Over the past few years, the worst flu outbreaks have been occurring in September and October as children head back to school. That’s why we’re recommending that everyone, especially high-risk groups, come in early to receive their flu shots.

Why Do I Need A Flu Shot?

Each year in the United States, on average, more than 200,000 people are hospitalized and 36,000 people die from seasonal flu complications. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends a yearly seasonal flu vaccine as the first and most important step in protecting against seasonal flu. The vaccine can protect you from getting sick or it can make your illness milder if you come down with the flu.

How Do I Get A Flu Shot?

To get your flu vaccine at SFM, just drop in at any of the following locations:

Hartland 3908 10th St SE, Puyallup from 7:30am-5:00pm, Monday-Friday Bonney Lake 19820 Hwy 410 E, Bonney Lake from 8am-5pm, Monday-Friday Sunrise 11216 Sunrise Blvd E, Puyallup from 8am-5pm, Monday-Friday

The CDC recommends that everyone age 6 months or older be vaccinated; however, it is especially important that the following at-risk groups be vaccinated:

Children aged 6 months through 4 years
Pregnant women
People 50 years of age and older
People who are American Indians or Alaska Natives
People who are morbidly obese
People of any age with certain chronic medical conditions
People who live in nursing homes and other long-term care facilities
People who live with or care for those at high risk for complications from flu, including:

Health care workers
Household contacts of persons at high risk for complications from the flu
Household contacts and out of home caregivers of children less than 6 months of age (these children are too young to be vaccinated)

Is It Safe To Get A Flu Shot If I'm Pregnant?

The CDC recommends that women who will be pregnant during influenza season get flu shots. The flu season in North America usually peaks from November to March. Flu shots are made from killed (inactivated) influenza virus, making it safe during any stage of pregnancy.

Pregnancy can affect your immune system and can also put extra stress on your heart and lungs. As a result of this extra stress, you may be at increased risk of not only getting the flu, but of developing serious complications from the flu, including pneumonia. In addition, pregnant women who become ill with the flu are far more likely to require hospitalization for flu complications than are women who are not pregnant and come down with the flu.

We expect that we will have an adequate supply of flu vaccine for all of our patients who need it. However, we suggest that you come in early so that you will be protected for the whole flu season.

Come on in and protect yourself and your family, today!