Flu Shots With Kaiser Permanente Washington: No
During the 2020-21 flu season, many schools were closed, and people were staying home to avoid the spread of COVID-19. This year, however, health officials are bracing for a more severe flu season. Most schools have reopened as have several businesses. People are also traveling and going out more. So this year more than ever, anyone who can get a flu shot needs to do so as soon as possible especially as the COVID-19 pandemic is still under way. In addition, the immunity you get from a flu shot only lasts about a year, and the virus changes, which means new flu vaccines are created annually.
Both the COVID-19 and flu vaccines are the best ways of protecting people against diseases and illnesses and both can reduce the risk of illness or hospitalization. Getting a vaccine helps your body to produce antibodies , usually after about 2 weeks. Your body will then be able to recognize and fight the disease if youre exposed to it later.
Kaiser Permanente is offering no-cost, walk-in flu shots for members at all of our medical facilities, no appointment needed. Were also offering flu shots to every member during their scheduled care appointments and, for a limited time only , our members may also get a flu shot at multiple retail locations, including:
- Albertsons
- Walgreens
- Walmart
Are The Symptoms Of Flu Common Cold And Covid
The symptoms of the 3 are very difficult to distinguish from one another.
For example, the flu can include chest congestion, coughing, and complications that lead to high fever, just like COVID-19. All 3 illnesses can include body aches, fatigue, and sore throat.
COVID-19 does have some unique symptoms, including loss of smell and taste. Nasal congestion or a runny nose is typically more common with a cold and possibly influenza than with COVID-19.
Where To Get Vaccinated
We recommend that everyone 6 months of age and older get a flu vaccine. Vaccination protects your health, and the health of your family and our community.
- Contact your primary care doctor or medical home to arrange to receive your flu vaccine.
- Kaiser’s 24-hour flu hotline: 800-KP FLU-11 or 711
- For San Rafael, Petaluma, and Novato Kaiser locations:
- English: 444-4154
- Spanish: 444-4200
- You can also receive your vaccine at pharmacies, retailers, and grocery stores. For example, check with your local CVS, Walgreens, Target, Rite Aid, and Safeway stores.
- Find one using the Vaccine Finder.
- View a list of Marin vaccination locations here:
- View the calendar of free community flu clinics hosted by Marin Health and Human Services.
For community partners who may be hosting flu vaccine clinics, to add your clinic to the calendar please contact .
Don’t Miss: Flu Shot And Shingrix Together
Worksite Flu Shot Clinics
Worksite flu shot clinic scheduling requests for the 2021 season are now being accepted. Flu clinics are available* to employers for all their employees, both Kaiser Permanente members and non-members, on a fee-for-service basis billed to the employer outside the scope of covered health plan benefits.*Not available for small group accounts.
Scheduling Lead Time
A six week lead time is required to schedule worksite flu vaccinations. Flu clinic dates fill up fast especially events in October-November. Talk with your groups soon to gather a few date options.
Key Points To Remember
- Most people get better from the flu without problems, but the flu can be deadly. It can lead to serious health problems such as pneumonia, or it can make an existing disease worse. Every year, thousands of people end up in the hospital with other health problems from the flu.
- A flu vaccine may not always keep you from getting the seasonal flu, but it can make the symptoms milder and lower the risk of other health problems from the flu.
- A few people may not be able to get a flu vaccine. If you have a severe allergy to any part of the vaccine, have had a serious reaction to the vaccine in the past, had Guillain-Barré syndrome, or are ill, be sure to tell the person who gives the vaccine.
- The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that everyone age 6 months and older should get a flu vaccine. But it’s most important to get one if you’re at high risk for other health problems from the flu. Those at high risk include young children, pregnant women, older adults, and people who have chronic diseases or weak immune systems.
- If you take care of someone who is at high risk, it’s a good idea to get a flu vaccine. This can lower the chance that you could spread the flu to the person you care for.
- Flu viruses change quickly, so you need to get a flu vaccine every year.
- You can’t get the flu from a flu vaccine.
Read Also: Stronger Flu Shots For Seniors
Is It Safe To Get The Flu And Covid
Yes. The most effective precaution to take is to get a flu vaccination when available to Kaiser Permanente members at no cost at the organizations medical centers and flu clinics starting mid-September. Flu vaccines are recommended for everyone 6 months and older.
With COVID-19 infections on the rise due to the Delta variant, its more important than ever to get both vaccinations. It is safe to get a COVID-19 vaccination and flu vaccination simultaneously with no wait time in between, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Kaiser Permanente Rolls Out Drive
With COVID-19 in the background, physicians are urging everyone to get a flu shot this year. Pictured, Brae Pate, a licensed vocational nurse, prepares a flu shot in the drive-through area for a member at Kaiser Richmond Medical Center during the first week of the flu vaccination program.
Kaiser Permanente is offering convenient drive-through and outdoor walk-up flu shots at its medical centers across Northern California to maintain social distancing during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Members can see flu shot clinic locations and operating hours on the Kaiser Permanente website.
