Flu shots are available starting September 1, 2021. Most members can get the shot at no extra cost to them.
A flu shot costs $0 for most members. Some members with self-funded, administrative services only (ASO), and “grandfathered” plans may have out-of-pocket costs.
You can go to your doctor's office or, if your plan includes pharmacy benefits, to an in-network retail pharmacy.
Check your member ID card for a “RxPCN” or “RxBIN” number. If you don’t have one, you may have pharmacy benefits through a different company.
Yes! Per the CDC, you can get a COVID-19 vaccine and other vaccines at the same visit.
Recent studies from the CDC show that flu shots reduce the risk of flu illness by between 40% and 60% among the overall population.
The most common side effects are soreness, redness, tenderness, or swelling at the injection site.
Incubation period: 2-14 days
Contagion level: High
New loss of taste and smell: Yes
Incubation period: 1-4 days
Contagion level: Moderate
New loss of taste and smell: No
Different plans have different pharmacy networks. If you get your insurance from your employer, Covered California, or purchase it directly from Blue Shield, you have a Commercial plan.
Commercial pharmacy networks
Medicare pharmacy network
Medi-Cal and Cal MediConnect pharmacy network
Hundreds of millions of Americans have safely received flu shots over the past 50 years, according to the CDC.
Severe allergic reactions from a flu shot are very rare. They’re estimated at less than one in a million doses. If a reaction happens, it is usually within a few minutes to a few hours after the shot.
Flu season peaks between December and February. But activity can last as late as May.