What Types Of Flu Vaccines Are Available
Inactivated VaccineThis vaccine contains a killed flu virus. It is approved for use in people 6 months and older, people with chronic medical conditions, and pregnant women.
Live Attenuated Influenza Vaccine This nasal-spray flu vaccine is made with live, weakened flu viruses. The viruses in the nasal spray vaccine do not cause the flu, but may cause some nasal congestion.
When Is The Flu Vaccine Available
The CDC recommends getting the seasonal flu vaccine in September or October, before the flu begins to spread in communities. Because the flu season normally peaks in February and lasts well into May, the CDC recommends getting a flu vaccine even if you don’t get it before the end of October.
The seasonal flu vaccine usually becomes available in July or August, according to the CDC, which is when children should get it. Adults are advised not to get vaccinated at this time since the flu vaccine’s effectiveness decreases over time.
Where To Get Immunized
Check first with your doctors office or primary care clinic which is often the best and least expensive place to get vaccinated.
For information on COVID-19 vaccine in San Francisco, please visit www.sf.gov/covidvax.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, providers are taking every precaution to keep you safe, wherever you plan to get vaccinated. We understand you may feel a little uneasy about coming into the doctors office, pharmacy or flu clinic this year. Hospitals, clinics and other settings across the city have taken additional safety measures to ensure patients are safe when getting vaccinated. Additional safety measures include separating times for sick and healthy patients, masking requirements, additional disinfecting between appointments, physical distancing in waiting areas and many other precautionary measures to make sure patients stay safe.
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Get A Return On Your Immunization
- Up to 20% of the workforce gets sick with the flu each year, and each of those employees loses an average of 5 work days annually
- Companies lose millions of dollars due to absenteeism and increased medical costs
- Make it a policy to vaccinate your employees against the flu every year to maximize performance
- Your bottom line, and your healthy employees, will thank you!
Flu Shots Available Nationwide At Kroger Pharmacies And The Little Clinic

September 23, 2019 by Chain Drug Review
CINCINNATI Kroger Co. is offering flu shots at more than 2,100 pharmacy locations nationwide and 225 The Little Clinic. Flu shots are available for ages two and up, and high-dose flu shots are available for ages 65 and older.
Colleen Lindholz
Kroger Family of Pharmacies welcome walk-ins, and all flu shots are administered by certified pharmacists or The Little Clinic nurse practitioners or physician assistants. The flu shot is covered by most insurance providers, including Medicare, with no out-of-pocket cost to customers.
The concerning flu season in the Southern Hemisphere has shown why its so important for our customers to take preventive measures to protect themselves and their loved ones, said Colleen Lindholz, president of Kroger Health. Our team of trained pharmacists and clinicians are available seven days a week to provide flu shots as well as health and wellness resources to help our customers remain healthy.
Every year in the United States, more than 200,000 individuals are hospitalized for influenza. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends an annual flu vaccination for everyone 6 months and older by the end of October. Flu shots can reduce the risk of more serious symptoms and outcomes, including flu-related hospitalizations.
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Free Flu Vaccines Now Offered At Some High
Although flu season usually ends in April, flu cases are rising now in Oregon. Public health experts encourage anyone six months and older who has not had a flu shot this season to get one. Three of Oregon Health Authoritys high-volume COVID-19 vaccination sites now offer free flu shots, in addition to COVID-19 vaccines and boosters for all age groups. No appointments or proof of insurance or immigration status are required.
High-volume COVID-19 vaccination sites offering free flu vaccines:
Beaverton Tektronix
- 2540 SW Alan Blumlein Way, Building 58
- Open Thursdays through Saturdays, noon to 7 p.m.
- Sundays, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Indoor walk-up clinic
Salem Oregon State Fair & Expo Center
- 1935 Silverton Road NE opposite side of street at the white tents
- Open Thursdays through Saturdays, noon to 7 p.m.
- Sundays, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Indoor drive-thru clinic
Wood Village former Multnomah Greyhound Park
- 944 NE 223rd Ave.
- Open Thursdays through Saturdays, noon to 7 p.m.
- Sundays, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Outdoor drive-thru clinic
Flu shots are also widely available at pharmacies, urgent care clinics or your providers office. Supermarkets with pharmacies and schools are also possible locations to get a flu shot. .
For more information on flu trends in Oregon, check out OHAs weekly FluBites report, published every Friday.
Get Your Flu Shot Today
Getting a flu shot is a simple way you can help yourself and others be healthier this flu season. If your UnitedHealthcare health plan is provided through your employer:
- Your flu shot is covered at $0 out-of-pocket1
- You can get a flu shot at more than 50,000 locations
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Are You An Active Duty Or Guard/reserve Member
Youre required to get the flu vaccine.
- You have priority to get the vaccine at military hospitals and military clinics.
