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Take Action To Prevent The Flu!

HSS Flu Logo - Fight the Flu! Get Vaccinated


The flu virus can cause serious illness and is easily spread from person to person. As we approach flu season, it's more important than ever to take proactive steps to protect our health and the well-being of those around us. Get vaccinated and fight the flu. It’s the best way to protect yourself, your family, and the community against flu. 

Please note: Worksite flu clinics will not be offered this year.

Get a free flu shot through your healthcare provider.

2025 Flu Shot FAQs

  • Flu FAQs

    General Flu Vaccination FAQ's

    What are the benefits of flu shot?

    There are many reasons to get a flu shot each year. Such as:

    • Flu shot can keep you from getting sick with the flu.
    • Flu shot can reduce the risk of flu-associated hospitalization for children, working-age adults, and older adults.
    • Flu shot is an important preventive tool for people with chronic health conditions.
    • Flu shot helps protect women during and after pregnancy.
    • Flu shots can be life-saving in children.
    • Flu shot has been shown to reduce the severity of illness in people who get vaccinated but still get sick.
    • Getting a flu shot yourself may also protect people around you, including those who are more vulnerable to serious flu illness, like babies and young children, older people, and people with certain chronic health conditions.


    Does flu shot work right away?

    No. It takes about two weeks after vaccination for antibodies to develop in the body and provide protection against influenza virus infection. That’s why it’s best to get a flu shot before flu viruses start to spread in your community.

    Does the flu shot increase your risk of getting COVID-19?

    There is no evidence that getting a flu shot increases the risk of getting COVID-19. There are many benefits from flu vaccination and preventing flu is always important, but in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s even more important to do everything possible to reduce illnesses and preserve scarce health care resources.

    Can I get seasonal flu even though I got a flu shot this year?

    Yes. It’s possible to get sick with flu even if you have been vaccinated (although you won’t know for sure unless you get a flu test). This is possible for the following reasons:

    • You may be exposed to a flu virus shortly before getting vaccinated or during the period that it takes the body to gain protection after getting vaccinated.
    • You may be exposed to a flu virus that is not included in the seasonal flu shot.
    • Unfortunately, some people can become infected with a flu virus a flu shot is designed to protect against, despite getting a flu shot. Protection provided by a flu shot can vary widely, based in part on health and age factors of the person getting a shot


    What protection does a flu vaccine provide if I do get sick with flu?

    Some people who get vaccinated may still get sick. However, flu shot has been shown in some studies to reduce the severity of illness in people who get vaccinated but still get sick.

    Can a flu shot give me flu?

    No, a flu shot cannot cause flu illness.

    What side effects can occur after getting a flu shot?

    While a flu shot cannot give you flu illness, there are different side effects that may be associated with getting a flu shot. These side effects are mild and short-lasting, especially when compared to symptoms of a bad case of flu. Some minor side effects that may occur include soreness, redness, and/or swelling where the shot was given, headache (low grade), fever, muscle aches, nausea, and fatigue.

    For more information visit:

Resources:

Flu Prevention Handout (110.87 KB)
Flu Prevention for Retirees (110.80 KB)