Flu Shot

The flu is still a big threat to people’s health. Flu viruses can change each flu season. That’s why it’s vital to get your flu shot each year.

The flu shot is safe, easy to get and free.

Where can you get the flu shot?

If you’re not sure where to go? Use our Find a Pharmacy to find a pharmacy near you. The sooner you get your flu shot, the sooner you protect yourself and others. Need a doctor? Use the  Find a Doctor tool.

Get your free flu shot and earn a $10 reward*.For children to get the reward for the flu shot, sign up for CareSource MyKids.

When is the flu season?

Flu season can start as early as September and can go through May. Try to get your flu shot before it starts to spread. The earlier you get your flu shot, the better. Be sure to get your flu shot as soon as you can. Try to get it before the end of October.

Note: The COVID-19 vaccine does not protect you from the flu. It’s vital to get the flu shot even if you’ve had the COVID-19 shot.

Who should get the flu shot?

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says most people six months of age or older should get the flu shot each year. The flu shot is vital for those who have a higher risk of health issues. These people are called “high-risk”. The CDC classifies high risk to be:

• 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 certain chronic conditions (such as asthma, diabetes, heart issues.)
• People who live with or care for those at high risk.

Is the flu shot safe?

The CDC states the flu shot is safe. For more than 60 years, millions of people have gotten the flu shot. Scientific research has told us that it is safe.

If you have questions, speak with your doctor or local pharmacist. You can also read the CDC’s flu shot safety information.

Why get a flu shot?

The flu shot helps protect you from getting influenza. It is a disease that hurts your breathing. It can lead to going to the hospital or even death for high-risk people.

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 make antibodies. Your body makes them about two weeks after getting the flu shot. They are what help to protect you against the flu viruses. As you get the antibodies, some people may have mild fevers and chills.

There are many types of flu shots. The CDC gives up-to-date news about flu shots. Learn more about the different types of flu shots.

Flu Shot Facts

• FACT: The flu shot does not give you the flu.
  The flu shot is a dead virus. It cannot make you sick. It helps your body build immunity.
• FACT: The flu virus is always changing.
  The flu strains can change from one year to the next. The flu shot is new 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 is safe. The first flu shot was made in the 1940s. The CDC routinely tracks the safety of the flu shot.
• FACT: The COVID-19 shot 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 not the same as the virus that causes COVID-19. You need a 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 high risk for health-related issues if they get the flu. Getting the flu shot can lower 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. The antibodies made by the mother will protect the baby. It will protect them until they are able to get the flu shot at six months of age.

Flu vs. COVID-19

Both are respiratory illnesses that spread easily. COVID-19 is caused by the SARS-COV-2 virus. The flu is caused by the Influenza A and B viruses.

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

The CDC says testing needs to be done to help know what you have. Know the differences between the flu and COVID-19. Go to the COVID-19 Member Resource Center to get more help.

Are you a parent?

The KidsHealth Flu Center to learn all about how has tips to help prevent stop the flu in your child,. It tells what signs and symptoms to look for and what to do if your child gets the flu.

Member Services: 1-855-202-0729 (TTY: 711), Monday through Friday 7 a.m. – 7 p.m.