- You can also get vaccines at participating retail network pharmacies.
If you go to a participating network pharmacy, you won’t have any cost-shares or copayments if the flu vaccine is administered by a pharmacist. You can also go to a TRICARE-authorized provider at a participating network onsite clinic.
If you go to a network doctor other than your primary care manager , you must get a referral from your PCM. In addition, you may have to pay copayments or cost-shares for the office visit.
When you get a flu vaccine from a participating network pharmacy, follow your Service policy guidance for recording the vaccine in your shot record. You’ll need the following information:
- The date the vaccine was given
- The vaccine name or code
- Manufacturer
Where To Get A Flu Shot
During flu season you can get a free flu shot from:
- your doctor or nurse practitioner
- participating pharmacies
Children six moths to four years old can get their flu shot from a doctor, nurse practitioner or local public health unit. Children under five years old cannot get a flu shot at a pharmacy.
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What Are My Flu Vaccine Delivery Options
There are two types of flu vaccines: injection and nasal spray. According to the CDC, most flu vaccinations are administered with a needle inserted into the arm muscle, though a jet injector may be used in people aged 18 to 64. The nasal spray immunization is only available to people aged two to 49, with the exception of pregnant women and people with compromised immune systems, according to the CDC.
Biometric Screenings Can Be A Great Addition To A Flu Clinic:
- Get a sense of the health of your employee population
- Provide employees with data on current and potential medical issues
- Help employees recognize strategies for disease prevention and better health
Learn more about Biometric Screenings and ask an account representative about adding this service onto your on-site flu clinic.
The Passport Health Advantage
Protect employee health and your bottom line this flu season. Schedule an on-site flu shot clinic.
Why Passport Health?
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Who Should Get The Flu Vaccine
The CDC recommends that everyone six months of age and older get the flu vaccine every season. It does, however, mention that different vaccines may be required for different people. The nasal spray flu vaccine is not recommended for pregnant women due to an increased risk of complications, according to the CDC.
Kroger Pharmacies The Little Clinic Now Offering Flu Shots

CINCINNATI Kroger has announced that it is offering $25 flu shots at more than 1,900 Kroger pharmacy locations nationwide and at The Little Clinic locations inside select stores.Flu shots are available for ages 2 years and older and high-dose flu shots are available for patients ages 65 years and older.Certified pharmacists, The Little Clinic nurse practitioners or physician assistants administer all flu shots. Kroger pharmacies accept most insurance plans including Medicare.The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends an annual flu shot for all people ages 6 months and older. The 2012 seasonal flu vaccine has been developed to protect against three flu strains: H1N1 and two new strains, H3N2 and a B strain. Because human immune defenses become weaker with age, older adults are at higher risk of severe illness from the flu. This year, the Fluzone High-Dose flu shot is available as an option for those ages 65 years and older. The higher dose of antigen in the Fluzone High-Dose vaccine is intended to give older adults a better immune response after vaccination.Kroger also is available to provide on-site flu clinics for workplaces and businesses.
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San Francisco Flu Shot Locations
Flu shots are available at provider offices, clinics, and pharmacies. Check first with your doctors office or primary care clinic which is often the best and least expensive place to get vaccinated. If you do not have a health care provider or your doctors office does not administer vaccines, use the Health Map Vaccine Finder to find a location in your neighborhood that is currently offering flu vaccines to the public.
Flu shots are available at retail pharmacies, like Walgreens and CVS. If you have Medi-Cal, Medicare, or some types of private insurance you can receive a flu shot free of charge at any pharmacy where you can normally obtain prescriptions. Call your local pharmacy to confirm that your insurance will cover a flu shot and to schedule an appointment. Patients with Healthy Workers or Healthy San Francisco can only obtain flu shots at their health clinics or one of the free Flu shot locations below.
The San Francisco Department of Public Health and other Community Clinics offer free or low cost flu vaccines to the public.
Location |
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Why Do I Need To Get Vaccinated Every Year
According to the CDC, everyone six months and older should get a flu shot every year. Because flu viruses evolve over time, flu vaccines must be updated every year to offer protection against the most recent strain. According to the CDC, the flu vaccine’s immunity weakens over time, so a yearly dose can provide the most protection.
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Military Hospital Or Clinic
- Active duty service members have priority
- If not available stateside at your military hospital or clinic, you can seek the flu vaccine at a participating network provider or TRICARE-authorized providerAn authorized provider is any individual, institution/organization, or supplier that is licensed by a state, accredited by national organization, or meets other standards of the medical community, and is certified to provide benefits under TRICARE. There are two types of TRICARE-authorized providers: Network and Non-Network. DS.
