1 MIN READ
SEPTEMBER 2026
How to prepare yourself for a bad flu season
Last year’s flu season was the worst in 15 years. There were more than 51 million illnesses and 710,000 hospitalizations across the U.S. Costco employees and family members went to the ER for the flu nearly twice as often as the year before.
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Stay ahead of the flu this year
Only 15% of Costco employees got a flu shot last year, so there’s a big opportunity for employees and their families to be prepared when flu season hits this year. We asked the Costco medical director to weigh in:
“Vaccines are a key part of preventive care. Diseases like measles and polio can cause serious complications (especially in children), and vaccines help protect our children and communities. Getting a flu shot each year is one of the best ways to reduce your risk of getting sick, missing work or needing medical care for flu, and help prevent more expensive costs like hospital stays or emergency room visits.”
Get your free flu shot in September
Your Costco Pharmacy offers free flu shots for all employees. Stop in before flu season peaks. No appointment needed. They’re also covered at 100% for your enrolled family members.
Know where to go for care
If you do get sick, save the ER for true emergencies. For everything else, lower-cost options are available, including low- or no-cost virtual visits. Learn more in the resources below.
Resources for you
98point6 lets you connect with a board-certified doctor or physician assistant via text, 24/7, for a $0 copay. Get treatment, a diagnosis or answers about health conditions — no appointments, waiting rooms or travel needed. Great for a sick kid at home or quick nonemergency care.
98point6.com/Costco | 98point6 app | Ages 1+ | No cost
24-Hour Nurse Line is available to employees and family members enrolled in the Aetna medical plan for your health questions. A registered nurse can help you decide where to go for care and find in-network urgent care options.
800-556-1555 (TTY: 711) | 24/7 | No cost
TeleConsulta is available 24/7/365 to employees and family members enrolled in the Triple-S medical plan for your health questions. A registered nurse can help you decide where to go for care, prepare for a doctor’s visit or answer general health questions.
800-255-4375 | 24/7 | No cost
TeleConsulta MD lets you see a doctor online in minutes. They can treat you and prescribe medication, order lab work and preventive tests, and review your results and any photos you submit. Conditions treated include colds, sinus issues, urinary tract infections and allergies.
TeleConsultaMD.com | TeleConsulta MD app | 866-795-8300 | 7 days a week, 6 am–10 pm
98point6 lets you connect with a board-certified doctor or physician assistant via text, 24/7, for a $0 copay. Get treatment, a diagnosis or answers about health conditions — no appointments, waiting rooms or travel needed. Great for a sick kid at home or quick nonemergency care.
98point6.com/Costco | 98point6 app | Ages 1+ | No cost
HMSA’s Online Care lets you see a doctor online for physical and mental health support anytime. Use it for urgent conditions like bronchitis or sinus infections, common conditions like cold or flu, chronic conditions like diabetes or allergies, plus emotional support.
HMSAonlinecare.com | HMSA’s Online Care app | 866-939-6013