Flu Vaccine

The Influenza vaccine, otherwise known as the “flu shot,” is a way to protect yourself and your community from the flu. Read below for information surrounding Influenza, the Flu Vaccine, and resources for access in your area.

What is influenza?

Influenza is a virus that changes slightly by season and can display a variety of symptoms in an infected person. 

Symptoms

Symptoms include fever, cough, sore throat, stuffy nose, headache, body aches, and fatigue.

Why get a flu vaccine?

  • While we are in the COVID-19 pandemic, it is especially important to protect yourself and your community against potential illness.

  • Each year there are thousands of hospitalizations and deaths due to the flu. During COVID-19, it is especially important to protect yourself and your community by preventing overcrowding in hospitals, which reduces access to emergency medical care.

  • If you get the flu, you will be more at risk of contracting COVID-19. If you contracted COVID-19, flu symptoms are likely to be more severe.

  • The flu shot is a quick, easy and harmless way to prevent influenza infection. Symptoms of the flu are very similar to COVID-19 symptoms.

  • Getting the flu shot can prevent absence from work.

  • Influenza infection can lead to pneumonia, ear infection, sinus infection, and worsening of existing conditions.

  • Most people are contagious for at least one day before the onset of symptoms.

How safe is the flu vaccine?

The flu vaccine is safe and recommended for everyone over the age of 6 months, including pregnant people. The flu vaccine is available in many forms including injection and a nasal spray.

How effective is the flu vaccine?

The effectiveness of the flu vaccine varies from year to year depending on how well it matches the strain going around. Its effectiveness also depends on the age and health of the vaccinated person. In general, getting a flu shot can reduce your chance of getting sick by 40-60%. Getting a vaccine will always offer more protection than no vaccine. It is important to get a flu shot every year due to the change in strains of influenza virus.

Where do I find a flu vaccine?

  • CVS Pharmacy offers free flu shots with or without health insurance. Schedule your flu shot at CVS linked here.

  • Urgent care centers offer flu shots. Make sure to call ahead of time to check availability. 

  • Your local pharmacies including CVS, Walgreens, Rite Aid, Target, and Safeway offer low-cost to free flu shots with or without health insurance. GoodRx compares prices throughout different pharmacies linked here. 

  • In Canada, you can get a free flu shot at most pharmacies (Shoppers Drug Mart, Jean Coutu, etc.). You can also ask your local walk-in clinics or your family doctor/GP. Information for each province can be found here.