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Posted 9/21/2020 12:28 PM (GMT 0)
Can you get a flu shot if your on ADT?
Posted 9/21/2020 12:42 PM (GMT 0)

Hello, SteveO, My Comrade!

Absolutely!

I am just now stepping into my eighth year of continuous ADT shots, and my trusted oncologist makes CERTAIN that I get my flu shot, every year.

I am seeing my local oncologist very soon, and they even offer the flu shot there when I go for my regular appointment. Easy breezy!

This is certainly the time of year to get one's flu shot.

Here, they are offered at local pharmacies (such as Walgreen's and C.V.S., for example) and some large grocer stores that are in-store pharmacies.

Some even offer "drive-through" flu shots!

In light of the pandemic, there are additional reasons to get a flu shot.

Yep, time to roll up my sleeve, in just a few days. Strange how the flu makes its annual trek around the globe, each year, without fail! Arghhh! 😣😥😏😑😐😣

Good question, SteveO! Very timely, indeed!

With my best to you, from across the miles,
CYCLONE ~ # Iowa State University
Posted 9/21/2020 12:50 PM (GMT 0)
THANK YOU.... I can get it at the VA drive through......
Posted 9/21/2020 1:20 PM (GMT 0)
If you are 65+, remember to make sure you are getting the high-dose flu shot, which has about 3x the dose of the regular vaccine -- we seniors need the extra oomph! (The high dose is now available as a quadrivalent, just like the regular version.) You may want to call ahead. I had no problem at a local CVS, but two family members had to call and time their visits to a grocery-store pharmacy because they get in only small quantities of the high dose at a time.

Djin
Posted 9/21/2020 3:28 PM (GMT 0)
Many people who steered clear of flu shots in the past, i suspect, will get them this year. My wife is one of them. We got our enhanced shots 10 days ago. I wouldn't be surprised if there were shortages as we get more into flu season this year. So get your shots early.
Posted 9/21/2020 3:42 PM (GMT 0)
It will be interesting to see how the Pandemic precautions affect the upcoming flu season. Much reduced infections, I expect.
Posted 9/21/2020 3:45 PM (GMT 0)

mattam said...
It will be interesting to see how the Pandemic precautions affect the upcoming flu season. Much reduced infections, I expect.

In fact, that has been the experience in the Southern Hemisphere, where flu season is upon them.
Posted 9/21/2020 5:19 PM (GMT 0)
Also get your Shingrix shot for shingles prevention. It is a 2 shot series.
Posted 9/21/2020 5:56 PM (GMT 0)

Pratoman said...
Many people who steered clear of flu shots in the past, i suspect, will get them this year. My wife is one of them. We got our enhanced shots 10 days ago. I wouldn't be surprised if there were shortages as we get more into flu season this year. So get your shots early.

Also my wife...who has not gotten flu shots in the past. But this year she and I just went to Publix and got them! They gave us each a $10 gift card as well...what a deal. Last year there was shortages of the vaccine in SW Florida after the snow birds came back so we decided to get them relatively early with no waiting.

Jim
Posted 9/22/2020 3:00 AM (GMT 0)

DjinTonic said...
If you are 65+, remember to make sure you are getting the high-dose flu shot, which has about 3x the dose of the regular vaccine -- we seniors need the extra oomph! (The high dose is now available as a quadrivalent, just like the regular version.) You may want to call ahead. I had no problem at a local CVS, but two family members had to call and time their visits to a grocery-store pharmacy because they get in only small quantities of the high dose at a time.

Djin

I cheaped out and got the regular shot. well it was a protest of sorts. last year was the first time my insurance paid for the flu shot. I was 64. this year they wanted me to get the old man shot. it was $79! I told the pharmacist give me the free shot I got last year. you see where this is going.

she said it's $39 this year because blue cross wants you to get the old man shot. well I cheaped out and got the $39 shot. between the gym and a wife who teaches I get sick frequently -- at least six times a year. well, since we have been locked down I haven't been sick once. so the regular shot was good enough.
Posted 9/22/2020 8:18 AM (GMT 0)

F8 said...

DjinTonic said...


