Flu Shot

Flu season can start as early as September and can go through May. Try to get your flu shot before it spreads in your community. The earlier you get your flu shot, the better.

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. Scientific research has shown that it is safe. Talk with your doctor or local pharmacist if you have concerns. 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 respiratory disease that affects your breathing. It can lead to hospitalizations or death for high-risk people. 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 develop about two weeks after you get the flu shot and help to protect you against the flu viruses. Some people may get mild fevers and chills while they develop these antibodies. There are many types of flu shots. Learn more about the different types of flu shots.

Flu vs. COVID-19

The flu and COVID-19 are both contagious respiratory illnesses. Many of the symptoms may be the same, but COVID-19 is caused by a different virus than the flu. COVID-19 is caused by the SARS-COV-2 virus. The flu is caused by the Influenza A and B viruses.

Teladoc

You may still get sick even if you take the right steps. We partner with Teladoc^® to give you 24/7 health care virtually. This is a good choice when you can’t get to a provider quickly. Visit with a provider by phone or video from anywhere. Call 1-800-TELADOC (1-800-835-2362) to set up a visit over the phone. Visit Teladoc to learn more.

Flu Shot Facts

• FACT: The flu shot does not give you the flu.
  The virus in the flu shot is a dead virus. A dead virus cannot make you sick. Instead, it helps your body build immunity.
• FACT: The flu virus is always changing.
  The flu virus strains can change from one year to the next. The flu shot is updated each season as needed. This is based on which flu viruses will be most common.
• FACT: The flu shot is very safe.
  The flu shot has a long history of being safe. The first flu shot was developed in the 1940s. The CDC routinely monitors the safety of the flu shot.
• FACT: The COVID-19 vaccine does not protect you from the flu.
  It doesn’t matter if you are vaccinated for COVID-19. The viruses that cause the flu are different from the virus that causes COVID-19. Because of this, it is still vital to get your flu shot to protect yourself from the flu.
• FACT: People aged 65+ need the flu shot.
  People that are 65 years of age and older are at a higher risk for health-related issues if they get the flu. Getting the flu shot can reduce the risk of serious health-related issues.
• FACT: The flu shot is safe during pregnancy.
  The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) says pregnant women can get the flu shot at any point during pregnancy. The antibodies produced by the mother will transfer to the baby and protect them until they are able to get the flu shot at six months of age.

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. It is vital to understand that the symptoms of the flu and COVID-19 are similar.

Common symptoms of both the flu and COVID-19 are below: