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Protect Yourself From the Flu

Get vaccinated

The flu shot can prevent the flu (influenza). October or November is the best time to get a flu shot. If you get a flu shot later it can still help prevent the flu. Flu season can begin as early as October and last as late as May.

Where you can go to get a flu shot

You may get the flu shot from your doctor or a flu shot clinic.* The choice is yours.
Aetna has contracted with several flu shot providers.

Maxim Health Systems
• To find Maxim flu shot clinics near you, go to Maxim’s website at www.findaflushot.com, or call 1-866-466-2976. The call is free.
• Maxim flu shot clinics held at Costco locations are for Costco members only. Costco does not accept insurance.
• Maxim does not give the flu shot to children under 9 years of age.
VaxCare – Florida residents only
• To find a VaxCare flu clinic near you, go to www.vaxcare.com.
• VaxCare does not give the flu shot to children under 9 years of age.
SUPERVALU Pharmacies – Include ACME Sav-on; Albertsons OSCO, Albertsons Sav-on; Bigg’s; CUB; Farm Fresh; OSCO; Sav-on; Shaw’s OSCO; Shop’n Save; Shoppers; and Star market OSCO pharmacies.
• To find the pharmacy nearest you, call 1-800-783-0458. Then call that pharmacy and arrange a time to get the flu shot.
• Age limitations vary by location.
Walk-in Clinics -- Minute Clinic, Aero Clinic, Smartcare Clinic, Take Care Clinics and Redi Clinics.
• To find a walk-in clinic near you, Log In to Aetna Navigator™, and click on Find Health Care in DocFind. Then select Facilities under Provider Category and Walk-In Clinics under Provider Type.

Take your Aetna member ID card with you when you go to get a flu shot. With the exception of Maxim flu clinics held at Costco locations, these contracted providers accept Aetna insurance when members present their Aetna ID card.

For more information about flu prevention, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website at www.cdc.gov/flu/.

Nasal spray flu vaccine

Aetna covers the nasal spray flu vaccine as approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). We cover the nasal spray for healthy members ages 2 to 49 who have benefits for preventive services.

Tips for home, work and school**

In addition to getting a flu shot, take these steps to protect everyone from getting the flu.

• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• If you are sick, avoid close contact with others, especially high-risk individuals. Keeping your distance from others when you are sick can protect them from getting sick.
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing, then throw the used tissue away and wash your hands. If you don't have a tissue, cover your mouth with your sleeve.
• Wash your hands with soap and warm water for 15 to 20 seconds (the time it takes to sing Happy Birthday twice!) or use an alcohol-based hand wipe or gel sanitizer, especially;
  • after coughing or sneezing
  • before and after preparing food
  • before and after eating
  • after using the toilet
  • after handling animals and animal waste
  • any time your hands are dirty
  • when someone at home is sick
• Teach and remind children to wash their hands.

Tips for people who travel

Bring disinfectant wipes for tray tables and seatbelt buckles.

After you wash your hands, use a paper towel to open the door when leaving the restroom.

Wash your hands when you get off the plane, train or bus.

Antiviral medications

Medications are available to prevent or treat the flu. If you are exposed to the flu or think you are getting the flu, check with your doctor to see if any of these medications are right for you.

Additional resources

Consult the CDC Preventing the Flu, Cover Your Cough and Germ Stopper websites for more information and materials on prevention.

You can find more information about the flu and flu vaccine recommendations on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website.

For information about your benefits for preventive services, such as the flu vaccine, Log In to Aetna Navigator^®, our self-service member website.