Viewfinder: Fitness and a Flu Shot

It's the time of the year to get a flu vaccination according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. In order to make it easier for people to get the vaccine, pharmacies are now providing them. Instead of making an appointment at the doctors office, paying a co-pay and typically waiting to see the doctor, you can walk into most pharmacy's and receive one immediately.

 is looking out for more than just strong bodies but healthy ones too. Laura Giannotti, the gym's club manager, contacted CVS to provide a flu clinic for their Seekonk club members. CVS sent pharmacist Ashley Rogers and lead technician Abigail Melendez to administer the vaccines.

The process is simple fill out a quick form and present your health card and receive the vaccine. According to Rogers, most insurance companies are working with CVS to provide the coverage without the patient paying an out of pocket expense. Unfortunately many of the club members who wanted to get the vaccine had Blue Cross of either MA or RI and CVS has not been authorized by Blue Cross to collect payments. The only suggestion is for the customers to pay the $29.99 fee and submit it to Blue Cross themselves. According to the Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts  web site they have partnered with Mollen Immunization Clinics  to provide coverage. In Seekonk you can find them at Walmart and Sam's Club.

All , and pharmacies along with other agencies are providing this vital service to make the vaccine easier for people to access it. Please contact them to see if your insurance will cover the cost.