Flu Vaccine
No one likes getting sick. And the flu virus changes every year. So, getting a yearly vaccine helps protect yourself and those around you. Plus it’s available at no cost through your physician’s office or a Commercial or Medi-Cal Rx participating pharmacy.
The flu vaccine is a good idea for just about everyone. But these 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. Children should get their first flu shot starting at age six months. - People with a Chronic Condition or Caregivers
Flu can make chronic health problems worse. Those conditions can include diabetes, asthma or heart disease. Flu vaccines are the best protection from flu and potential serious complications. - Seniors or Those Who Care for Them
Our immune systems weaken with age. People age 65 and older are at a higher risk for health issues from the flu. If you're a senior or live with seniors, a flu shot will help protect you all.
Find a Medi-Cal doctor or pharmacy near you to get your flu shot
Find a Commercial doctor or pharmacy near you to get your flu shot
Common Questions about the Flu
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.
- 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 from getting sick.
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 the flu. But it can reduce your chances of catching the flu or getting very ill from the flu.
- You should get a flu vaccine before the flu starts spreading where you live. Fall is the best time to get your yearly shot. Doctors recommend getting your vaccine by the end of October if possible. But it is important to get the flu shot no matter the month.
- You can get your flu vaccine in many doctor’s offices. You can also get it in pharmacies, clinics and health centers. Vaccines may also be offered at schools or your workplace.
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.
* It is important to note that not everyone with flu will have a fever.
Visit your doctor or urgent care or call your health plan’s nurse advice line with questions and to ask about medications that could help you feel better faster. Unless you have a very high fever or trouble breathing, you should not need to go to the emergency room for the flu.