The yearly vaccine will not lower your risk of getting COVID-19 (coronavirus). But it can reduce your risk of flu-related symptoms and hospital stays. It may also make it easier for health care workers to care for COVID-19 patients if cases rise this fall and winter.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends flu shots for anybody who is six months of age and older. The CDC says the best time to get the flu shot is in September or October. But it says even getting the flu shot later can help.

Tufts Health RITogether members can get a flu shot. It’s a covered benefit as a part of your plan.

You can call your provider’s office and ask how to get a flu shot there. Or you can get a flu shot at a Walgreens, CVS or other in-network pharmacy.

Use our search tool to find an in-network pharmacy near you.

Your Kids Need Shots Too

Health experts also urge parents to make sure their kids get their vaccines on time. These shots protect kids from diseases like measles, mumps and whooping cough. The well child visits with shots are typically baby visits up to age 2 and at 4, 11 and 16 years of age. 

Call your child’s provider and ask what’s best for your child. Staff can also tell you what they are doing to keep kids safe during in-office visits.