Health Benefits
2011 - 12 Flu Shot Season Questions and Answers
- What retail pharmacies are participating in the flu shot program?
- Participating retail pharmacy chains and independents include a number of national pharmacy and grocery store chains. The list varies by individual health plan. Even though a pharmacy chain is on the list, every local Virginia pharmacy in that chain may not be participating. Be sure to call your local pharmacy to find out if it is participating in the Commonwealth of Virginia flu shot program and when you may schedule a flu shot. Also see your health plan’s participating pharmacy list. Check often for updates since the list may change.
Flu shots at retail health clinics, such as MinuteClinic, will be covered for COVA Care and COVA HDHP members through the medical benefit, just as at a doctor’s office. These shots will not be covered for COVA Connect members.
- What happens if I get a flu shot at a pharmacy that does not participate in the program?
- Flu shots will not be covered at non-participating pharmacies. You will have to get the shot at your own expense.
- When can I receive a flu shot?
- COVA Care, COVA Connect and COVA HDHP members can receive flu shots at local participating pharmacies as soon as the drug stores have vaccine available and begin giving shots. Flu shots should be available for the duration of the flu season.
- Will the H1N1 flu shot be available again this year?
- The seasonal flu shot this year again includes protection against H1N1 and other flu strains.
- Are there any special requirements to get a free flu shot?
- Be sure that you and covered family members present a photo ID and your plan ID card at the pharmacy counter so that the pharmacist can determine your eligibility and coverage.
- Does a pharmacist working for the participating drug store have to administer the flu shots?
- Be sure to ask whether the flu shot clinics are being done by the pharmacy or a third party vendor. To be covered at no cost to you, a flu shot must be administered through the pharmacy and processed online under the Medco, Optima or Anthem pharmacy benefit.
- Will there be walk-in service available or will members have to make an appointment?
- An appointment may be required by the pharmacy. Plan members should call the participating flu shot program pharmacy to determine when pharmacy flu shots are available.
- Are the participating flu program pharmacies offering flu shots to the general public or just to those with a state pharmacy benefit?
- These pharmacies are offering flu shots to the general public and to state plan members. Medco, Anthem and Optima have special contracts with retail pharmacies to offer flu shots through the Commonwealth of Virginia plans’ prescription drug programs.
- Do children need a prescription to receive a flu shot?
- Children under 18 may need a prescription to get a flu shot at a pharmacy. However, depending on the pharmacy, the pharmacist can call the doctor for a prescription. Parents should call ahead to find out if the pharmacy will dispense a flu shot to children and to inquire if the pharmacy has an age limit.
