These symptoms start 6 to 12 hours after the vaccination and may last 1 or 2 days. Rarely, allergic reactions occur. The cost of the flu vaccine is covered by Medicare and most state Medicaid insurance. It may be covered by private insurance that has a wellness benefit. Check with your insurance company.
Many employers offer the vaccine as an employee benefit.
You can get the vaccine at your health care provider's office or at most local health departments. Your employer may offer flu vaccines in the fall. In addition, flu vaccine is often given at health fairs, grocery stores, drug stores, and senior centers. The flu vaccine can be given at the same time as the pneumococcal shot without increasing side effects. Written by Carolyn Norrgard, RNC, BA, MEd, and Carol Matheis-Kraft, PhD, RNC, for iMcKesson Clinical Reference Products.