Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Influenza (Flu) Vaccine Safety. July 31, 2024. Accessed October 4, 2024.
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Where to get your annual flu shot
You can get a flu shot at:
- Your doctor’s office
- A health clinic
- A retail clinic
- A pharmacy that offers flu shots
Who should get the flu shot
The CDC recommends the flu shot for everyone age six months and older.* They also recommend talking with your doctor. Some people shouldn’t get the flu shot or certain types of flu shots.* The flu shot can especially help:
- Children
- Caregivers
- Health care professionals
- Older adults
- People with health conditions or weakened immune systems
When to get your flu shot
A flu shot can help protect you anytime during the flu season. This lasts from October through April or May. But getting the flu shot before the season starts is the best idea. It can help protect you and your loved ones from the flu.
Stay healthy with other vaccines
Stay healthy with other vaccines
While you’re getting your flu shot, ask about COVID-19 shots and boosters. You may be able to get your COVID-19 booster at the same time. The CDC recommends COVID-19 vaccines for everyone ages six months and older.
Benefit plans vary for each state and Medicaid program. Check with your plan. Find out if you can get other vaccines too, like:
- Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)
- Pneumonia
- Shingles
- Measles
- Tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis (Tdap)
Guidelines for vaccines may vary based on many things, like:
- Your age
- Timing of your last dose
Not sure if you need a vaccine? Check with your doctor or pharmacist.
Related articles
For the safety of flu shots source
For the effectiveness of flu shots source
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Benefits of the Flu Vaccine. August 24, 2024. Accessed on October 4, 2024.
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For flu shot age recommendation and guidance about some people not getting the flu shot source
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Who Needs a Flu Vaccine. September 17, 2024. Accessed October 2, 2024.
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For COVID-19 shot age recommendation source
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. CDC Recommends Updated 2024-2025 COVID-19 and Flu Vaccines for Fall/Winter Virus Season. June 27, 20024. Accessed August 12, 2024.
If you continue, you’ll leave Aetna Better Health®. Other websites may have different terms and privacy practices.
For COVID-19 shot age recommendation source
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. CDC Recommends Updated 2024-2025 COVID-19 and Flu Vaccines for Fall/Winter Virus Season. June 27, 20024. Accessed August 12, 2024.
If you continue, you’ll leave Aetna Better Health®. Other websites may have different terms and privacy practices.
For the safety of flu shots source
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Influenza (Flu) Vaccine Safety. July 31, 2024. Accessed October 4, 2024.
If you continue, you’ll leave Aetna Better Health®. Other websites may have different terms and privacy practices.