Flu shots available at many Illinois drugstores

Flu shots are now available at many pharmacies throughout Illinois.

CVS announced Monday its pharmacies and MinuteClinics are providing direct medical billing through many health insurance plans that cover all or part of the cost of a flu shot.

Customers will receive a $5 CVS gift card if the cost of a flu shot is not fully covered by insurance.

Walgreens pharmacies also are offering flu vaccinations and direct billing through many health insurers.

Federal health officials recommend an annual flu vaccination for everyone except babies younger than 6 months and those with unusual allergies and medical conditions.

Each year, between 5 percent and 20 percent of Americans get the flu, leading to 200,000 hospitalizations.