Don't let the flu crash your holiday plans, protect yourself today!

You didn't make it through the COVID-19 pandemic to get the seasonal flu, so protect yourself today with a flu shot! Visit any one of Clinica Sierra Vista's locations in the central valley to get protected today. 

• What is the flu?

  The flu (influenza) is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. It can cause mild to severe illness, and at times can lead to death. The flu is different from a cold. The flu usually comes on suddenly. People who have the flu often experience fever, chills, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, muscle or body aches, headaches and fatigue (tiredness). Some people may have vomiting and diarrhea, though this is more common in children than adults.

  Some people, such as people ages 65+, young children and those with certain health conditions, are at high risk for serious flu complications. The best way to prevent the flu is by getting vaccinated each year with a flu shot.

• What is the flu shot?

The "flu shot" is a vaccine that protects you from the flu virus. It is inactivated, which means it contains a killed version of the virus which cannot cause disease and is most commonly given as an injection (with a needle) in the arm.

This season’s vaccine protects against three or four influenza viruses that research indicates will be most common during the season. This includes an influenza A (H1N1) virus, an influenza A (H3N2) virus and 1 or 2 influenza B viruses.

The vaccine takes effect approximately two weeks after it has been administered as antibodies (substances in the blood that protect against infection) accumulate and provide protection against influenza. Therefore, it is important to get a flu shot before the flu begins to circulate in your area as you may be susceptible to influenza during the two weeks after your flu shot.

The flu shot will not 100% eliminate the risk of getting the flu as there are several strains of viruses that can cause the flu. However, data suggests flu symptoms may be milder and complications can be reduced following vaccination. It can also protect others who are vulnerable but may not be able to receive the vaccine for a variety of reasons.

• Who should get a flu shot?

  The CDC recommends everyone ages 6 months and older get a flu shot every flu season, including those are who healthy or have health conditions. Walgreens offers flu shots to anyone ages 3+. It’s recommended that anyone who wants to reduce their chances of getting the flu should be vaccinated. It’s especially important for certain people to get vaccinated, such as those who are at high risk of developing serious complications like pneumonia if they get sick with the flu. This includes:

  • People who have certain medical conditions including asthma, weakened immune systems, diabetes and chronic heart or lung disease
  • Pregnant women
  • People ages 65+
  • People who live with or care for others who are at high risk for developing serious complications. This includes household contacts and caregivers of people with certain medical conditions including asthma, diabetes, chronic lung disease, and others.
  • According to CDC analysis of flu hospitalization data, people from certain racial and ethnic minority groups, including non-Hispanic Black, non-Hispanic American Indian or Alaska Native, and Hispanic or Latino people

• Who should not get a flu shot?

  The flu shot should not be given to:

  • Children younger than 6 months of age
  • People with severe, life-threatening allergies to the flu shot or any ingredient in the vaccine. This might include gelatin, antibiotics, or other ingredients.

  Certain individuals should not be vaccinated without first consulting a healthcare professional. These patients include:

  • People who have an allergy to eggs or any of the ingredients in the vaccine
  • People who had Guillain-Barré Syndrome (a severe paralyzing illness, also called GBS) within six weeks of getting the flu vaccine previously
  • People who have a moderate or severe illness with a fever, including those with COVID-19, should wait until they recover before getting a flu shot

• Can I get a flu shot and COVID-19 vaccine at the same time?

  Yes. Your flu shot can be administered alongside your COVID-19 vaccine during the same visit. Talk to your provider if you have questions or concerns about getting the flu shot and COVID-19 vaccine together.

Still have questions? Give us a call at 661-635-3050