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Fight The Flu: Where To Get Your No-Cost Flu Shot

The flu Shot is provided at no cost for Community First Members!

The best way to protect yourself from the flu is to get your flu shot every year. Use this page to learn more about this year’s flu shot, find out where to get yours, and get answers to common questions about the vaccine.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR PARENTS!

Some children 6 months to 8 years old need two doses of flu vaccine. Children in this age group getting vaccinated for the first time, those who have only previously received one dose of flu vaccine, and whose flu vaccination history is unknown, should get two doses of vaccine this season. Your child’s health care provider can tell you if your child needs two doses.

Flu Shot = Rewards!

Some Community First Members may be eligible to earn gift card rewards for getting their flu shot, including:

Limitations or restrictions may apply. Please call 210-358-6060 or email healthyhelp@cfhp.com to see if you qualify.

Where Can I Get My Flu Shot?
  • Primary Care Provider (PCP)* –  Your PCP is your first source for your health care needs, including your flu shot. If you haven’t scheduled your annual wellness visit yet this year, now is a great time to get that done, too! STAR, STAR Kids, and CHIP Members under the age of 7 and University Family Care Plan Members under the age of 3 must get their flu shot from their PCP.
When Should I Get My Flu Shot?

Ideally, you should get your flu shot in September or October. However, even if you are not able to get vaccinated until November or later, vaccination is still recommended because flu most commonly peaks in February and significant activity can continue into May.

  • Pregnant people in their third trimester and children who need only one dose can also be vaccinated earlier.
  • Young children who need two doses should get the first one as soon as possible.

How Much Does A Flu Shot Cost?

Flu shots are covered at NO-COST to Community First Members. In fact, all CDC-recommended child and adolescent immunizations are covered under your plan. 

Unsure if your child is up to date on their vaccines? Find a complete list of recommended immunizations for children and adolescents aged 18 years or younger.

Do I Need To Get The Flu Shot Every Flu Season?

Yes. Because flu viruses are constantly changing and mutating into different forms, AND because the vaccine’s protection declines over time, the best way to stay healthy is to receive a flu shot every year.

What's New With The Flu Shot for 2023-2024?

There are many different flu viruses, and they are constantly changing. The composition of U.S. flu vaccines is reviewed every year and updated as needed to match circulating flu viruses.

For the 2023-2024 flu season, there are three flu vaccines that are preferentially recommended for people 65 years and older. You can read more from Centers of Disease Control and Prevention at Seasonal Flu Vaccine.

Who Should Get The Flu Shot?

Almost everyone ages six months and up should get their flu shot, especially:

  • Pregnant women
  • Senior citizens over the age of 65
  • Caregivers of the elderly and young children
  • Health care workers
  • Those with chronic health conditions like heart or lung disease, obesity, diabetes, and cancer

Babies under six months cannot receive the vaccine. If you have any concerns, always ask your doctor.

 

Can The Flu Shot Give Me The Flu?

No, flu vaccines cannot cause flu illness. Flu vaccines given with a needle (i.e., flu shots) are made with either inactivated (killed) viruses, or with only a single protein from the flu virus.  The nasal spray vaccine contains live viruses that are weakened so that they will not cause illness.

The most common side effects from the flu shot are soreness, redness, tenderness, or swelling where the shot was given.

How Can I Protect Myself Against The Flu?

Flu is spread through droplets in the air (a sneeze or cough) or by touching a surface with the virus on it and then transferring it to your face. 

Wash your hands, avoid touching your face, mouth, or eyes, and stay home if you’re feeling sick. And get your flu shot today!

What Should I Do If I Have Flu Symptoms?

Stay home and avoid contact with other people. Flu symptoms include:

  • Fever/Chills
  • Body Aches
  • Headache
  • Dry Cough
  • Sore or Dry Throat

You should call your doctor if your symptoms are severe or you are at high risk for flu complications due to any of these conditions: asthma or other lung problems; diabetes; weakened immune system; kidney disease; heart disease; liver disorder; neurological or neuromuscular disorders; pregnancy.

Questions? Call our 24-hour Nurse Advice Line at 1-800-434-2347.

Can I Get The Flu Shot & COVID-19 Vaccine Together?

Yes. Flu vaccines and COVID-19 vaccines can be given at the same time.

Which flu shot should I get if I have an egg allergy?

People who have an egg allergy may receive any vaccine suitable for their age and health, regardless of whether it is egg-based or not. 

Protect Yourself From The Flu, COVID-19, & RSV

Influenza (flu), respiratory syncytial (RSV), and COVID-19 are all contagious respiratory illnesses, but they are caused by different viruses. Some of their symptoms are similar, so it may be hard to tell the difference between them based on symptoms alone.

There are actions you can take to protect yourself and others. Learn from the CDC about whether you’re more likely to get seriously ill, how to prevent these viruses, and if these viruses are spreading in your community.

    Trusted Flu Vaccine Resources

    Do you have questions about the flu vaccine? Check out these trusted resources for reliable, up-to-date information.

    Frequently Asked Flu Questions
    Flu Shots for Children
    People At Higher Risk of Flu Complications
    Flu Vaccine Effectiveness

    Don’t Hesitate, Vaccinate.

    Beginning September 1, 2024 Community First Health Plans, Inc. will be adding STAR+PLUS to its line of health care products.

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