Yes, you need a flu shot this year. Here's everything you should know.

Reviewed by:
Dr. Geoffrey W. Rutledge
Chief Medical Officer and Co-founder
Last updated on September 7, 2021 UTC

Do I really need a flu shot?

This is a question HealthTap doctors often hear, so we want to be clear about the answer: Yes.

What's more, when you get your flu shot this year, you should also get a "bivalent" COVID-19 booster shot, as long as you are more than five years old and it's been at least two months since your last COVID-19 vaccination. The bivalent COVID-19 vaccine will protect you from the latest Omicron subvariants, namely BA.4 and BA.5.

Influenza, more commonly known as the flu, is a serious illness that affects almost everyone at some point in their life. Millions of people catch it every year. 

And while most recover on their own at home, serious complications can happen. In fact, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) estimates that the flu has caused as many as 810,000 hospitalizations and 61,000 deaths in the U.S. annually since 2010. 

Do I still need a flu shot if I’ve been immunized against COVID-19?

Yes. The flu and COVID-19 are different viruses. The flu vaccine won’t protect you from COVID-19 and a COVID-19 vaccine won’t protect you from the flu.

Can you catch the flu and COVID-19 at the same time?

Yes. It's possible to catch the flu and COVID-19 at the same time. The resulting impact, according to Johns Hopkins, could be more severe than that of either disease on its own.

How can I protect myself against the flu?

Influenza affects everyone differently. But the precautions you should take are the same: 

  • Stay hydrated.
  • Take any supplements recommended by your doctor.
  • Wash and/or use hand sanitizer your hands properly.

All of these things can help reduce your chances of getting the flu. 

The good news is that flu shots are inexpensive and, in some cases, free. You can get a flu shot at most pharmacies without an appointment. If you don’t have health insurance, shop around for the lowest price; it’s often available for about $20.

Searching for a free flu shot? Check your local community resources for information about free clinics. For example, you can often find free flu shot clinics at county health departments and on college campuses. Local libraries also host free flu shot clinics.

How does the flu vaccine work?

Two weeks after you get the flu shot, your body develops antibodies — proteins that attach to viruses and protect you against certain flu strains.

Flu vaccines are called “quadrivalent” because they help protect against four different strains of the virus:

  • Influenza A (H1N1). 
  • Influenza A (H3N2). 
  • Two influenza B viruses.

There is also a “trivalent” vaccine that protects against two influenza A viruses and one influenza B virus. These viruses are adapting and changing all the time, which is why it’s recommended that most people get a flu shot every year — you need the latest vaccine “cocktail” to protect against that year’s slate of viruses.

Ideally, people should be vaccinated early during flu season (October or earlier). But vaccinations should continue through February or later.

What can I do if I have flu-like symptoms?

It’s important to seek medical advice if you develop flu-like symptoms, so that you get the care you need. To speak with a doctor from the comfort and safety of your home, schedule a virtual consult in HealthTap’s virtual primary care clinic. Your visit is only $39 (or your copay) with a HealthTap subscription.

Woman asks her HealthTap doctor questions about the flu


What if I’ve already gotten the flu this year?

You should get a flu shot even if you’ve already had the flu this season, according to the Food & Drug Administration (FDA)

That’s because the vaccine protects against three or four different flu viruses, depending on which vaccine you get. So, even if you’ve had the flu once, it’s only one strain of the virus — any of the other three strains could still make you sick.

Talk to a HealthTap doctor if you have any concerns or want to learn more. HealthTap subscribers can schedule virtual primary care visits with U.S.-based, board-certified doctors seven days a week.

Who should take the flu vaccine?

Everyone six months and older should get a flu shot this season.

The only people who should NOT get an influenza vaccine are people who:

  • Are younger than 6six months old (children).
  • Are allergic to the flu vaccine or any ingredients in it — consult with your doctor if you’re worried you might be in this group.
  • Ever had Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) — although it’s OK for some people, and you should ask your doctor about your history.
  • Aren’t feeling well (talk to a doctor about your symptoms).

Some people have a higher risk of developing serious flu-related complications. The illness is more likely to lead to hospitalization or even death for these people, but the vaccine may provide added protection. These people are considered high-risk:

  • Children younger than five years old.
  • Pregnant women.
  • Elderly people, 65 years and older.
  • People living in nursing homes or long term care facilities.

Additionally, people with the following chronic health conditions are considered high-risk and could benefit from taking the flu shot:

  • Asthma.
  • Neurological and neurodevelopmental conditions [including disorders of the brain, spinal cord, peripheral nerve, and muscle such as cerebral palsy, epilepsy (seizure disorders), stroke, intellectual disability, moderate to severe developmental delay, muscular dystrophy, or spinal cord injury].
  • Chronic lung disease, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and cystic fibrosis.
  • Heart disease, such as congenital heart disease, congestive heart failure and coronary artery disease.
  • Blood disorders, such as sickle cell disease.
  • Diabetes mellitus.
  • Kidney disorders.
  • Liver disorders.
  • Weakened immune system due to disease or medication, such as people with HIV or AIDS, or cancer, or those on chronic steroids.
  • People younger than 19 years of age who are receiving long-term aspirin therapy.
  • People with extreme obesity. 

The flu shot is not a guarantee

Getting the influenza vaccine is all about maximizing your odds of staying healthy during flu season. Even if you get vaccinated and practice good health habits, you could still get the flu. 

The effectiveness of the vaccine depends on several factors like age, medical history, and the “match” between the viruses used to make the vaccine and those circulating within a community. 

The potential benefits are significant, however. According to the CDC, “Vaccination has been shown to have many benefits including reducing the risk of flu illnesses, hospitalizations and even the risk of flu-related death in children.”

Got questions about the flu shot? HealthTap doctors are here to help. Schedule a visit in our primary care clinic and get your questions answered.

 

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