I cheaped out and got the regular shot. well it was a protest of sorts. last year was the first time my insurance paid for the flu shot. I was 64. this year they wanted me to get the old man shot. it was $79! I told the pharmacist give me the free shot I got last year. you see where this is going.

she said it's $39 this year because blue cross wants you to get the old man shot. well I cheaped out and got the $39 shot. between the gym and a wife who teaches I get sick frequently -- at least six times a year. well, since we have been locked down I haven't been sick once. so the regular shot was good enough.

When I google flu shot without insurance I see CVS charges about $40 for the regular quadrivalent and $70 for the senior high dose -- the date with that info is Sep. 14. I got mine at CVS, but since there was no charge with our BCBS plan, I can't confirm the prices.

Djin
Posted 9/22/2020 11:30 AM (GMT 0)
Got the enhanced flu shot a month ago at Rite Aide, BCBS paid for it. Get 1 every year. No side effects. Got the others too, only 1 left to get is the TDaP and I am completely up to date. smile
Posted 9/22/2020 12:25 PM (GMT 0)
I chose not to get a flu shot last year because it was time just before my RALP and I didn't want anything to get in the way of that.
This year I will be in line at work again to get it.
Posted 9/22/2020 12:29 PM (GMT 0)

GoBucks said...
Also get your Shingrix shot for shingles prevention. It is a 2 shot series.

Just got the second dose a little while ago. The first dose was miserable--my arm hurt for a week or more, the second was actually better. Two shots, six months apart.
Posted 9/22/2020 12:55 PM (GMT 0)

Since we're on this topic, and since many of us here have compromised immunity, due to past or ongoing oncology treatments, here's a timely topic to bring up with your doctor at your next appointment.

Simply ask, "Besides the flu shot, are there other vaccinations I should consider? What do you recommend?"

I am a teacher, so that was certainly factored into my oncologist's advice ...

Over time, I received the original Zostavax shingles vaccine some years ago, but recently got the "two-step" SHINGRIX vaccine --- after my oncologist explained its greater effectiveness. (My dad got shingles years ago after chemotherapy, and it was a nightmare for him ---- on the bottom of his feet! Walking was painful!)

I have had the pneumonia vaccine now. (Had pneumonia as a kid, and it knocked me out for a couple of weeks).

I was also tested for measles immunity, just in case! (Easy test, by the way!)

I received the DTAP combination vaccine, which protects against tetanus, diptheria, and whooping cough.

I pursued these vaccines one at a time, based on my doctor's recommendations.

He was very honest with what he felt was best for my case, and I valued the discussion. I felt he valued my thoughts, as well.

One day he said, we could take care of a few of these vaccines, all at once.

I said, "Instead, let's pursue these one a time, since I see you each month." He was agreeable to that plan.

My main local doctor is an expert in oncology, but ALSO infectious disease. He is tremendous.

Preventative vaccines to consider --- a possible conversation the next time you see your doctor.

Good to hear from everyone, with thoughts, ideas, and experiences!

CYCLONE --- # Iowa State University
Posted 9/22/2020 1:18 PM (GMT 0)
From what I understand, the pneumonia vaccine doesn't actually prevent pneumonia, but rather the more serious invasive pneumococcal disease. But I think the vaccine should be up there on your list: when folks leave us because of some underlying serious illness or disease, it's often pneumonia complications that close the casket, so to speak smile
Posted 9/22/2020 1:24 PM (GMT 0)
Used to be I never got the flu shot, but my wife was required to get one every year, as she worked in a hospital. Since we retired however I have been getting regular vaccines. First I got the original Zostavax, then the Prevnar13 pneumonia shot.

Two years ago, when I knew that I would possibly be in the hospital for a week (and not knowing what my prognosis would be after surgery), I prepped up by getting the pneumovax23 plus the trivalent "senior" flu shot, and have continued to get the annual flu shot for the past two years. Just got this year's last month. And also had the Shingrix duo at the VA last year.

