Get the flu shot – not the flu
Protect yourself, your family and your community from influenza by scheduling time to get your annual flu shot.
“Flu vaccination is a safe and effective way to prevent serious illness from the influenza virus,” says Tiffany Pankow, MD, vice president and chief of caregiver wellness and patient experience at HonorHealth. “It’s important for everyone to ensure they schedule time for themselves and their family members to get their annual flu shot.”
Flu FAQs
What is influenza?
A: Influenza, more commonly known as the flu, is a contagious respiratory illness caused by several different types of viruses that infect the nose, throat and sometimes the lungs. It can cause mild to severe illness, and at times can lead to death. Influenza viruses spread mainly from person to person by the droplets produced when infected individuals cough, sneeze or talk.
How much will a flu shot cost?
A: Flu shots are covered by most insurance plans. Check with your healthcare insurer to see if an annual flu shot is included in your coverage. If you don’t have insurance or it’s not covered, HonorHealth offers self-pay options at most provider’s offices and urgent care clinics.
Who should get an annual flu shot?
A: Unless you have previously had a severe allergic reaction to the vaccine, anyone six months of age and older should receive a flu vaccine that is appropriate for their age and health status every season. Vaccination is particularly important for people who are at higher risk of developing serious flu complications. Talk with your HonorHealth provider if you have any questions about the flu vaccine.
Will the flu vaccine give me the flu?
A: No, the flu vaccine cannot give you the flu.
Is there anyone who should avoid the vaccine?
A: People who have had a severe, life-threatening reaction to the flu vaccine shouldn't receive it. If you've had Guillain-Barré Syndrome, you should discuss options with your primary care provider.
How effective is the flu vaccine?
A: Things like your overall health, age and how closely the flu vaccine is matched with this year's strain of viruses will factor into the vaccine's effectiveness. The flu vaccine won't protect you 100%, but it's still your best bet for prevention. Additionally, getting the vaccine can decrease the severity of the flu if you still get it.
Are there live flu strains in the vaccine?
A: The flu vaccine is made up of three to four dead, inactivated viruses, so you cannot get the flu from receiving the vaccine. It contains antigens that allow your body to develop immunity against the virus.
Are there preservative-free flu vaccines available?
A: There are injectable vaccines that are preservative-free, but they have a very short shelf life and aren't routinely stocked. Ask your provider or pharmacist if they can get the vaccine for you. Preservatives, such as mercury-based thimerosal, are added to extend the shelf life and prevent germs from growing in the vaccine. Multi-dose flu vaccines may contain thimerosal and other preservatives. Flu vaccines that come in a single dose, as well as a nasal spray, don't contain thimerosal.
Is there an alternative to getting an injectable vaccine?
A: Yes, the nasal spray vaccine has live-attenuated viruses, which are weakened, so they can't harm your body. Getting a flu nasal spray can't give you the flu. Healthy men and women ages 2 to 49 and women who aren't pregnant can receive the nasal spray. If you have chronic health issues, ask your provider first. The nasal spray doesn't contain thimerosal or other preservatives.
When should I get my annual flu shot?
A: Early fall is the best time to get your flu shot. You should schedule your immunization before this year’s viruses begin spreading in the community since it takes about two weeks for the vaccine antibodies to protect you.
Where can I get a flu shot?
A: You can make an appointment to get your annual flu shot at any HonorHealth primary care location. Flu shots are also available at local pharmacies or through the Arizona Department of Health Services. Other options include checking with your employer to see if they are offered as an employee benefit, or by attending a local vaccination clinic event in your community.
Can I get an annual flu shot at the same time as a COVID-19 vaccine or booster?
A: Yes, you no longer need to wait 14 days between receiving a COVID-19 vaccine and other vaccinations. Experience with other vaccines has shown that the way our bodies develop protection after being vaccinated (known as an immune response) and any possible side effects of vaccines are generally the same whether they are given alone or with other vaccines.
Will a flu shot prevent me from getting COVID-19?
A: The flu shot won't prevent you from getting COVID-19, but it will help protect you from getting COVID-19 and the flu at the same time. Fewer cases of the flu will help reduce the additional strain on our healthcare workers and facilities during the high season of infection. Learn more about COVID-19 vaccines.