Getting a Flu Shot Near Me
Getting a flu shot is a great way to protect yourself against the flu. The flu shot contains a deactivated strain of the flu virus that is safe for children and adults. Flu is a serious illness that can send you to the hospital or kill you. Every year, millions of people get the flu, and tens of thousands die. Because the flu is so deadly, it is important to get vaccinated yearly. The CDC recommends that everyone six months of age and older get vaccinated. However, the vaccine can have side effects and is only effective for a short time.
Get a flu shot
Getting a flu shot every year is a great way to prevent the spread of the flu and help our health care system. The flu vaccine works by stimulating the immune system to create antibodies that protect the body against the influenza virus. While you may feel under the weather after receiving the vaccination, these symptoms should disappear within a day or two.
Flu shots are recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and are usually available during your primary care physician's office visit. In some cases, you can also get the vaccine at a flu clinic.
Side effects
Flu shots can cause a low-grade fever and flu-like symptoms. These usually last for a day or two. Over-the-counter medications can help alleviate these symptoms and minimize pain from the injection site. While flu shots can cause temporary side effects, they can also help you stay healthy all year.
The most common flu vaccine side effects are headache and runny nose. Some people also experience slight swelling at the injection site. Some people may also experience dizziness or fainting for a few hours or days after getting the shot. The shot can also cause a mild headache on vaccination day. The pain is usually mild and passes quickly. The flu shot can also cause nausea, a normal immune system reaction.
Cost
The cost of a flu shot varies by location, but several options are available. Nonprofit organizations often offer free or low-cost flu shots. While the requirements vary, these programs are primarily for low-income families who would otherwise not be able to afford the shot. For example, the United Way of Southeastern Connecticut offers flu shots to uninsured or underinsured people. In Illinois, DuPage Health Coalition provides flu vaccine vouchers to low-income families.
Depending on your location, the cost of a flu shot can range from $20 to $75. The age and type of vaccine you need will affect the cost. For example, the flu vaccine for older adults is more expensive than for younger children. In addition, if you don't have health insurance, you may not be eligible for free flu shots, so it is best to shop around to find a lower price. A discount program like GoodRx can also help you save money on vaccination.
Where to get a flu shot
The flu vaccination is a critical first step in protecting yourself and those around you from the flu. It is available in various places, including health departments, vaccination clinics, and retail pharmacies. It is often free for people with certain health plans. You can also get the flu vaccine at your workplace or school, and most insurance plans cover the cost of the vaccination.
You can also visit a pharmacy like Wegmans for a free flu shot. These pharmacies provide flu vaccinations administered by knowledgeable pharmacists. These pharmacies also accept most insurance plans.
