influenza (Flu)

Protect Yourself from Flu

Flu can be a serious illness that is easily spread from person to person. CDC estimates that flu causes millions of illnesses, hundreds of thousands of hospitalizations, and thousands of deaths each year. The best way to protect yourself and your family against flu is by getting vaccinated. Everyone six months of age and older should receive the flu vaccine every year.

There are many reasons to get a flu vaccine each year:

Flu vaccines help keep you from getting very sick from flu. Flu vaccines lower chances of illness and hospitalization.
Flu vaccines lower the risk of serious flu complications, especially among older adults or those with chronic health conditions like asthma, diabetes, and heart disease.
Flu vaccines during pregnancy help protect pregnant people and their babies from flu complications, including delivering the baby too early, low birth weight of the baby, and stillbirth.
Flu vaccines help babies and young children stay healthy. Flu vaccine helps lower their risk of flu-related complications, hospitalization, and death.
Flu vaccines can be given at the same time as other recommended vaccines, such as COVID-19 and RSV.

Where to Get Vaccinated

At your doctor’s office. Doctors participating in the California Vaccines for Children program offer no-cost vaccines to eligible children 18 years old and younger.
Schedule your flu vaccine today on MyTurn. Pharmacies usually accept most insurance, including Medi-Cal.
Some local health departments may also offer low- or no-cost flu vaccines.