CVS Health offering flu vaccine to residents amid Connecticut’s first confirmed cases

As Connecticut public health officials work to stop the spread of influenza in the state, CVS Health® (NYSE:CVS) is offering the 2025-2026 flu vaccine to residents. CVS Pharmacy® locations and MinuteClinic® walk-in medical clinics in the area have flu shots available to help protect patients against the flu and its potentially serious complications.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), it’s not too late to get vaccinated. If flu viruses are circulating, vaccination can still be beneficial. Seasonal flu cases usually peak between December and February most years, but flu season can last as late as May.

Patients interested in getting a flu vaccine can quickly and easily make vaccination appointments by visiting CVS.com, MinuteClinic.com or through the CVS Health app. Walk-in vaccination appointments are accepted at CVS Pharmacy and MinuteClinic.

Common flu symptoms

Flu is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses that are spread mainly by tiny droplets made when an infected person coughs, sneezes or talks. The CDC says that common symptoms of flu include fever, chills, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, muscle or body aches, headaches and/or fatigue. Not everyone with the flu has symptoms.

Flu can cause mild to severe illness. Some people, such as people 65 years and older, children younger than 2 years old and people with certain health conditions, are at higher risk of serious flu complications. Complications of flu can include bacterial pneumonia, ear infections, sinus infections and worsening of chronic medical conditions, such as congestive heart failure, asthma or diabetes.

Protecting yourself and your community from the flu

Annual vaccination is the most effective way to help protect people from flu, and CVS Health is offering the flu vaccine at 170 CVS Pharmacy stores and 20 MinuteClinic locations across Connecticut.[1] The flu vaccine has been shown to reduce flu-related illnesses and the risk of serious flu complications that can result in hospitalization or death. The CDC recommends that everyone ages six months and older, with rare exceptions, should receive the updated flu vaccine each season.

Patients aged 18 years and older can receive the flu vaccine at Connecticut CVS Pharmacy locations. MinuteClinic locations can vaccinate children ages 18 months and up. Pharmacy and medical clinic staff can assist patients in determining whether the vaccine is covered by their insurance plan.

Testing and treatment options

CVS Pharmacy and MinuteClinic offer several options for flu testing and treatment, which vary by state. In Connecticut, available offerings include:

• A 3-in-1 combo test, administered by pharmacists, when patients present with flu-like symptoms, allowing them to be tested for Influenza A, Influenza B, and COVID-19 with one swab.
• At select locations, eligible patients can be tested and assessed by a CVS pharmacist for antiviral treatment in one appointment. MinuteClinic providers can also prescribe antiviral medications when patients meet the clinical criteria. Patients can learn more about testing options by visiting CVS.com.
• If clinically appropriate, patients can be tested for flu, COVID-19 and strep throat during MinuteClinic sick symptom visits. Board-certified providers will provide a personalized treatment plan, if eligible.
• CVS Pharmacy offers several at-home flu and COVID-19 test options as well, enabling patients to test for these illnesses in the comfort of their own home. Four different combo tests, priced between $12.99 and $24.99, are available for purchase on CVS.com and at the company’s retail stores nationwide.

[1] Vaccines are available when an immunizing pharmacist or MinuteClinic provider is on duty, while supplies last.