The flu is a contagious illness caused by influenza viruses that infect the lungs, throat and nose. The flu affects millions of people each year and can lead to serious illness, or even death. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the best way to prevent the flu is by getting vaccinated each year.
Are they really necessary?
It’s just the flu, after all. Nothing simple bed rest and liquids can’t cure, right?
Not quite. There’s more to it than that.
Talk to your doctor
He or she is your best resource for what you and your family need. The doctor will tell you if you should get one, both or none of these vaccines.
The flu vaccine
It guards against the flu, a
virus that can cause respiratory infection.
The flu spreads quickly. It can strike large amounts of people in a short period of time. And it can lead to pneumonia and other complications.
This is why the health community urges most people to get the flu vaccine. It protects you, those you come in contact with and the community at large.
The flu vaccine comes in two forms — an injection (shot) and nose spray. Your doctor will tell you which one is right for you.
Best to get the vaccine:
- Every year. That’s because the virus that causes the flu changes its form. The vaccine you get each year is new. Developers update it to protect against the new strains.
- In October or November. But getting it in December and January also affords protection since flu season can last as late as May.
Please contact the Pharmacy ahead of time to insure the vaccine is available.
| CVS Pharmacy |
Yes |
No |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
No |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
| Target Pharmacy |
Yes |
No |
Yes |
Yes |
No |
No |
Yes |
No |
No |
Yes |
| Minute Clinic |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
No |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
| RiteAid |
Yes |
No |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
No |
Yes |
No |
Yes |
Yes |
| Safeway Pharmacy |
Yes |
No |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
No |
No |
No |
No |
No |
Retail locations for flu shots
Walk-in clinics/urgent care centers
Healthcare clinic
MinuteClinic, Inc.®
www.minuteclinic.com or 1-866-389-ASAP x2727