Immunization Program

Frequently Asked Questions: Flu

Q. Where can I get my flu shot?
A. You can get your flu shot from a doctor or at a public flu clinic. Public flu clinics are open to anyone older than 18. Children (18 and younger) need to see their pediatrician for a flu shot. Click here for a listing of public flu clinics.

Q. There is a clinic I heard about that is not on your schedule. Can I go to that clinic?
A. Yes, but be aware that your insurance may not be accepted. You may have to pay out of pocket for the shot even though your insurance would normally cover it. Even if you get a receipt, you cannot submit a receipt to your insurance company.

Q. How much does a flu shot cost?
A. If you are 65 or older and have Medicare, part B, the cost of the flu shot is a covered benefit. If you are not 65 and go to a public clinic, the cost will be $25 to $30. In some cases, if you are younger than 65, insurance may cover the cost of a flu shot.

Q. I am homebound and need a flu shot. What do I do?
A. To make arrangements for a flu shot for someone who is homebound, call the Flu Hotline at 1-800-555-7858.

Q. Is November or December too late to get a flu shot?
A. No, it's not too late to get a flu shot. Once you get a flu shot, it only takes your body about 10 days to be protected from the flu. Usually, flu season does not hit full force in Rhode Island until late January or February. So, you will be protected in time for flu season.

Q. Can I get the flu from the flu shot?
A. ABSOLUTELY NOT! YOU CAN'T GET THE FLU FROM THE FLU SHOT! IT IS BIOLOGICALLY IMPOSSIBLE! The flu shot is a killed virus so it cannot make you sick. The flu shot does not protect you from the common cold. People often mistake a bad cold for the flu, and can mistakenly think the flu shot made them sick.

Q. Who should get a flu shot?
A. Anyone who wants to protect himself or herself from getting the flu should get a flu shot. There are some groups of people who are at risk for getting a serious case of influenza or influenza complications. High-risk individuals include the following:

• Everyone age 50 and older.
• Any child 6 months to 59 months old.
• Residents of long-term care facilities (nursing homes) and group homes.
• Anyone who has a serious long-term health problem such as: heart or lung disease, diabetes, asthma, kidney disease, anemia or other blood disorders.
• Anyone who is immunocompromised.
• Anyone six months to 18 years of age who is on long-term aspirin therapy.
• Anyone who is pregnant.
• Health care providers or family members who come in close contact with high-risk individuals.

Q. Why do I need to get a flu shot this year?
A. Influenza viruses change often. Therefore, influenza vaccine is updated every year to make sure it is as effective as possible. This year, if you get the flu shot, you will be protected from three different types of the flu. After you get the flu shot, your body will develop immunity in about 10-14 days.

Q. Can I get the flu even if I get a flu shot?
A. Yes. Influenza viruses often change and may not be covered by the vaccine. However, people who are vaccinated who do get the flu, often have a milder case than those who did not get the flu shot.

Q. What are the symptoms of the flu?
A. Symptoms of influenza can include: fever, cough, chills, sore throat, headache and/or muscle aches.