CVS/Longs Drugs offering updated COVID-19 and flu shots

HONOLULU (KHON2) — CVS/Longs Drugs recently announced the availability of the updated COVID-19 and flu vaccinations at the pharmacy and MinuteClinic. For this year’s upcoming cold and flu season, CVS/Longs Regional Director Scott Sutton joined Take2 on Monday morning to discuss availability.

“Preventive vaccinations are the best way for individuals and their families to protect themselves from seasonal illnesses,” Sutton said. “According to the CDC, patients ages 6 months and older should receive the updated flu and COVID-19 vaccines, ideally in September or October, to restore and enhance protection against the most prevalent virus variants currently circulating. Getting a flu vaccine and COVID-19 vaccine at the same time is recommended if patients are eligible and the timing for each vaccine is right.”

The updated COVID-19 vaccine is now available.

“Updated COVID-19 vaccines from Moderna and Pfizer are currently available at CVS/Longs Drugs pharmacy and MinuteClinic this season,” Sutton said. “The vaccine protects against the potentially serious outcomes of COVID-19. The virus that causes COVID-19 is always changing, and protection from COVID-19 vaccines declines over time. Receiving an updated 2024-2025 COVID-19 vaccine can restore and enhance protection against the virus variants currently responsible for most infections and hospitalizations in the U.S. COVID-19 vaccination also reduces the chance of suffering the effects of long-term COVID, which can develop during or following acute infection and last for an extended period.”

The outlook for this year’s influenza season is up in the air.

“According to the CDC, the timing of flu season is difficult to predict and can vary in different parts of the country and from season to season. But even a normal flu year is of concern – the CDC estimates tens of thousands of flu deaths every year,” Sutton said. “It’s important to get the flu shot every year because the body’s protection from the vaccine declines over time. Also, flu viruses can vary from year to year, so receiving a new vaccine formulation is required to provide optimal protection. It takes about 2 weeks for your body to build up protection after getting a flu shot. The CDC recommends that individuals make plans to get vaccinated early in the fall, before flu season begins. However, even if you’re not able to get vaccinated until November or later, vaccination is still recommended because flu typically peaks in February and can continue into May.”

Also, you can’t get influenza from the flu vaccine.

“Flu shots are made with either inactivated viruses or with proteins from the flu virus. Common side effects can include soreness, redness/tenderness or swelling where the shot was given, headache, fever, nausea, muscle aches, and/or fatigue. These side effects may begin soon after the shot and usually resolve on their own in a few days.” Sutton said.

CVS/Longs Drugs pharmacy or MinuteClinic has deals for those who get COVID-19 and flu vaccines.

“The COVID-19 and flu vaccines are available at no cost through most insurance plans. Patients who receive any CDC-recommended vaccine at CVS/Longs Drugs will also receive a $5 off $20 to use on in-store purchases.”