Flu Shots

Available for free at the pharmacy and The Little Clinic.* Walk-ins welcome.
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*Vaccine availability and administration capabilities vary by location and state regulation. Flu vaccines are covered by most insurance plans and are free to the recipient, check with your plan.

The Flu & COVID-19

Disease Incidence

Disease Incidence

Even though both the flu and COVID-19 are contagious respiratory illnesses, they’re caused by different viruses. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) estimate that influenza has resulted in 9-45 million illnesses and 12,000-61,000 deaths annually since 2010. The World Health Organization (WHO) reports over 163 million confirmed coronavirus cases and more than 3 million deaths as of May 2021.

The Importance of Vaccination

Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, reducing the spread of respiratory illnesses is more important than ever. Receiving the flu and COVID-19 vaccines is an essential step to stopping the spread of disease as well as protecting vulnerable populations such as the elderly, immunocompromised and those too young to receive the COVID-19 vaccine.

Symptoms

Some flu and COVID-19 symptoms are similar, so it may be hard to diagnose an illness based on symptoms alone. Symptoms of both the flu and COVID-19 may include fever, chills, cough, sore throat, nasal congestion, muscle aches, headaches and fatigue.*

*Information provided by the CDC. Symptoms may vary from person to person.
*Information provided by the CDC. Symptoms may vary from person to person.
Disease Incidence

Disease Incidence

Even though both the flu and COVID-19 are contagious respiratory illnesses, they’re caused by different viruses. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) estimate that influenza has resulted in 9-45 million illnesses and 12,000-61,000 deaths annually since 2010. The World Health Organization (WHO) reports over 163 million confirmed coronavirus cases and more than 3 million deaths as of May 2021.

The Importance of Vaccination

Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, reducing the spread of respiratory illnesses is more important than ever. Receiving the flu and COVID-19 vaccines is an essential step to stopping the spread of disease as well as protecting vulnerable populations such as the elderly, immunocompromised and those too young to receive the COVID-19 vaccine.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

The following frequently asked questions were created following guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

    Influenza, better known simply as the flu, is a contagious respiratory illness caused by viruses that infect the nose, throat and sometimes the lungs. It can cause mild to severe illness and, at times, can even lead to death. The best way to prevent the flu is by getting a flu vaccine each year.

    Older people, young children and people with certain health conditions are at higher risk for serious flu complications. If you do get the flu, being vaccinated may help reduce the severity of symptoms and risk for complications. This flu season, it is more important than ever to get a flu vaccine. The flu vaccine will not protect against COVID-19, but it will reduce the risk of flu illness, hospitalization and death, thereby helping conserve potentially scarce healthcare resources.

    People age 6 months and older are eligible to receive an annual seasonal flu vaccine, with rare exceptions that include those with allergies. Talk to your licensed healthcare provider to learn which type of flu vaccine is right for you.

    Getting the seasonal flu vaccine annually (once a year) is the best way to reduce your risk of catching the seasonal flu and spreading it to others. September and October are ideal months to get your flu shot.

    The CDC recommends injectable influenza vaccines. There is no preference for one flu vaccine over another as long as the vaccine is licensed and age appropriate.

    No. The flu shot contains inactivated virus, so you cannot get the flu from the vaccine.

    Yes, the COVID-19 vaccine and other vaccines like influenza may be administered on the same day and at any interval without respect to timing.

Cold, Cough & Flu Medicine

Shop All Cold, Cough & Flu

Other Recommended Vaccines

Are you up to date on all your vaccines? While getting your influenza vaccine, you can also get vaccinated for COVID-19, shingles, pneumonia and more.

COVID-19 Vaccine

We’re offering the new COVID-19 vaccine so you can stay up to date with the latest guidance.Learn About COVID-19

Shingles Vaccine

If you’re over 50, it may be time for your herpes zoster (shingles) vaccine.Learn About Shingles

Pneumonia Vaccine

There are 4 types of pneumonia vaccines to help prevent pneumococcal disease.Learn About Pneumonia

Tdap Vaccine

Adults need one dose of Tdap, then a Td or Tdap booster every 10 years.Learn About Tdap

COVID-19 Vaccine

We’re offering the new COVID-19 vaccine so you can stay up to date with the latest guidance.Learn About COVID-19

Shingles Vaccine

If you’re over 50, it may be time for your herpes zoster (shingles) vaccine.Learn About Shingles

Pneumonia Vaccine

There are 4 types of pneumonia vaccines to help prevent pneumococcal disease.Learn About Pneumonia

Tdap Vaccine

Adults need one dose of Tdap, then a Td or Tdap booster every 10 years.Learn About Tdap

Tools & Resources

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Why Should I Get the Flu Vaccine?

As cold and flu season approaches, one of the most important measures you can take to keep yourself and those around you protected is opting for an annual flu vaccine. The flu, also known as influenza, is a contagious respiratory illness that infects the nose, throat and sometimes lungs. Different from a cold, the flu usually comes on suddenly and can cause mild to severe illness. It can be transmitted before symptoms appear and individuals may continue to be contagious for up to 7 days after the initial onset.

The first and most important step in preventing the flu is getting a flu vaccine. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), getting a flu vaccine can reduce the risk of being admitted to the hospital with the flu by 37%, and of being admitted to the ICU by 82%. Getting the flu vaccine, also known as the influenza vaccine, is important for individuals of all ages as it reduces the severity of symptoms and risk of complications from the flu.

Should Children Get the Flu Vaccine?

The CDC estimates that in the United States over the last decade, between 7,000 and 28,000 children under the age of 5 have been hospitalized for flu related symptoms each year, and that young children are at higher risk of developing serious flu-related complications. Therefore, the CDC recommends everyone 6 months of age and older (with rare exceptions) should get an annual flu vaccine. Flu illness is more dangerous than the common cold for children. Each year, millions of children get sick with seasonal flu; thousands of children are hospitalized, and some children die from flu. Whether you’re a child, working-age adult or senior citizen, the need and benefit of the flu vaccine is clear. For more information about the flu and flu vaccines, check out our frequently asked questions above.

How Do I Schedule a Flu Vaccine?

You can schedule a flu vaccine for your kids or yourself online! To schedule an appointment, click here, then enter your city, state or zip code to find a location near you. Most insurance companies cover the cost of an annual vaccine. If you don’t have insurance, your flu vaccine cost may depend on the variety of vaccine and the location.

How Else Can I Prepare for Cold & Flu Season?

In addition to scheduling a flu vaccine for you and your family, it’s important to remember other everyday precautions you can take to stop the spread of germs, like washing your hands and avoiding touching your mouth, nose and eyes. Though you can take preventive actions to protect yourself and your family, it may not be possible to completely avoid getting sick. If you do catch a bug, stay away from others while contagious and cover your coughs and sneezes to help slow or prevent the spread of germs. To prepare for sneezing, scratchy throats and sleepless nights, stock up on medicine cabinet must-haves and comforting meals. Otherwise, continue to support your overall wellness with our immune support guide.

For more health and wellness tips, visit our Health Services page. For information on other vaccines, pharmacy or healthcare services, visit our Pharmacy page.

Pharmacy, Clinic, and Telenutrition services are available in select areas. Access our pharmacy locator to find a pharmacy near you. The Little Clinic practices in the following states only: AZ, KY, OH, TN, CO, IN, GA, KS, VA. Access our clinic locator to find a clinic near you. Telenutrition services are not available in New York, and Alaska, or where otherwise prohibited by applicable law.