- If not available overseas at your military hospital or clinic, you can seek the flu vaccine by:
- If you’re an active duty service member, you need to follow your unit chain of command and service guidance for recording the vaccine in your service medical record
How Does The Flu Shot Protect You
The flu shot prompts your immune system to produce antibodies against a specific strain of the flu. If youre exposed to this particular flu virus later, youll already have antibodies ready to fight off the virus.
It usually takes about 2 weeks to build up your immunity to a flu virus after youve been vaccinated against it.
Youll have the most antibodies 1 to 2 months later. After this time, your protection begins to decline. Thats why you need a flu shot every year.
Each years vaccine is based on which strains are most likely to spread during that flu season.
The vaccine wont protect you from every strain. But if you do get sick, itll likely be less severe due to the vaccine.
The 2020-21 flu season may be complicated by the COVID-19 pandemic. The overlap of these two viral illnesses threatens to overburden hospitals, which typically get an influx of patients who have complications from the seasonal flu.
Getting your flu shot can help lower your risk of flu complications that could put you in the hospital.
Most people have little to no reaction following the vaccine. Theres no live virus in the flu shot, so it cant give you the flu.
Some people have a temporary reaction at the injection site, such as:
- tenderness
Normally, you can get a flu vaccine at your doctors office, your local pharmacy, or even at a walk-in retail clinic.
Some employers even provide flu shots for their employees at their workplace.
- Contact your
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Flu Shot: Your Best Bet For Avoiding Influenza
The flu, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention , is a potentially fatal illness that can lead to hospitalization and death. Millions of people in the United States contract the flu each year, and tens of thousands of people die as a result of flu-related illnesses, according to the report. The flu can cause ear infections, bacterial pneumonia, and chronic health problems such as diabetes and heart failure.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention , the flu vaccine has been shown to reduce the risk of flu-related illness, hospitalizations, and fatalities in children. According to the Centers for Sickness Control and Prevention, it may even reduce the severity of disease in people who suffer breakthrough infections after getting vaccinated.
Get Your Flushot Today
The City of El Paso offers various locations across the city making it convenient for you to get your free flu shot today.
Free flu shots are available at no cost for individuals 2 years of age and older. Patient Questionnaire available at Be POWERflu events, but you can prepare by filling out and printing your patient questionnaire so you can take with you when you go get your flu shot.
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Can I Lower My Risk Of The Flu Without Getting A Flu Shot
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention , there are a number of effective ways to reduce your risk of catching the flu without getting vaccinated. Exercising frequently, eating good meals, getting plenty of quality sleep, and managing stress are some of the most effective methods to maintain a robust immune system and avoid the flu. According to the CDC, other precautions include often washing your hands, covering your mouth and nose while sneezing or coughing, and avoiding close contact with sick people.
Solv has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. We avoid using tertiary references.
Who Shouldnt Get Vaccinated

If youre currently feeling sick, its best to wait until youre better.
Avoid the flu shot if you have a severe allergy to any of the ingredients that may be used in the vaccine, such as:
- egg protein
- monosodium glutamate , a stabilizer that keeps vaccines from losing their potency
- antibiotics, such as neomycin and gentamicin
- polysorbate 80, an emulsifier which keeps the ingredients from separating
- formaldehyde, which inactivates the flu virus
Babies under 6 months old shouldnt be vaccinated.
If youve had Guillain-Barré syndrome, talk to your doctor before getting the flu vaccine.
The nasal spray contains a weakened live virus. It shouldnt be taken by people who:
- are younger than 2 or older than 50 years
- are 2 to 4 years old and have asthma
- are 2 to 17 years old and take medications containing aspirin or salicylate
- are pregnant
- have life threatening allergies to the flu vaccine
- have a suppressed immune system
- are in close contact with someone with a suppressed immune system
- have taken antiviral drugs for the flu within the previous 48 hours
Talk to your doctor about the pros and cons of the nasal spray vaccine if you have:
- asthma or chronic lung disease
- a blood disorder
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How Is The Flu Different From Covid
Influenza and COVID-19 are both contagious respiratory illnesses, but they are caused by different viruses. Flu viruses can cause mild to severe illness, including common signs and symptoms listed above. Other signs and symptoms of COVID-19, different from flu, may include change in or loss of taste or smell.
Typically, a person develops COVID-19 symptoms 5 days after being infected, but symptoms can appear as early as 2 days after infection or as late as 14 days after infection. In the other hand, a person develops flu symptoms anywhere from 1 to 4 days after infection.
While COVID-19 is preventable, there is currently no treatment for it. People who develop flu symptoms can be treated with antiviral drugs to relieve symptoms and complications.
How Do I Keep From Getting The Flu
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that everyone 6 months of age and older get a flu shot. Young children, pregnant women, older adults, and people with certain chronic medical conditions like asthma, diabetes, and heart disease are at increased risk of serious flu-related complications.
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