Text Size: Defend Against the Flu - Get Vaccinated!
You can build your defenses against the flu by getting a vaccination. It is particularly important for adults age 50 and older to get a flu shot due to their susceptibility to life-threatening flu complications, such as pneumonia.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that everyone six months and older gets their annual flu vaccine as soon as the vaccine becomes available.
There are two types of influenza vaccines:
- Inactivated influenza vaccine - the"flu shot" that is given with a needle, usually in the arm. The flu shot is for people six months and older who are healthy or who have chronic medical conditions.
- Live attenuated influenza vaccine (LAIV) - the FluMist®. LAIV is inhaled through the nose and is approved for healthy people ages 2 to 49 who are not pregnant.
If you have ever had a serious allergic reaction to eggs or to a previous dose of influenza vaccine, the flu vaccine is not recommended for you.
Visit the CDC for more information.
Where can I get a flu shot?
You can get a flu shot at your health care provider's office or any participating pharmacy, including at any of these locations:
- Bi-Mart
- Fred Meyer/Kroger
- Safeway
- Target
- Walgreens
Flu shots are covered in full at participating pharmacies. Present your Providence Health Plans identification card when receiving the flu shot. Contact customer service with questions regarding where to receive your flu shot.
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