Help Prevent the Flu from Getting You

Did you know that the flu vaccine can keep you from getting flu, make flu less severe if you do get it and keep you from spreading flu to your family and other people? According to the Centers for Disease Control, it’s estimated that about 6.6 million flu-related illnesses were prevented in 2013 by the flu vaccine – that’s the population of the state of Arizona! That’s significant given that the CDC also estimates that 5-20% of the United States population gets the flu each year. The flu infection can very serious especially to high risk groups such as young children, older adults, and people with certain health conditions which can result in hospitalization or death. Our providers believe the best way to prevent getting the flu is by getting vaccinated every year. It’s recommended that everyone over the age of 6 months be vaccinated especially the following at-risk groups:

• Pregnant women
• Adults 50 years of age and older
• Adults who are very overweight
• Adults of any age with certain chronic medical conditions
• Adults who have a weak immune system
• Adults who are American Indians or Alaska Natives
• Adults who live in nursing homes and other long-term care facilities
• Adults 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 and household contacts and out of home caregivers of children less than 6 months of age

The vaccine is updated each year based on research which indicates which influenza viruses will be most common during the season which is another reason why it’s so important to get your flu shot each fall. For this year, an influenza A (H1N1) virus, an influenza A (H3N2) virus, and one or two influenza B viruses, depending on the flu vaccine, have been added. Read more about the flu vaccine and the CDC’s recommendations by visiting our flu vaccine page. Getting your flu shot is easy! Just drop into any of our 4 locations to get your vaccination. No appointment is needed and our walk-in clinics provide convenient evening and weekend hours. Most insurance plans will cover the cost too although we recommend verifying with your carrier first. Stop by one of our clinics today to protect yourself and your family from the flu infection.