Flu Vaccine

Flu Care & Prevention

The seasonal flu affects tens of thousands of Americans each year. This year, it's possible to get the flu at the same time as COVID-19. Protecting yourself and others is more important than ever. Please do your part by getting a flu shot and following other CDC guidelines. 

Get Your Flu Shot

At Mercy, we know the best protection comes from a yearly flu vaccination. Flu season typically runs from October to May with new strains of the virus developing each year. Mercy makes it easy to prevent the spread of seasonal flu because the flu vaccine is available at most Mercy primary care clinics, pharmacies and urgent or convenient care centers.

Mercy makes getting a flu shot easy:

• Schedule online with your primary care provider when it’s convenient for you
• Walk-in flu shots available at many Mercy Urgent Cares and Mercy Pharmacies

Who Should Get a Flu Shot?

The Centers for Disease Control recommends annual flu immunization as the best way to reduce the risk of getting and spreading the flu virus which reduces hospitalizations and flu-related deaths. Your Mercy primary care provider can review your individual health situation and recommend the best course of treatment to help you stay healthy throughout flu season. The traditional flu vaccine injection is given to:

• Children and infants as young as 6 months old - learn more about pediatric flu shots 
• Women who are pregnant - given during the first trimester to protect both mother and baby
• Adults who are currently feeling healthy (without fever or weakened immune system)

Those with a history of a severe allergy to chicken eggs, a severe reaction to a previous flu shot or a diagnosis of Guillain-Barre Syndrome within 6 weeks of receiving a flu vaccination should not take it. Talk to your Mercy primary care provider about other options available to you.

Flu Shot Effectiveness

It can take up to two weeks for the flu vaccine to become effective, therefore be sure to get your flu shot early in the fall for maximum protection. The level of protection can vary from year to year based on the effectiveness of the vaccine match to the current flu viruses.