Flu Shot
Flu season can start as early as September and can go through May. You should try to get your flu shot before the flu starts spreading in your community. The earlier you get your flu shot, the better. Always plan to get your flu shot as soon as it becomes available.
Where can you get the flu shot?
The sooner you get your flu shot, the sooner you start protecting yourself and others! Need a doctor? Just use our Find a Doctor tool. Or you can easily get vaccines at a convenience care clinic or pharmacy. Find a Pharmacy near you.
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? Read 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 getting the flu shot and help to protect you against the flu viruses. As you develop these antibodies, some people may experience mild fevers and chills. There are many types of flu shots. Take a look at different types of flu shots to learn more.
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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Trouble breathing | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tired | ✓ | ✓ |
| Sore throat | ✓ | ✓ |
| Muscle and body aches | ✓ | ✓ |
| Headache | ✓ | ✓ |
| Change or loss of taste or smell | ✓ |
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 your PCP. You and your family can talk to a Teladoc provider by phone or video from anywhere. Call 1-800-TELADOC (1-800-835-2362) to set up a visit over the phone. You can also access telehealth services in your CareSource MyLife account.