The CDC recommends that you and your family members get a flu vaccine in September or October. Because it takes about two weeks for the flu vaccine to provide protection, it is recommended that you and your family members get vaccinated before the flu begins spreading in your community.
This year, flu shots are highly recommended due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
Both flu and COVID-19 are serious respiratory illnesses. Because some symptoms of the flu and COVID-19 are similar, it may be hard to tell the difference between them based on symptoms alone, and testing may be needed to help confirm a diagnosis.
Getting the flu vaccine later in the season is still beneficial – assuming flu viruses are prevalent – and can protect you and your family members from serious flu illness and flu-related complications.
The number of immunizations created each season are limited and it is expected flu shots will be in high demand as long as the COVID-19 pandemic is ongoing. Employees and their families are encouraged to make an immunization appointment early in the season, before demand really starts to increase. Appointments save the time and inconvenience of waiting out long lines for walk-in immunizations, in addition to increased sanitization between patients waiting for their flu shots.
Check with your doctor directly regarding their specific flu shot administration process to determine details including flu shot availability, appointment requirements and applicable co-payment/co-insurance costs.
If your doctor is unable to provide you with a flu shot, many other locations will continue to offer flu shot immunizations this season, including pharmacy clinics such as participating CVS and Walgreens locations, and participating Walmart, King Soopers and Safeway pharmacies. Flu shot availability and administration may vary by location, so it is best to call ahead with any questions.
Check out the following information about the 2021-22 flu season, and give yourself a shot at good health!
Additional 2021-22 flu season information is forthcoming – we’ll continue to update this page as it becomes available.
Flu Shot Resources for CU Employees by CU Health Plan
Exclusive, Extended, High Deductible and Medicare
The flu shot is covered under Anthem plan members’ preventive care benefits at 100% when you go to a health professional in your plan. Contact your primary care doctor to get information about receiving your flu shot. Members can also get a flu shot at urgent care facilities, retail health clinics, many pharmacies or walk-in doctors’ offices in their plan.
Call the number on your Anthem member ID card or visit anthem.com to find a health professional in your plan near you.
For additional questions, call the Anthem Dedicated Customer Service team at 1-800-735-6072.
CVS
CVS Caremark administers the pharmacy benefits of Anthem CU Health Plans. There will be no cost to members who receive their flu shot at any network pharmacy. Find network pharmacy locations at Caremark.com. Visit CVS.com/immunizations/flu for more information.
Questions? Contact CVS Caremark’s dedicated CU Health Plan Customer Care team at 1-888-964-0121, available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year.
Kaiser
CU Health Plan – Kaiser members may visit kp.org/flu for a listing of all medical offices offering flu shots and get the most up-to-date information on flu vaccine supply. 2021-22 flu season information is forthcoming.
Members may also contact Kaiser support for 2021-22 flu season information. Members in the Southern, Northern or Mountain Colorado service areas may also get a flu shot at an affiliate provider or a community retailer. Applicable copayment/coinsurance may apply. Members should keep their receipt, download a medical claim form from kp.org, and send it in with the flu shot receipt to the address on the claim form. Members can call Member Services to have a claim form mailed to them.
Additional Flu Season Resources
Common Locations for Flu Shots
- Doctor’s Office
- Grocery Store
- Pharmacies & Drug Stores
- Retail Stores
- Medical Center
- Pediatrician’s Office
- Clinics
- Community Center
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Resources on 2021-22 Flu Season and the COVID-19 Pandemic