Flu Shot
Check out our Flu FAQ Booklet!
This is the complete guide to all things flu. Want to understand how the flu is spread? Worried about the flu shot side effects? Find all answers inside.
Who should get the flu shot?
Most people six months of age or older should get the flu shot every year. The flu shot is most vital for “high-risk” people. This includes:
- People 65 years of age or older
- Women who are pregnant or trying to become pregnant
- People who live in a nursing home or other long-term care facilities
- People of any age with chronic conditions like asthma, diabetes, heart, kidney, liver, and blood or metabolic disorders.
- People who live with or care for those at high risk for health-related issues.
Is the flu shot safe?
For more than 60 years, millions of people around the world have gotten the flu shot and scientific research organizations have told us that it is safe.
If you have any concerns, we strongly encourage you to speak with your doctor or local pharmacist. You can also read the CDC’s flu shot safety information.
Why is the flu shot important?
The flu shot helps protect you from getting severely sick from influenza. Influenza is a serious respiratory disease that affects your breathing. Influenza can lead to hospitalizations or even death for people who are at high risk for health-related issues. Still not sure about the flu shot? Learn more about the benefits of getting your flu shot.
How does the flu shot work?
A flu shot works by telling your body to create antibodies. These antibodies are developed about two weeks after getting the flu shot and are what help to protect you against the flu viruses. As you develop these antibodies, some people may experience mild fevers and chills. Take a look at different types of flu shots.
Flu vs. COVID-19
You may be wondering how the flu and COVID-19 are the same, or how they are different. Both diseases are contagious respiratory illnesses, but COVID-19 is caused by a different virus than the flu. COVID-19 is caused by the SARS-COV-2 virus and flu is caused by the Influenza A and Influenza B viruses.
| Symptoms | Flu | COVID-19 |
|---|---|---|
| Fever/chills | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cough | ✓ | ✓ |
| Difficulty breathing | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tiredness | ✓ | ✓ |
| Sore throat | ✓ | ✓ |
| Muscle and body aches | ✓ | ✓ |
| Headache | ✓ | ✓ |
| Change or loss of taste or smell | ✓ |