According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), everyone age 6 months and older should get a flu vaccine.
September and October are the best months to get vaccinated, but it’s still helpful to get a flu shot at any time during flu season.
Why is it important to get a flu vaccine?
Getting a flu vaccine won’t stop you from getting the flu, but it can lessen how badly and how long you may be sick from it. The flu can cause serious illness and complications that sometimes require hospitalization.
It’s especially important for people at high risk of developing flu complications to get vaccinated. This includes:
- Anyone age 65 and older
- Those age 6 months and older with certain chronic conditions (such as asthma, COPD, diabetes, heart disease or lung disease)
- Pregnant women
- Children younger than 5, especially those younger than 2
Learn more about people at higher risk for flu complications.
Where can I get a flu vaccine?
Flu shots are available at no additional cost to Harvard Pilgrim members. You may be able to get a vaccine at your doctor’s office, at local pharmacies that participate in your plan’s network or from public flu clinics in your community. Before you go:
- Visit their website or call to make sure the vaccine is available
- Bring your Harvard Pilgrim member ID card with you
Not all pharmacies and flu clinics provide flu shots to children. It’s a good idea to check before you make a trip.
If you have questions about where you can get a flu shot or getting reimbursed for a shot you had to pay for, call Member Services at the number listed on your member ID card.
Important flu vaccine information for children
Some children may need more than one dose of the flu vaccine at least 4 weeks apart to be fully protected. This includes:
- Children ages 6 months to 8 years who have never received a flu vaccination
- Children who have been vaccinated previously but did not receive two doses at least 4 weeks apart
If you have questions about how many doses your child needs, ask their pediatrician, especially if you’re planning to get your child vaccinated somewhere other than the pediatrician’s office.
What should I do if I get sick with the flu?
If you have the flu, symptoms can include:
- Fever
- Chills
- Sore muscles
- Headache
- Cough
- Sore throat
- Stuffy or runny nose
Most people with the flu have mild illness. If you’re very sick and worried about your symptoms, contact your health care provider. Early flu treatment (within 72 hours of the onset of symptoms) with antivirals for severe cases has been shown to reduce the length and severity of illness.
If your health care provider isn’t available, you may want to visit an urgent care center or retail clinic or use virtual care. Learn more about your care options.
If you’re sick with flu-like symptoms, stay home until your fever is gone for at least 24 hours without needing to take medications (such as Tylenol) to lower fever and your symptoms are getting better.
How to help prevent spreading the flu
These are some general good habits to help prevent spreading the flu and other viruses:
- Cough or sneeze into your elbow and not your hands
- Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze
- Use alcohol-based hand sanitizers that contain at least 60% ethanol alcohol (also called ethyl alcohol) if you’re unable to wash your hands with soap and water
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth
Other resources
Learn more about flu vaccines and keeping healthy this season: