CVS offering multiple vaccines in one appointment as flu season approaches

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — Summer is coming to an end, which means kids are back in the classrooms. The beginning of fall also means the beginning of flu season.

CVS Health said its preparing for flu season this year by offering  flu, respiratory syncytial virus, or RSV, and COVID vaccines all at once.

Anne Brown, the pharmacy district leader for CVS, told ABC 6 News, “It is easier than ever to get vaccinated. You can walk in, make an appointment on our website or the app but our pharmacists are ready and excited to help protect you this season.”

According to the CDC, patients should get their flu vaccination before flu season begins, and ideally no later than the end of October.

“Now is the best time to get your flu vaccine. Getting it early in the season allows it time to work and for you to have immunity by the time the flu virus is circulating out there. For patients who are over 60, being vaccinated for RSV will help you as the season approaches. We expect to have the COVID-19 vaccine by early fall,” Brown explained.

According to CVS, 42% of people get their vaccinations at a retail pharmacy outlet. In an effort to make it easier for those who choose to get a shot that way, locations like the CVS on Hope Street in Providence have a Health Hub with a new and improved vaccination room.

One Providence resident said for them, coming to CVS for vaccines is a normal routine each year.

“I am signed up next week to get my COVID booster and my flu vaccine at the same time. I have always done it through CVS. It has always been very easy,” said Robin Densten, of Providence. “There is no excuse to not get it done. It is simple and it is part of your daily routine.”

For more information on how to get vaccinated, visit the CVS webpage.