original Medicare Part B covers 100% of the Medicare-approved price when you receive your flu shot from a provider that accepts Medicare. Additionally, Medicare Advantage Plans are required to cover flu shots without deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance, as long as you get the flu shot from an in-network provider.