Where to get a flu shot

This year, amid the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s more important than ever to get a flu shot. Not only can it help protect you and your loved ones. It can also help reduce the chances of what some people call a “twindemic.” This means two epidemics happening at the same time.

However, how and where you get your flu shot may need to change.

Most of our plans give you access to $0 flu shots at many convenient locations.* 

Find locations

The importance of getting a flu shot

Having to battle both the flu and COVID-19 will make it harder for a healthcare system that is already stretched.

That’s why almost everyone 6 months and older should get a flu shot, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). 

Vaccination is particularly important for people who are at high risk of serious complications from both the flu and COVID-19. Even if you consider yourself young and healthy, you should also get a flu shot to stop the spread of the virus. 

According to the CDC, there are many reasons to get a flu vaccine each year.

When to get your flu shot

The CDC recommends you get a flu shot before the end of October.

Any location following the CDC’s vaccination pandemic guidance should be a safe place for you to get a flu shot.

This guidance includes requiring people to wear cloth face coverings and practice social distancing, and to answer screening questions and possibly have their temperature taken.

You can call the location to confirm they are following the CDC’s guidance ahead of time if you like.

Where to get your flu shot

Blue Shield of California and Blue Shield of California Promise Health Plan members can receive flu shots at the following locations:

Doctors’ offices/hospitals

You may need to call ahead of time to set up an appointment at your primary doctor’s office. Or you can ask to have the shot during your next visit. Your hospital may be holding their own seasonal flu clinic. Check your healthcare provider’s website for information.

Retail pharmacies

If you have pharmacy benefits included with your medical plan, you have access to the flu shot at many in-network retail pharmacies. Some locations require an appointment and some offer walk-ins as well. Age restrictions may apply. Please call or check the pharmacy website for details about anything that you may need to know before you go.

You can also use our Find a Doctor tool to find in-network pharmacies near you. Some local independent pharmacies may not offer flu shots. And all pharmacies may not have all types of flu vaccines. Please call ahead to find out. 

Heal on-demand doctor visits for Blue Shield PPO and Trio members

Don’t want to go to the doctor? Let the doctor come to you.

Heal™ is available with Blue Shield PPO plans including Tandem and Medicare PPO and Trio HMO plans as part of their medical plan benefits.

Note: you may pay out-of-pocket costs for the house-call visit. But depending on your plan benefits, you can get a flu shot during that visit for no additional member fee.

Flu shots are available through Heal beginning October 3.

Antelope Valley Blue Shield Promise clinics for Blue Shield Promise Medi-Cal members

Medi-Cal members in the Antelope Valley – Lancaster or Palmdale area of Southern California – can visit one of the following Blue Shield Promise Clinics for a flu shot. You must be a member at one of these clinics. Please call to set up an appointment.

*For most plans, the flu shot is $0. This is because it’s a covered preventive care benefit provided by the Affordable Care Act.
If you have a “grandfathered” Individual and Family Plan, you may have out-of-pocket costs. Check your Evidence of Coverage for details.
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