Skip to Main Content

Get Your Flu Shot

No one likes getting sick.

And the flu virus changes every year. So, getting a yearly shot helps protect yourself and those around you. Plus, it’s available at no cost to you. And getting your flu shot may actually earn your rewards.

The flu shot is a good idea for just about everyone. But these people are at an even higher risk of health problems from the flu:

Children and Families

Young children have a higher risk of health problems from the flu. Newborns are also at a high risk but can’t get the flu shot until they are six months old.

People with a Chronic Condition or Caregivers

People with a weakened immune system are more likely to get very ill from the flu. Getting your yearly flu shot helps protect yourself and those around you.

 

Seniors or Those Who Care for Them

Our immune defenses weaken with age. And people age 65 and older are at a higher risk for health issues from the flu. If you’re a senior or live with seniors, a flu shot will help protect you all.

Find a Doctor or Pharmacy

Find a doctor or pharmacy* near you to get your flu shot.

Common Questions About the Flu

Why get your flu shot every year?

  • Flu viruses are always changing. Scientists predict which virus will be most common each year. Flu vaccines are changed each flu season to make them work as well as possible.
  • Your protection with the flu shot gets weaker over time. That’s why a yearly flu shot is needed to keep you from getting sick.

Can the flu shot give me the flu?

No. The flu vaccine is made from either inactive flu virus or none at all. That means getting a flu shot cannot give you the flu. But it can reduce your chances of catching the flu.

When and where should you get your flu shot?

  • You should get a flu shot before the flu starts spreading where you live. Fall is the best time to get your yearly shot. If possible, get the shot by the end of October.
  • You can get your flu shot in many doctor’s offices. You can also get it in pharmacies, clinics and health centers. Vaccines may also be offered at schools or your workplace.

Is the nasal flu vaccine a recommended alternative to the flu shot?

Yes. For the 2019-2020 flu season, CDC is recommending the nasal flu vaccine as an option (for certain people). Talk to your doctor or healthcare provider about whether this is an appropriate option for you. 

How do you know if someone has the flu?

The flu is different from a cold. The flu usually comes on suddenly. People who have the flu often feel some or all of these symptoms:

  • Fever
  • Cough
  • Sore throat
  • Runny or stuffy nose
  • Muscle or body aches
  • Headaches
  • Fatigue or tiredness
  • Some people may have vomiting and diarrhea. This is more common in children than adults.

Where should you go if you have flu symptoms?

Visit your doctor or urgent care or call the nurse advice line with any health questions. Unless you have a very high fever or trouble breathing, you should not need to go to the emergency room for the flu.

fm.formularynavigator.com,medicare.entrykeyid.com,member.membersecurelogin.com,mmp.buckeyehealthplan.com,buckeyehealthplan.com,buckeyehealthplan.entrykeyid.com,

Last updated: 10/01/2021
Material ID: H0022_WEBSITE_2022_Approved_10012021

Buckeye Health Plan - MyCare Ohio (Medicare-Medicaid Plan) is a health plan that contracts with both Medicare and Ohio Medicaid to provide benefits of both programs to enrollees.

This is not a complete list. The benefit information is a brief summary, not a complete description of benefits. For more information contact the plan or read the Buckeye Member Handbook.

Out-of-network/non-contracted providers are under no obligation to treat Buckeye members, except in emergency situations. Please call our Member Services number or see your Member Handbook for more information, including the cost-sharing that applies to out-of-network services.

Other pharmacies/physicians/providers are available in our network.

If you need help finding a network provider and/or pharmacy, please call 1-866-549-8289 (TTY: 711) or visit mmp.buckeyehealthplan.com to access our online searchable directory. If you would like a Provider/Pharmacy Directory mailed to you, you may call the number above, request one at the website link provided above, or email OH_MMP_EmailRequests@centene.com.

ATTENTION: If you speak English, language assistance services, free of charge, are available to you. Call 1-866-549-8289 (TTY: 711) from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., Monday through Friday. After hours, on weekends and on holidays, you may be asked to leave a message. Your call will be returned within the next business day. The call is free.

ATENCIÓN: Si habla español, tiene a su disposición servicios gratuitos de asistencia lingüística. Llame al 1-866-549-8289 (TTY: 711) de 8 a. m. a 8 p. m., de lunes a viernes. Luego del horario de atención, los fines de semana y los días feriados, es posible que se le pida que deje un mensaje. Le devolveremos la llamada durante el próximo día hábil. La llamada es gratis.


Last updated: 10/01/2021
Material ID: H0022_WEBSITE_2022_Approved_10012021

Buckeye Health Plan - MyCare Ohio (Medicare-Medicaid Plan) is a health plan that contracts with both Medicare and Ohio Medicaid to provide benefits of both programs to enrollees.

This is not a complete list. The benefit information is a brief summary, not a complete description of benefits. For more information contact the plan or read the Buckeye Member Handbook.

Out-of-network/non-contracted providers are under no obligation to treat Buckeye members, except in emergency situations. Please call our Member Services number or see your Member Handbook for more information, including the cost-sharing that applies to out-of-network services.

Other pharmacies/physicians/providers are available in our network.

If you need help finding a network provider and/or pharmacy, please call 1-866-549-8289 (TTY: 711) or visit mmp.buckeyehealthplan.com to access our online searchable directory. If you would like a Provider/Pharmacy Directory mailed to you, you may call the number above, request one at the website link provided above, or email OH_MMP_EmailRequests@centene.com.

ATTENTION: If you speak English, language assistance services, free of charge, are available to you. Call 1-866-549-8289 (TTY: 711) from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., Monday through Friday. After hours, on weekends and on holidays, you may be asked to leave a message. Your call will be returned within the next business day. The call is free.

ATENCIÓN: Si habla español, tiene a su disposición servicios gratuitos de asistencia lingüística. Llame al 1-866-549-8289 (TTY: 711) de 8 a. m. a 8 p. m., de lunes a viernes. Luego del horario de atención, los fines de semana y los días feriados, es posible que se le pida que deje un mensaje. Le devolveremos la llamada durante el próximo día hábil. La llamada es gratis.