Have you had a flu shot this season?
It’s flu season and with the COVID-19 pandemic still ongoing, getting a flu shot is more important than ever! Several thousand residents in DC get the flu each flu season.1 The flu season begins in October and ends in May. The flu virus is worse than the common cold and can bring symptoms like fever, chills, aches, sore throat and cough, and fatigue. For some people, the flu can lead to more serious problems like pneumonia. Fortunately, getting a flu shot each year is a simple way to help protect yourself and those around you.2
The Centers of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that anyone older than six months get a flu shot. However, the flu shot is especially important for people who are at high risk for flu-related complications.3 People who are at high risk include:
- Pregnant women (PDF)
- Adults 65 years and older
- Children younger than 5
- People of any age with certain chronic health conditions including asthma, diabetes, heart disease, cancer, and HIV/AIDS
Where to get a flu shot
AmeriHealth Caritas DC enrollees have two options for getting a flu shot at no cost.
- Your primary care provider (PCP)
Call your PCP’s office and make an appointment to get your flu shot. - In-network pharmacy
You can get your flu shot at a pharmacy in AmeriHealth Caritas DC’s network without an appointment. Some of these pharmacies include CVS, Walgreens, Giant, and Safeway Pharmacy. View Section D of the Provider Directory for a full list of network pharmacies and their locations.
If you are an AmeriHealth Caritas DC enrollee and need assistance making a plan to get your flu shot, please call our Community Outreach Solutions team at 202-216-2318.
Transportation
AmeriHealth Caritas DC provides transportation to your medical appointment or pharmacy at no cost. To schedule a ride, call 1-800-315-3485. Calls are answered between 8:00 am and 5:00 pm, Monday through Friday.
Do I have the flu?
If you are experiencing flu symptoms, it’s a good idea to call your PCP’s office or the 24/7 Nurse Call Line at 1-877-759-6279. If you need care and your PCP is not available, visit the emergencies and urgent care page for other care options. You can also call Enrollee Services at 1-800-408-7511 anytime for assistance.
Sources:
- DC Influenza Surveillance Data, DC Health, https://dchealth.dc.gov/page/influenza-surveillance-and-reporting.
- “Flu (Influenza),” Vaccines.gov, http://www.vaccines.gov/diseases/flu.
- “People at High Risk for Flu Complications,” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, https://www.cdc.gov/flu/highrisk/index.htm.