Your health history matters. Bring your questions to Healthy Connections and get the information you need to stay on track this flu season.
A flu shot may take only a few minutes. The questions behind that decision can be much more personal.
You may be wondering whether a flu shot is appropriate for your child, whether a health condition changes your options, or what to do if you experienced a reaction in the past. You may simply want to understand what the vaccine can and cannot do.
Those are reasonable questions, and you do not have to sort through them alone.
At Healthy Connections, a conversation with your healthcare provider can help clear the lane ahead. Your provider can consider your age, current health, medical history, allergies, and previous vaccine experiences before helping you determine the next step.
Flu shots are available now at Healthy Connections. You can walk in, make an appointment, or ask about receiving yours during a visit you already have scheduled.
The quick answer about flu shots
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends an annual flu vaccine for most people age 6 months and older, with rare exceptions.
Flu vaccination cannot guarantee that you will not get the flu. It can, however, help lower your risk of becoming sick and needing medical care. Vaccination is particularly important for people who have a greater risk of developing serious complications from flu.
Not every flu vaccine is appropriate for every person. Different vaccines are approved for different ages, and certain health conditions or previous reactions may require additional consideration.
That is why a healthcare provider should be part of the conversation.
For some people, the conversation matters even more
Anyone can become sick with the flu, but some people are more likely to experience serious complications.
According to the CDC, people at increased risk from flu include:
- Adults age 65 and older
- Children younger than 5, especially those younger than 2
- Pregnant women and women up to two weeks after the end of pregnancy
- People with asthma or other chronic lung conditions
- People with diabetes
- People with heart, kidney, or liver disease
- People with weakened immune systems
- People with certain neurological or developmental conditions
- People living in nursing homes or other long-term care facilities
This is not a complete list. Your individual risk may depend on several parts of your health history.
If you or a family member falls into one of these groups, talk with a provider about flu protection and any questions you have.
Questions about flu shots are part of good healthcare
You do not need to arrive at your appointment knowing every medical term or having already made every decision. Start with what concerns you.
Consider asking your provider:
- Is a flu shot appropriate for my child or me?
- Does my age or medical history affect which vaccine I should receive?
- Should I be concerned about a previous vaccine reaction?
- What should I do if I am not feeling well on the day of my visit?
- Does my child need one dose or two this season?
- Can I receive a flu shot with other recommended vaccines?
- What side effects should I expect?
- How long does it take for protection to develop?
Write down your questions before your visit if that helps. Your provider can explain the recommendation, discuss your personal circumstances and help you make an informed decision.
Age, health history and timing can affect the answer
The right recommendation may differ from one patient to another.
Children
Children younger than 6 months are too young to receive a flu vaccine.
Some children between 6 months and 8 years may need two doses during the same flu season, given at least four weeks apart. Whether a child needs one or two doses depends partly on the child’s vaccination history.
A Healthy Connections provider can review that history and help parents understand what their child needs.
Adults age 65 and older
Adults age 65 and older face a greater risk of serious flu complications. Certain flu vaccines are preferred for this age group when they are available.
Your provider can explain the options and recommend a vaccine appropriate for your age and health.
Pregnant women
Flu vaccination is recommended during pregnancy, but questions about timing and individual health concerns should always be welcomed. A provider can discuss the recommendation and help you decide when to receive your vaccine.
People with egg allergies
Current CDC guidance for people with egg allergies says they may receive any flu vaccine that is otherwise appropriate for their age and health.
Tell your provider about all allergies before receiving any vaccine, especially if you have experienced a serious allergic reaction in the past.
People with previous reactions or certain medical conditions
Talk with a provider before vaccination if you have experienced a severe allergic reaction to a previous flu vaccine, have had Guillain-Barré syndrome within six weeks of a previous flu vaccination or are currently experiencing a moderate or severe illness.
These circumstances do not all lead to the same answer. They are reasons to have a careful conversation with a qualified healthcare professional.
No pressure. No guessing. Just a conversation about your health.
