Get a Flu Shot

Every year in the United States, on average:

• Up to 1 in 5 people gets the flu
• More than 200,000 people are hospitalized from flu complications
• About 36,000 people die from flu

Flu shots allow you to protect yourself and your loved ones from influenza.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and doctors recommends flu shots for everyone over the age of 50. Flu shots are also important for people with medical conditions that put them at increased risk of contracting the flu. In general, anyone who wants to reduce their chances of getting the flu should get vaccinated.

Common misconceptions about the flu – and about flu shots – put off many people who would benefit from an influenza vaccination. The viruses in the flu shot are killed (inactivated), so you cannot get the flu from a flu shot. When the “match” between vaccine and circulating strains is close, the vaccine prevents influenza in most healthy persons younger than age 65 years. Among older people living outside chronic-care facilities (such as nursing homes) and those persons with long-term medical conditions (such as asthma, diabetes, or heart disease), the flu shot is up to 70% effective in preventing hospitalization for pneumonia and influenza.

Vote & Vax clinics are convenient and safe settings to receive a flu shot and to help protect yourself and others in your community.