Flu Shot

• Ensure you get the most from your medicine.
• Review what each of your medications is for.
• Check-in on any concerns you have.
• Check for any drug interactions.
• Prevent complications.
• Help save you money.
• Be accessible when you need it most.

We know that you may have a close relationship with your doctor or pharmacy. Our goal is to be an extension of your healthcare team as an additional resource.

The regular seasonal vaccine is not made from live virus, so there is no way to get the flu from the flu shot.  Even the live version, the nasal spray vaccine, contains live attenuated virus, which means the virus has been altered so you cannot get the flu. Common side effects from the flu shot include redness and injection site pain, headache, feeling tired - these all sometimes make people believe that they got the flu from the vaccine even though their bodies are just using the vaccine to build immunity. Additionally, sometimes people were already sick with the flu or a cold when they get the vaccine. The vaccine cannot stop the flu if it was already in your system.  Avoid this by getting your shot earlier in the year.

I got a flu shot last year so I don’t need one this year

Each year there is a new, updated version of the flu shot that covers strains of the virus that are most common that year. The flu virus itself changes slightly every year so that it can re-infect those who already have immunity to it. This is why you’re encouraged to receive an updated shot each year.

If I am young and healthy, I do not need a flu shot

The flu shot not only protects you, it protects those around you. Someone who is otherwise young and healthy may have a very minor case of the flu and easily be able to overcome it on their own, but this doesn’t stop them from being contagious and spreading the disease to young children, older adults or immunocompromised people in their lives. Getting your flu shot is about more than just helping yourself, it is about caring for those around you as well.