Flu shots
Make flu prevention a priority
The flu vaccine is a yearly shot that keeps you and your family safe. When you get the flu shot in the fall, you don’t just protect yourself from getting the virus. You also help lower the chances of the flu spreading, which protects many vulnerable people in your community.
At Aurora Health Care, we offer flu shots and routine vaccines in multiple convenient locations throughout Wisconsin, including our primary care offices and pharmacy locations. We help keep you, your family and your community healthy and safe.
What is the flu vaccine?
The influenza vaccine, also called the flu vaccine, immunizes you against the influenza virus. It lowers your risk of getting the flu and reduces the chances of severe illness if you do get the flu.
Getting your annual flu vaccine is important to protect yourself and others, especially older adults, children and immunocompromised people. Most flu vaccines are given as a shot, but your provider may also offer a nasal spray vaccine.
The flu shot is an injection delivered with a needle. It’s usually given through your deltoid muscle, the muscle in your upper arm.
Nearly everyone over 6 months old should get the flu shot. There are a few rare exceptions. Your provider may recommend that you not get the flu shot if you have:
- History of Guillain-Barre syndrome
- Moderate to severe fever
- Past allergic reactions to vaccine ingredients, including severe egg allergies
You may get the recombinant flu shot (Flublok®) if you are over 18 and allergic to eggs.
People ages 2 to 49 who aren’t pregnant or immunocompromised may be able to get the flu vaccine as a nasal spray. Ask your health care provider if this option is right for you.
Who should get the flu vaccine?
All children and adults 6 months of age or older, with a few rare exceptions, should get the yearly flu vaccine. Your doctor will tell you if it’s unsafe for you to get the flu vaccine.
How to schedule your flu shot
Scheduling your flu shot is easy. Make your appointment in LiveWell, online or by calling our flu shot hotline.
Does the flu vaccine protect me right away?
You’re protected from the flu about two weeks after you receive the vaccine. That’s why you should get your flu shot before flu season starts to get the most benefits.
When should I get the flu shot
For the most protection, you should get your flu shot shortly before flu season starts. In the U.S., the flu season can vary but usually starts in October. It typically peaks between December and February. Getting the flu shot in October or November provides the best protection during peak flu season.
It’s safe to get the flu shot when you have a mild cold. But you shouldn’t get the flu shot if you have a fever.
If you are feeling under the weather, it may be a good idea to delay your visit, even if you don’t have a fever. Visiting the clinic may spread the infection to others.
You need the flu vaccine every year to get the most effective protection against the flu. Scientists update the flu vaccine annually so that it protects you from the newest versions of the virus. Your immunity to the flu virus also declines over time, so an annual shot ensures you get the most protection.
How long does the flu shot last?
Some research shows that the effects of the flu shot last around six months. You’ll be protected throughout the flu season, but you’ll need a yearly shot.
What are the side effects of the flu shot?
Many people don’t experience any side effects of the flu vaccine. If you do experience side effects, they are typically mild and go away within 24 to 48 hours. You may have:
- Fatigue
- Low fever
- Minor headache
- Muscle aches
- Nausea
- Soreness, redness or swelling at the injection site
The flu shot may cause side effects that feel like being sick. But the flu shot doesn’t give you the flu or make you sick. Your symptoms are a side effect of your body building up immunity.
Some people feel more tired than usual for one or two days after getting the flu vaccine. Contact your health care provider if you have side effects lasting more than 48 hours.
You can usually manage side effects of the flu shot with home remedies.
- Apply a cold compress to your arm to reduce swelling or soreness.
- Eat nutritious foods.
- Hydrate with plenty of water and other fluids.
- Rest as much as you need to.
- Take an over-the-counter pain reliever.
Flu shot cost
Most flu shots are free with your insurance plan. Some pharmacies and clinics also offer free flu shots. Our team will help you understand your costs and options if you don’t have insurance. Find out more about pricing and financial assistance.
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