Flu Shot

Last flu season, around 3,700 people died of the flu.

Believe it or not, the flu is still a big threat to people’s health. To make things worse, flu viruses can change each flu season. That’s why it’s vital to get your flu shot every year.

Where can you get the flu shot?

Find a pharmacy near you. The sooner you get your flu shot, the sooner you start protecting yourself and others! Need a doctor? We can help with that too! Just use our Find a Doctor tool.

When is the flu season?

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 in the fall. If that’s not possible, at least plan 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 vaccine.

Who should get the flu shot?

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), most people six months of age or older should get the flu shot every year. The flu shot is most vital for those who have a higher risk of health-related issues, should they get the flu. 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 (e.g. 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?

According to the CDC, the flu shot has a history of being 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 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. 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 are developed about two weeks after getting the flu shot and are what help to protect you against the flu viruses. As you begin to develop these antibodies, some people may experience mild fevers and chills.

There are many types of flu shots. The CDC provides up-to-date information on which flu shots are available each flu season. 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. It is vital to understand that the symptoms of the flu and COVID-19 are similar.

The CDC says it may be difficult to figure out the differences between the viruses based on symptoms alone and recommends testing to help confirm a diagnosis.

Questions? Call Member Services at 1-800-488-0134 (TTY: 711). We are open Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.