The flu shot is free for anyone 65+ thru medicare. I get mine at Walgreens and I call ahead to be sure they have it available. My wife stands in line at Publix so she can get the $10 gift card. I was surprised to learn that I have leukopenia (low WBC's) from the radiation. Both my GP and my VA doc have told me that's just my new normal. Probably most of you guys who have had pelvic rad are in the same boat. Just FYI.
Posted 9/22/2020 6:44 PM (GMT 0)

DjinTonic said...

F8 said...

DjinTonic said...


I cheaped out and got the regular shot. well it was a protest of sorts. last year was the first time my insurance paid for the flu shot. I was 64. this year they wanted me to get the old man shot. it was $79! I told the pharmacist give me the free shot I got last year. you see where this is going.

she said it's $39 this year because blue cross wants you to get the old man shot. well I cheaped out and got the $39 shot. between the gym and a wife who teaches I get sick frequently -- at least six times a year. well, since we have been locked down I haven't been sick once. so the regular shot was good enough.

When I google flu shot without insurance I see CVS charges about $40 for the regular quadrivalent and $70 for the senior high dose -- the date with that info is Sep. 14. I got mine at CVS, but since there was no charge with our BCBS plan, I can't confirm the prices.

Djin

######

yep I go to rite aid. $39 and $79 as I recall. bottom line is now that i'm 65 neither was free.
Posted 9/22/2020 7:04 PM (GMT 0)

F8 said...

yep I go to rite aid. $39 and $79 as I recall. bottom line is now that i'm 65 neither was free.

Ed, here is what AARP says about Medicare and Medicare Advantage paying for flu shots: https://www.aarp.org/health/medicare-qa-tool/do-orig-medicare-and-part-c-cover-flu-shot/

If you Google "does insurance pay for flu shots" you'll get a whole bunch of info indicating that most plans DO pay the entire amount. Perhaps your Rite-Aid store does not accept Medicare assignment???

Jim
Posted 9/22/2020 7:08 PM (GMT 0)
F8, I'm not clear about your earlier post above. You were told that BC wants you to have the senior vaccine, but they wouldn't pay for any or all of the $79? So you got the regular-dose vaccine, also for full price?

Djin
Posted 9/22/2020 8:49 PM (GMT 0)
I got the flu shot at Rite Aid and it was covered by Medicare
Posted 9/22/2020 10:50 PM (GMT 0)
Went yesterday - CVS, signed up at 10a and had the shot at 1030a - no wait.
They do the pharmacy slip this year so you have a copy of the script if you need it for work. We might be going back with a modified schedule if WFM ends in January so worth it to have the receipt.
Have Anthem BC/BS from work - ask if they take your prescription insurance which may cover the shot.
Posted 9/22/2020 11:14 PM (GMT 0)
I am going to pass this year. I had two knee replacements last December and still taking supplements and now on Lupron plus I don’t trust CDC and FDA now.
Posted 9/22/2020 11:26 PM (GMT 0)

DjinTonic said...
F8, I'm not clear about your earlier post above. You were told that BC wants you to have the senior vaccine, but they wouldn't pay for any or all of the $79? So you got the regular-dose vaccine, also for full price?

Djin

either shot was full price this year but the previous year, when I was 64, my insurance for the very first and only time covered the $39 shot. this year, when I was 65, insurance wanted me to get the $79 shot, which they did not cover, and they no longer covered the $39 shot.

now the pharmacist said I could try to get the cost covered blah blah blah but I paid the 39 bucks and left it at that. i'll talk to my doctor about in next time I see him -- if I remember. if there's a way to get insurance to pay for something he's glad to help.
Posted 9/22/2020 11:28 PM (GMT 0)

Tudpock18 said...

F8 said...

yep I go to rite aid. $39 and $79 as I recall. bottom line is now that i'm 65 neither was free.

Ed, here is what AARP says about Medicare and Medicare Advantage paying for flu shots: https://www.aarp.org/health/medicare-qa-tool/do-orig-medicare-and-part-c-cover-flu-shot/

If you Google "does insurance pay for flu shots" you'll get a whole bunch of info indicating that most plans DO pay the entire amount. Perhaps your Rite-Aid store does not accept Medicare assignment???

Jim

######

I have blue cross, not medicare
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