What Every Rhode Islander Needs To Know About The 2021 Flu Shot

This article is not medical advice.

Rhode Island’s flu vaccine campaign kicked off in Providence on Oct. 13, with Gov. Dan McKee urging Rhode Islanders to get vaccinated.

During the 2019 season, 61 percent of Rhode Islanders ages 6 months and up were vaccinated against the flu — one of the highest vaccination rates in the country. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, flu vaccination coverage has increased nationwide in both adults and children over the past two years, and Gov. McKee hopes to continue that momentum this flu season to build “a healthy, resilient Rhode Island."

It is extremely important to get vaccinated against the flu if you are able to do so. Here's what you should know about getting the 2021 flu shot in Rhode Island.

What Is The Flu?

The flu is a respiratory illness resulting from a series of influenza viruses. These viruses can be spread through the air or on surfaces that hold residue from a sick person’s bodily fluids, such as mucus. Four types of influenza viruses can cause the flu:

• Influenza A and B are the viruses that are responsible for the flu season that occurs each winter in the United States. Influenza A can also infect animals — however, it is the most common type of illness in humans. Both influenza A and B are used to create the annual flu vaccine.
• Influenza C is a milder type of influenza that only affects humans. These viruses are usually not the cause of pandemics.
• Influenza D does not affect humans. It is a type of influenza that’s only found in cattle.

When Is Flu Season?

It’s important to note that you can get sick with the flu at any time. However, the most common time for people to catch the flu is during the fall and winter months, the CDC says. This is known as flu season in the United States, as an increase in flu cases generally begins in October and starts to peak in December going into February. Flu season can even continue into the spring months and varies in length depending on the strain of circulating flu viruses and the effectiveness of the flu vaccine.

Symptoms Of Influenza

The flu can feel like a cold — however, there are multiple symptoms that set the flu apart. You can expect the following symptoms when you catch the flu:

• A fever that can last up to four days.
• Chills.
• Weakness, fatigue and severe body aches.
• Headaches.
• Cough or congestion.
• Sore throat.
• Confusion/mental fatigue.
• Shortness of breath.
• Runny or stuffy nose.
• Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea (usually more common in children than adults).

It’s important to note that flu symptoms will typically have a faster onset than those from the common cold. People often report feeling worse if they have the flu versus a common cold. You can learn more about the differences between a cold and the flu in this article.

What Is The Flu Vaccine?

The influenza vaccine, also known as the flu shot, is designed to help the body protect itself against influenza viruses. Each year, researchers predict the four influenza viruses they believe will be present or most common during the upcoming flu season. Flu vaccines are usually administered through a needle; however, there is also a nasal spray option.

It’s important to note that different types of flu shots are available depending on the manufacturer and licensed product. The flu vaccines for the 2021-22 flu season are quadrivalent inactivated influenza vaccine [IIV4], recombinant influenza vaccine [RIV4], or live attenuated influenza vaccine (LAIV4). The CDC recommends any licensed versions of the flu vaccinations available in your area.

If you’re looking for the best Providence location to receive a flu shot, you can visit GoodRx to learn about its flu vaccine program and find participating local pharmacies that are offering discounted flu shots this season.

Who Should Get The Flu Shot?

CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices recommends that everyone who is age 6 months and older receive a flu vaccine every flu season for optimal protection. There are exceptions to this, including those who are allergic to any ingredient found within the vaccine such as gelatin or antibiotics, or those who have had allergic reactions to previous flu vaccinations. It’s crucial to talk to your doctor about which vaccine is right for you if you have a history of severe allergies.

Different flu vaccines have specifications of who should receive them based on a recommended age range. For example, Fluad Quadrivalent is approved for those ages 65 and older due to its ingredients that help to create a stronger immune response. On the other hand, an egg-free vaccine, Flucelvax Quadrivalent, is available to those under 4 years of age.

How Effective Is The Flu Shot?

Many factors go into determining the effectiveness of the seasonal flu shot. Researchers will compare the manufactured flu vaccine to the flu viruses in circulation at the time of flu season. If there is a likely match between the viruses circulating and the flu shot, the vaccine should offer high levels of protection. However, another factor of the flu vaccine’s effectiveness includes the age and health of the recipient as well as the type of flu vaccine they chose and how it reacts within their bodies.

A 2021 CDC study showed that those who were vaccinated against the flu were 26 percent less likely to go into the ICU with flu symptoms and 31 percent less likely to die than those who were not vaccinated. Data from the 2019-20 flu season showed that flu vaccinations prevented over 7.2 million flu diagnoses and 6,300 flu-related deaths.

How GoodRx Can Help

The GoodRx Flu Vaccine Program

If the cost of the flu vaccine has left you somewhat hesitant, GoodRx provides a convenient way to find more affordable flu shots in Rhode Island. The GoodRx Flu Vaccine Program has partnered with various pharmacies, including Walgreens, Albertsons and Weis to offer you low prices on the flu vaccine. Using GoodRx's flu vaccine finder, you're able to search for pharmacies in your area that are participating in the GoodRx Flu Vaccine Program. The usual price for a flu vaccine can be up to $90. With the GoodRx Flu Vaccine Program, these prices can drop down to as low as $25 per vaccine. Simply bring your GoodRx coupon to a participating pharmacy and receive your flu vaccine of choice.

Affordable Prescriptions

If you do contract the flu, a doctor may prescribe you a flu medication such as Tamiflu,Xofluza, Relenza andRapivab. Once prescribed, the easy-to-use (and free!) GoodRx app can help you find the most affordable price in your area for your prescription drugs. Visit GoodRx to learn more.

GoodRx Care

GoodRx lets you talk to a medical professional about your symptoms without leaving your home thanks to GoodRx Care. They can help determine if you are at risk and could benefit from oseltamivir (Tamiflu) or other antiviral treatment. Visit GoodRx Care to start your visit.

Ready to receive your flu shot? Visit the GoodRx Flu Vaccine Program website to find an affordable flu shot at a pharmacy near you.