influenza (Flu)

Protect Yourself from Flu

Influenza, or the “flu”, is a respiratory illness that affects the lungs, throat, nose and mouth. The flu can range from mild to severe disease. At times, it can lead to hospitalizations and deaths.

During the fall and winter respiratory virus season, two types of flu can circulate:

Influenza A
Influenza B

Influenza A viruses can mutate to cause novel viruses. Novel viruses are viruses that have not infected humans before. This means that humans have no immunity to novel viruses, so they cannot quickly fight them off. These mutations have the potential to cause flu pandemics with severe disease, like the ones in 2009 and 1918.

For additional steps visit the CDPH How to stay healthy. If you are feeling sick, visit the CDPH I'm feeling sick page.

About Flu Vaccination

Flu vaccination reduces the risk of serious illness, including hospitalization and death.

The best way to protect yourself and your family against flu, especially more severe illness, 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 lower chances of illness and hospitalization.
Flu vaccines lower the risk of serious flu complications. This is especially true among:

Older adults and younger children
Those with chronic health conditions such as asthma, diabetes, and heart disease.

Flu vaccines during pregnancy help protect people who are pregnant and their babies from early delivery, low birth weight, and stillbirth.
Flu vaccines help babies and young children stay healthy.
Getting vaccinated helps protect infants, young children and older adults in your family.

You can get flu vaccines at the same time as COVID-19, RSV, or other vaccines. It is safe, effective and convenient to get these vaccines at the same time.

Where to Get Vaccinated

At your doctor’s office

Insurance usually covers vaccines.
Vaccines for Children (VFC) Program

Uninsured children may be able to get no-cost vaccines through VFC.
Healthcare providers must enroll in VFC to offer no-cost vaccines.
Contact your doctor to find out if they are enrolled in VFC.

Use MyTurn

Schedule your flu vaccine on MyTurn.

At a Pharmacy

Pharmacies usually accept most insurance, including Medi-Cal.
Some pharmacies have enrolled in VFC and can offer no-cost vaccines to uninsured children. Call ahead to check if your pharmacy is enrolled in VFC.