At the drive-through clinics, members will simply put their arm out the car window, get the shot, and be off. Members visiting walk-up clinics will be spaced 6 feet apart to minimize contact with others.
In addition to the website, members can call the Kaiser Permanente Northern California flu hotline to get more information at 1-800-573-5811.
We are doing everything we possibly can and are committed to providing a very safe environment to get a vaccine, said Randy Bergen, MD, clinical lead for the Kaiser Permanente Northern California Flu Vaccine Program.
The flu, with its fever, headache, and cough, can be deadly for the very young and the very old, and a sickly ordeal at the very least for those in between. In the 2019-2020 flu season, the CDC estimated that up to 56 million people in the U.S. got the flu, as many as 740,000 were hospitalized, and up to 62,000 died.
Also Check: Target Flu Shot Cost With Insurance
What Matters Most To You
Your personal feelings are just as important as the medical facts. Think about what matters most to you in this decision, and show how you feel about the following statements.
Reasons to get a flu vaccine
Reasons not to get a flu vaccine
I’ll do whatever I can to avoid getting the flu.
I’m not worried about getting the flu.
I can’t afford to get sick and miss work or school.
I’m not worried about getting sick and missing work or school.
I’m a big believer in vaccines.
I don’t trust vaccines.
I’m worried about getting other serious health problems from the flu.
I’m more worried about side effects from the vaccine.
Get A Flu Shot In The Way That Works For You
Kaiser Permanente Northern California is offering convenient ways to get the flu shot including at retail pharmacies.
Its officially the start of flu season, and its more important than ever to get a flu vaccine. With infectious disease experts predicting that flu could come back with a punch this season, as well as the continued threat of COVID-19, a flu shot is your best defense against the flu and can eliminate confusion around which illness you may have.
Flu vaccines are available at no cost to all Kaiser Permanente members who are 6 months and older. Explore different ways to get your flu shot below. Find information on how to get a COVID-19 vaccine, which is safe to receive at the same time as your flu shot.
Read Also: Medicare Part B Flu Shot
Will My Symptoms Be Worse If I Get The Flu Or A Cold This Season
If you did not get the flu or a cold last year, your symptoms will not be worse if you contract either this season.
There is a misconception that you have a lack of immunity if you didnt get the flu the previous year, but this is not true. People can expect the severity of their symptoms to be similar to any other time they have had the flu or a cold.
Kaiser Permanente Hawaii Now Offering Saturday Flu Shot Clinics
FILE
HONOLULU Kaiser Permanente Hawaii is now offering free flu shots for its members, and its Saturday morning walk-in flu shot clinics are also available at several of their larger facilities statewide.
On Oahu, members can receive a flu shot on Saturdays located at the Honolulu, Koolau and Waipio medical facilities from 8 a.m. to noon, according to the Kaiser Permanente website. Additionally, Saturday flu shot clinics are available at the Hilo facility on the Big Island.
Get news on the go with KHON 2GO, KHONs morning podcast, every morning at 8
According to officials, it is safe to receive the COVID vaccine and flu shot at the same time. Walk-ins are accepted, and participants must bring their Kaiser Permanente member ID card and a photo ID.
All flu shot clinics will be closed between 12 p.m. and 1 p.m. for lunch on weekdays and holidays.For more information regarding flu shot clinic locations and hours, clickhere.
Don’t Miss: Cvs Cold And Flu Severe
Getting Your Flu Shot At Roseville Kaiser Permanente
Roseville, Calif.- It has never been easier for Kaiser Permanente members to protect themselves against the flu with flu shots offered at facilities in Roseville and across the the greater Sacramento region.
The flu is a serious illness, so do everything you can to prevent it. A flu shot is your best defense. The vaccine is safe it generally has few side effects and wont make you sick.
Everyone 6 months and older should get a flu vaccination each year. Flu vaccines are now available at no charge to Kaiser Permanente members when given at a Kaiser Permanente medical facility.
Schedule Your Flu Shot Today
Youve got good times ahead. Enjoy them flu free by scheduling your flu shot appointment.
Dinner dates. Back to school. Lots and lots of hugs. The COVID-19 vaccine makes moments like these much safer. But it doesnt make us any safer from the yearly flu virus. The flu shot is a safe, effective way to protect what you love. Even better, its oh-so simple to get one.
Kaiser Permanente offers appointments easy ways for you to get a flu shot:
You will always be offered a flu shot at any primary or specialty care appointment.
Your health and safety are our top priority and we want to make sure that you get the care you need while staying safe. Were taking the following precautions to ensure your safety in our facilities:
Everyone, ages 2 and up, must wear a mask at all times in our medical centers, and social distancing protocols are in place. We thoroughly sanitize all surfaces in our facilities especially in the Pharmacy, Laboratory, and Radiology departments, plus all reception desks and waiting rooms.
If you have any questions about where you can receive a flu shot or how we are keeping our facilities and members safe, please call our 24/7 appointments and advice line 1-800-777-7904 .
