6 Easy Ways to Get Your Flu Shot

10.06.2023 | 3 min read

Amy Barczy is a former brand journalist who authored content at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan. Prior to her time at Blue Cross from 2019-2024, she was a statewide news reporter for MLive.com. She has a decade of storytelling experience in local news media markets including Lansing, Grand Rapids, Holland, Ann Arbor and Port Huron.

Every year, getting a flu shot is an important part of keeping you and those around you healthy and safe.

Flu shots are specially designed every year to match the strains in circulation – giving you the best possible chance of preventing disease.

Flu shots are available around you every day – many grocery stores, retail pharmacies, primary care providers and community organizations carry the flu shot and are ready to help. Flu shots can also be received at the same time as the updated COVID vaccine.

Here are six easy ways to get your flu shot:

1. At your doctor’s office

Primary care providers, including pediatricians, often offer the seasonal flu vaccine. Consider asking for a flu shot the next time you see your doctor. If you don’t have an appointment on the schedule in the next month, call their office and ask about how you can get a flu shot. If you don’t have a primary care provider, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan and Blue Care Network members can find an in-network provider here online.

2. At your pharmacy

Pharmacies offer a convenient, fast way to get your flu shot. Whether it’s a retail pharmacy or a pharmacy inside of a grocery store, staff trained to administer vaccines are ready to help. Some pharmacies offer online appointment booking as well to facilitate the process.

If you have a Blue Cross plan with prescription coverage, call your pharmacy to see if they accept your health plan. If you have a BCN plan and you’re in Michigan, you can go to a pharmacy to get your flu shot covered. The Find a Doctor tool can help you find a pharmacy near you.

3. At a clinic

Some community organizations offer flu shots clinics for free.

Find a flu shot near you using vaccines.gov.

4. At your workplace

Some employers may offer vaccine clinics to their employees. Check to see if your workplace will have the flu shot available this year.

5. At your school

Some school systems, colleges and universities may host flu shot clinics for students. College students should check with their university’s health center for more information.

6. At a local health department

In Michigan, each county health department has vaccines for the seasonal flu as well as other recommended shots available. Find the health department office in your county here.

The best time to get a seasonal flu shot is in September or October each year, but it’s never too late to get a flu vaccine. It takes several weeks for the body to build its full immunity against the flu virus after receiving a shot, and peak flu months in Michigan often run November to April.

If you have questions about the vaccine, especially if you are managing a chronic health condition or have an allergy, talk with your health care provider before scheduling an appointment. Blue Cross and BCN members should always bring their ID card with them to their flu shot appointments.

Help with flu shots

Most flu vaccines are free or low-cost with insurance; however, if you are uninsured or underinsured there are options available.

The Michigan VFC Program provides vaccines at no cost to children less than 19 years of age and are either Medicaid-eligible, uninsured, underinsured, or American Indian/Alaska Native.

The Michigan AVP Program provides vaccine at no cost to adults 19 years and older seen at participating providers such as local health departments, federally qualified health centers, tribal health centers, migrant health centers and more.

Learn more about flu season from MIBluesPerspectives.com:

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