Published: December 4, 2019
It’s not too late to vaccinate – get your flu vaccine today if you haven’t had one yet!
Getting the flu vaccine is simple – and it’s free.* It’s the most important thing you can do to protect yourself and your family from the flu and millions of people have been safely receiving flu vaccines for decades. Talk to your doctor or other health care professional about which vaccine is best for you and your family.
After November when you see signs that advertise: “Get Your Flu Vaccine Here,” you might think, “Isn’t it too late for that?” As long as flu viruses are spreading, it’s not too late to get a vaccine to protect yourself and your loved ones.
Here are some facts to share with your family:
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The CDC recommends an annual flu vaccine for everyone six months and older.
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The flu season typically peaks between December and February but significant activity can occur as late as May.
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The flu causes hundreds of thousands of hospitalizations, and thousands of deaths.
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How well the vaccine works can vary but the safety of and benefits from vaccination are well documented.
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Young children, pregnant women, people 65 and older and people with certain medical conditions are at higher risk for serious flu-related complications, like pneumonia, that can lead to hospitalization and even death; therefore, they should be vaccinated. You can learn more about high risk conditions from the CDC’s website.
* Coverage for WHA services depends on eligibility at the time of the service. You should contact your primary care physician’s (PCP) office to get a flu vaccine. If you go in for just the flu shot, you will not be charged an immunization copayment. If you are seen by your PCP for issues other than a flu shot, and get a flu shot while you are there, you will be responsible for your designated copayment and or deductible.