You May Like: What If I Get 2 Flu Shots
Its Now Even Easier To Get A Flu Shot
Flu shots now available through participating retail pharmacies.
From October 1 through March 31, 2022, Kaiser Permanente members can also get a flu shot at no additional cost from multiple retail locations, including Walgreens, CVS Health, and Walmart. This is in addition to the Kaiser Permanente flu clinics options that are currently available to members.
Kaiser Permanente will offer appointments for 5 easy ways to get a flu shot:
- Drive-thru clinic: A convenient way to get a flu shot. Members dont even have to leave their car.
- Medical center clinic: If a member would like to get a flu shot in a medical center, they can schedule an appointment. Flu clinics are in a designated room in each medical center.
- Walk-up clinic: Members can schedule an appointment at one of our open-air tents.
- Flu Saturdays: Members can make an appointment at one of our outdoor, weekend clinics. These are held at select medical centers, on Saturdays from September 11 through October 23.
- NEW! Retail pharmacies: Between now and March 31, 2022, members can get a flu shot at no additional cost from select retailers including Walgreens, CVS, Safeway, and more. All they need is their photo ID and Member ID Card. If they forget their physical Member ID Card, they can use their digital ID card in the KP app.
Like previous years, flu shots will be offered at any primary or specialty care appointments.
When Should I Get Tested For Covid
If you are experiencing any of the above symptoms for either COVID-19 or the flu, or have recently been in contact with someone who tested positive for either virus, you should quarantine and self-schedule a COVID-19 test on kp.org.
The good news is that in addition to getting the flu and COVID-19 vaccinations, the same precautions that you have been taking to fight COVID-19 wearing a mask in public, maintaining 6 feet of distance from people outside your household, and washing your hands frequently will help prevent flu and colds, too.
Find information and regular updates on flu vaccination and clinic hours and locations.
This Post Has 2 Comments
You May Like: One Medical Flu Shot Clinic
Will Flu Come Back With A Vengeance This Season
Its impossible to predict the severity of the influenza and cold season. But, given that most students have returned to in-person learning after 18 months at home and some people are working in the office again, its likely that the number of flu cases will be higher than last season. If mask wearing indoors continues, however, it will have a positive impact on the seasons outcome.
If you or your child are showing symptoms of a flu or cold, stay home from work or school, ventilate your home, and do the best you can to isolate from others.
Never A Better Time To Get A Flu Shot
With about 3 months left in the flu season, Kaiser Permanente doctors say it is still vitally important to get vaccinated.
With 3 months to go in the flu season, Kaiser Permanente is urging everyone to get their free vaccination either at their doctors office or by visiting one of many participating retail pharmacies.
Luckily the flu has not yet been recorded in any significant way in Northern California Kaiser Permanente membership. And even though the fears of a twindemic of flu and COVID-19 have dimmed somewhat, if you have not gotten your shot, it is time to do so.
Just because flu isnt around right now, that doesnt mean its not going to be, said Randy Bergen, MD, clinical lead for the Kaiser Permanente Northern California Flu Vaccine Program. Flu likes to circulate in the winter. Its good news that it isnt here now, because we have enough trouble with COVID-19, but there are still 3 months left in the official flu season, so people who have not yet received the flu shot should get it.
Members who have not yet received their vaccinations should do so through March 31. Members also can get a free flu shot at many retail pharmacies including Costco, CVS, Rite Aid, Safeway, Walgreens, and Walmart. All they need to do is show their member card and photo ID.
Just because flu isnt around right now, that doesnt mean its not going to be.
He said measures taken to prevent COVID-19 have cut down on flu transmission.
Recommended Reading: Cell Based Flu Vaccine Brands
Who Should Get A Flu Vaccine
The CDC recommends that everyone age 6 months or older should get a flu vaccine each year.
A flu vaccine is especially important for people who are at high risk for getting other health problems from the flu. This includes:
- People who are age 65 or older.
- People who have long-term diseases, such as heart disease, diabetes, kidney disease, and lung disease, including asthma.
- People who live in nursing homes or long-term care centers.
- People who have a .
- Women who are or will be pregnant during the flu season.
- Young children.
The flu vaccine is also important for people who could spread the flu to others who are at high risk. This includes:
- Anyone who lives with or cares for a child who is younger than 5.
- Anyone in close contact with a person who is at high risk for other health problems from the flu. This includes family, friends, and caregivers.
- Health care workers.
Children younger than 6 months of age and people with severe, life-threatening allergies to the flu vaccine or any part of the vaccine should not get a flu vaccine.
Talk to your doctor before getting a flu vaccine if you:
- Have a severe allergy to eggs or any part of the vaccine.
- Have had a serious reaction to the flu vaccine in the past.
- Have had .
- Are sick. If you are ill and have a fever, wait until you’re better before you get a flu vaccine.
People who can’t get a flu vaccine but are at risk from the flu may be able to take an antiviral medicine instead.