The flu and COVID-19: What you need to know this year

The recommendations haven’t changed this year as to when’s the best time for a flu shot. You should get one before the flu starts spreading in your community. September and October are good months to get one, but even in December or later, it can still be protective.

The flu vaccine is 100% covered under most plans when you go to an in-network provider. To see if the flu shot is covered under your plan, sign in at regence.com and check your Evidence of Coverage for immunizations.

You can count on flu vaccine effectiveness—the flu shot can lower your risk of getting sick by 40-60%. Flu vaccines have also been shown to reduce the risk of hospitalization and death, so even if you do get sick, it’s less likely to be severe.

You can safely get a flu shot during COVID-19 by practicing preventive actions like wearing a mask and social distancing. In addition, most doctors’ offices and pharmacies have taken precautions—such as scheduling appointment times to manage patient flow and allowing for a minimum distance of six feet between patients in waiting areas.

To locate a flu shot provider near you, use Find a Doctor. Choose your plan's provider search, and then select Immunizations: Flu shot. Be sure to sign in, so your results are in-network. Many pharmacies offer walk-in vaccinations, so you don’t need to make an appointment.

If you’d rather get your flu shot at your doctor’s office, reach out to your primary care provider. Remember to ask them if walk-in immunizations are available to avoid paying for an office visit along with your flu shot.

Common shared symptoms of COVID-19 and the flu include fever, cough and shortness of breath. If you have symptoms and aren’t sure whether it’s allergies, a cold, the flu or COVID-19, make an appointment with a doctor. A good first step is virtual care—which lets you visit with a doctor from the comfort and safety of home—and it’s available 24/7. Sign in to see your virtual care options.

No, the flu shot can’t cause the flu. Flu vaccines are made with either inactivated (dead) viruses, or with only a single protein from the flu virus.

No, getting a flu vaccine won’t protect you against COVID-19.

No, there is no evidence that getting a flu shot increases your risk of getting sick from a coronavirus, like the one that causes COVID-19.

No. The flu can result in serious complications, hospitalization or death, even among otherwise healthy children and adults. Getting your flu shot is a safer choice than risking illness.

Yes. The CDC recommends a yearly flu shot for everyone older than six months with rare exceptions. Additionally, flu viruses are constantly changing, so it’s important to get this year’s vaccine.

Studies haven’t shown a benefit from getting more than one dose of vaccine during the same flu season, even among older people with weakened immune systems. Except for children getting vaccinated for the first time, only one dose of flu vaccine is recommended each season.