The Importance of Getting a Flu Shot This Year

The best way to protect yourself and your loved ones against influenza (flu) is to get a flu vaccine every flu season. Flu is a contagious respiratory disease that can lead to serious illness, hospitalization, or even death. CDC recommends everyone six months and older get an annual flu vaccine. What are some key reasons to get a flu vaccine?

• Every year, flu vaccination prevents illnesses, medical visits, hospitalizations, and deaths.

• Flu vaccination also is an important preventive tool for people with chronic health conditions. For example flu vaccination has been associated with lower rates of some cardiac events among in people with heart disease.

• Vaccinating pregnant women helps protect them from flu illness and hospitalization, and also has been shown to help protect the baby from flu infection for several months after birth, before the baby can be vaccinated.

• A 2017 study showed that flu vaccine can be life-saving in children.

• While some people who get vaccinated still get sick, flu vaccination has been shown in several studies to reduce severity of illness, which is why is it important to get a flu vaccine EVERY year.

• Flu viruses are constantly changing, so flu vaccines may be updated from one season to the next to protect against the viruses that research suggests will be common during the upcoming flu season.

• Your protection from a flu vaccine declines over time. Yearly vaccination is needed for the best protection.

Where can I get a flu shot?

Kroger Pharmacy: You will need to have an appointment to schedule your time to get your shot. Click here to schedule.

Meijer Pharmacy: No appointment necessary, walk-ins are welcome

Your healthcare provider: You will need to schedule an appointment with your primary care physician. Be aware that most appointments with your doctor will require a co-pay with your insurance.

Vaccine Finder: Find a location closest to you with Vaccine Finder