“I’m reaching out to see if you are interested in pulling together a piece on how to prevent the flu,” said the nice account executive S from the team that works on CVS Pharmacy. “Sure,” I replied. “I definitely want to encourage my readers to go get their flu shot. I want them to stay healthy and happy this winter.”*
According to a survey from CVS Health: Over two-thirds of adults in the Northeast (68 percent) get a flu vaccine every year or plan to get one this year, which is significantly higher than those in the South (60 percent), Midwest (56 percent) and West (54 percent). (That’s good. Glad I live in the Northeast!) In fact, nearly two in three (64 percent) employed Americans would still go to work even if they were feeling ill with flu-like symptoms. (That’s not good! See why you need the flu shot?)¹
I usually go to CVS Minute Clinic for my flu vaccine.
A Simple and Convenient Way To Get Your Flu Shot
“Have you gotten your flu shot?” I asked my boyfriend L. “Uh huh,” said L. “Did you get your flu shot?” said L. “Uh huh,” I replied. I get the flu shot every year, because according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the best way to prevent the flu is to get the flu vaccine.
In previous years, L and I went together to the CVS Minute Clinic to get our flu shots. This year we went separately. They make it convenient, simple and easy. There is no appointment necessary.
My boyfriend L and I sometimes go together to #CVS to get our flu shots.
The CDC recommends that everyone who is eligible and at least six months old get a flu shot when the vaccine becomes available, preferably by October. (CVS website notes that High-Dose Vaccine is recommended for those 65 and older because people in this age group are at higher risk for complications from the flu.)
If you haven’t gotten your flu shot yet, it’s not too late. All CVS Pharmacy and MinuteClinic locations nationwide offer flu vaccinations. In addition, customers will receive a 20 percent off CVS Pharmacy Shopping Pass when they get a flu shot at CVS Pharmacy or MinuteClinic.²
It’s easy and simple to get a flu shot at #CVS.
As an added bonus, you can now get your flu shot at a CVS Pharmacy while shopping at your local Target store. Yep, yep, yep — all of Target’s pharmacies across 47 states have transitioned to CVS Pharmacies — so you can even get your prescriptions filled there too. Patients who receive a flu shot at CVS Pharmacy or MinuteClinic locations inside select Target stores will receive a $5 Target GiftCard.³
CVS Pharmacies are now in local Target stores.
Preventing The Flu
In addition to getting your flu vaccine, Jeremy Blais, District Pharmacy Supervisor, CVS Health recommends these flu prevention tips:
♥ Sufficient sleep, staying hydrated and eating healthy all help fight the flu by boosting your immunity. (Being postmenopausal, sleep is not in my favor. I do eat healthy and especially like to get an extra dose of vitamin C with a fresh orange for breakfast every morning!)
♥ The flu changes every year, which is why you need an annual vaccine.
♥ Stay home when you’re sick, if at all possible.
♥ Cover your coughs and sneezes.
♥ Use disinfectant on surfaces, carry hand sanitizer and wash your hands frequently.
I eat an orange every morning for extra vitamin C.
Hope you’re convinced about getting your flu shot. If you do get sick this winter, make a pot of homemade chicken soup to soothe the soul. And like a good yogi or yogini, be still and do a little meditation to ease the stress. Om, om, om.
Namaste.
Judi
* Disclosure: I’m proud to be working with CVS Pharmacy on the CVS Pharmacy Difference campaign, to promote CVS Pharmacy is now in Target stores and all the services CVS Pharmacy offers during flu season. All opinions expressed are my own, and all product claims or program details shared should be verified at CVS.com or with the appropriate manufacturers.
[1] Survey was conducted in the United States by Harris Poll on July 5-7, 2016, among 2,038 adults ages 18 and older.
[2] Offer is not valid in the state of AR, NY and NJ. Shopping pass is not available at MinuteClinic locations in NJ, NY MA, PA and RI. Normal ExtraCare purchase restrictions apply for 20% Off CVS Pharmacy Shopping Pass
[3] Terms and conditions are applied to gift card. See gift card for details. Gift card valid for Target merchandise only. Offer available only at CVS Pharmacy and MinuteClinic locations in Target from 8/15/16 through 3/31/17. Limit one per customer. Gift card cannot be issued in AR, NJ, and NY.