Healthcare decisions should be based on reliable information and your individual circumstances.
Healthy Connections providers are here to listen to your questions, review your health history, and explain your options. You deserve answers that are clear, respectful and relevant to you.
Asking questions does not put you behind. It helps you move forward with greater confidence.
Is October too late for a flu shot?
No. September and October are generally good times for most people to receive a flu vaccine, but vaccination can continue after October while flu viruses are circulating and the vaccine remains available.
If you have not received your flu shot, talk with your provider rather than assuming you missed your opportunity.
Because the body needs time to build its immune response after vaccination, it is better to act now than to wait until flu has already slowed down your plans.
How much will a flu shot cost?
If you have health insurance, your flu shot will likely be completely covered when you receive it from an in-network provider.
Most health plans are required to cover recommended preventive services, including immunizations, without a copayment or coinsurance when provided in network. Coverage can vary, so patients with questions should check their individual benefits.
You can learn more about insurance coverage for preventive healthcare services through HealthCare.gov.
Healthy Connections accepts Medicaid, ARKids First, Medicare, and most private insurance plans. If you do not have insurance, ask our team about available payment options and the Healthy Connections sliding-fee program.
Do not let uncertainty about cost keep you from asking. Call us, and we will help you determine what applies to your coverage.
Make Healthy Connections your flu-shot pit stop
Flu shots are available at Healthy Connections.
There is no need to call different clinics looking for a dose. Walk into a Healthy Connections medical location, schedule an appointment or ask your care team about receiving a flu shot during today’s visit.
Our providers can look beyond a one-size-fits-all answer. They can review your health history, discuss your questions and help determine which option is appropriate for you or your family.
Find a Healthy Connections location near you or call 888-710-8220 for information or an appointment.
Stay on track this flu season. Bring us your questions and make your pit stop at Healthy Connections.
Frequently asked questions about flu shots
Who should get a flu shot?
The CDC recommends annual flu vaccination for most people age 6 months and older, with rare exceptions. Talk with a healthcare provider if you have questions about your medical history, allergies, or a previous reaction.
Do I need an appointment?
No. Walk-ins are welcome for flu shots at Healthy Connections. You can also schedule an appointment or ask to receive your flu shot during another medical visit.
Can I receive a flu shot during today’s visit?
Yes. Tell your Healthy Connections care team that you would like to receive your flu shot before you leave.
Will my insurance cover my flu shot?
Most health plans cover recommended flu vaccination as preventive care. For many insured patients, the out-of-pocket cost is $0 when the vaccine is received from an in-network provider. Coverage can vary, so check your plan if you have questions about your benefits.
Can a baby younger than 6 months receive a flu shot?
No. Children younger than 6 months are too young to receive a flu vaccine. Parents and caregivers can talk with a healthcare provider about other ways to help protect an infant during flu season.
Does every child need two flu vaccine doses?
No. Some children between 6 months and 8 years need two doses, while others need only one. The answer depends on the child’s age and previous flu vaccination history.
Can someone with an egg allergy receive a flu vaccine?
Yes. CDC guidance says people with egg allergies may receive any flu vaccine that is otherwise appropriate for their age and health. Tell your provider about your allergies before vaccination.
What if I had a serious reaction to a previous flu vaccine?
Talk with a healthcare provider before receiving another flu vaccine. Your provider can review what happened and determine whether vaccination is appropriate and which precautions may be needed.
Is it too late to get vaccinated after October?
Not necessarily. Flu vaccination can continue after October and throughout the flu season while flu viruses are circulating.
How can I get a flu shot at Healthy Connections?
Walk into a Healthy Connections medical location, ask for your flu shot during a scheduled visit or call 888-710-8220 to make an appointment.
Sources and further reading
- CDC: Seasonal Flu Vaccine Basics
- CDC: Who Needs a Flu Vaccine
- CDC: People at Increased Risk for Flu Complications
- HealthCare.gov: Preventive Health Services
- Healthy Connections: Flu Shots at Healthy Connections
This article provides general health information and does not replace individualized medical advice.