Get Your Flu Shot
No one likes getting sick.
And the flu virus changes every year. So getting a yearly vaccine helps protect yourself, your child, and those around your family. Plus, it’s available at no cost to you or your child.
The flu vaccine is a good idea for just about everyone. But some people are at an even higher risk of health problems from the flu:
Pregnant Moms
Pregnancy can put you at higher risk for getting the flu and put your unborn baby at risk too. Getting a flu shot can help protect you and your baby.
Children and Families
Young children have a higher risk of health problems from the flu. Newborns are also at a high risk but can’t get the flu shot until they are six months old.
People with a Chronic Condition or Caregivers
People with a weakened immune system are more likely to get very ill from the flu. A yearly flu shot helps protect your child and those around the family.
Seniors or Those Who Care for Them
Our immune systems weaken with age. People aged 65 and older are at a higher risk for health issues from the flu. If you’re a senior or you and your child live with seniors, a flu shot will help protect you all.
Find a Doctor or Pharmacy
Find a doctor or pharmacy* near you to get your flu shot.
Common Questions About the Flu
What is the flu (Influenza)?
- Flu is a contagious respiratory illness caused by the flu viruses that infect the nose, throat and sometimes lungs. It can cause mild to severe illness. At times it can lead to death.
Why get your flu vaccine every flu season?
- Flu viruses are always changing. Scientists predict which virus will be most common each year. Flu vaccines change each flu season to make them work as well as possible.
- Protection from the flu shot gets weaker over time. That’s why a yearly flu vaccine is needed to keep you and your child from getting sick.
Can the flu shot give my child the flu?
No. According to the CDC, “flu vaccines either contain inactivated virus, meaning the viruses are no longer infectious, or a particle designed to look like a flu virus to your immune system. While the nasal spray does contain a live virus, the viruses are changed so that they cannot give you the flu.” That means getting a flu vaccine cannot give you or your child the flu. But it can reduce you and your child’s chances of catching the flu or getting very ill from the flu.
When and where should your child get a flu shot?
- Your child should get a flu vaccine before the flu starts spreading where you live. Fall is the best time for your child to get their yearly shot. Doctors recommend getting the vaccine by the end of October, if possible. But it is important to get the flu shot no matter the month.
- Your child can get the flu vaccine in many doctor’s offices. They can also get it in pharmacies,* clinics and health centers. Vaccines may also be offered at schools.
How do you know if someone has the flu?
The flu is different from a cold. The flu usually comes on suddenly. People who have the flu often feel some or all of these symptoms:
- Fever** or feeling feverish/chills
- Cough
- Sore throat
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Muscle or body aches
- Headaches
- Fatigue or tiredness
- Some people may have vomiting and diarrhea. This is more common in children than adults.
*Only members aged 18 or older can receive the flu vaccine at a pharmacy.
**It is important to note that not everyone with flu will have a fever.
Where should you take your child if they have flu symptoms?
Visit your child’s doctor or urgent care or call the 24/7 nurse advice line at 1-866-799-5321 (TTY 1-800-955-8770) with questions and to ask about medications that could help them feel better faster. Unless your child has a very high fever or trouble breathing, you should not need to go to the emergency room for the flu.