Flu Vaccine
Everyone 6 months of age and older should get an annual flu shot. To find a local provider who offers adult flu vaccine, please visit Adult Immunization Providers. Contact your private physician, pharmacy, or local county health department for a flu clinic schedule, or visit vaccines.gov.
Flu Vaccine Facts
- It takes about 2 weeks for protection to develop after vaccination.
- Influenza vaccine does not cause flu.
- Influenza vaccine may be given at the same time as other vaccines, including the COVID-19 vaccine.
- With rare exceptions, everyone 6 months of age and older should get an annual flu vaccine by the end of October.
Flu Vaccine Benefits
- Reduces risk of flu illness
- Reduces visits to the doctor
- Reduces hospitalizations and deaths related to flu illness
A new CDC study found that people who had received a flu vaccine were half as likely to be hospitalized with flu compared to people who had not been vaccinated.
Who Should Get the Flu Vaccine?
- Everyone 6 months or older
- High-risk groups:
- Healthcare workers
- Caregivers for people in high-risk groups or for infants younger than 6 months old
Flu Vaccine and COVID-19
The influenza vaccination will not prevent COVID-19, but it is the best way to minimize the risk of flu. COVID-19 is caused by infection with the coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 and flu is caused by infection with influenza viruses. Flu and COVID-19 disease share many of the same symptoms --- fever, headache, sore throat, muscle aches, and fatigue. These similarities may make illnesses more difficult to diagnose and treat. Getting a flu vaccine will reduce the chances of possible misdiagnosis and getting both diseases at the same time. It's safe to get the flu vaccine and the COVID-19 vaccine at the same time.
Additional Resources
Page last updated: October 11, 2023
