Fall 2022

Stay healthy! Get your flu shot early.

Getting vaccinated by November can protect you and others from catching the virus throughout the flu season.

Did you know that getting a flu shot by November can protect you and others from getting the virus? Doctors recommend getting the vaccine before the flu peaks — between December and February — to stay healthy throughout the flu season.

When it comes to preventing yourself and others from getting the flu, nothing beats a flu shot. Getting the flu vaccine is the most effective way to avoid the flu for yourself and the people you interact with.

Each year, the flu spreads around the United States, typically between October and May. By getting a flu shot early, you can prevent yourself and others who are more susceptible from catching the contagious disease.

Flu shots can keep children from missing school

Did you know that if a child misses two days of school per month, that's one month of lost instruction for the school year?

If they continue this trend through middle school, your child will have lost one year of instruction.

The flu can hit hard and cause children to miss a week or more of school. Scheduling them for a flu shot is the best and easiest way to prevent this.

Herd immunity

While anyone can get the flu and other flu-related complications such as pneumonia, bronchitis, sinus infections and ear infections, those who are at greater risk include infants, young children, people 65 years of age and older, pregnant women, and those with certain health conditions or weakened immune systems.

Herd immunity is a form of indirect protection for contagious diseases, particularly people who have not been immunized. Through vaccination, individuals help lower the spread of the flu within the larger population.

Emily Kemenyes, Moda Health Clinical Pharmacist, said getting a flu shot is important for preventing yourself and those who are more vulnerable from getting the virus.

“The flu doesn’t target one population or another. It can hit anybody really hard and really fast,” she said. “That’s why it’s important to protect yourself and your community against it. Getting the flu shot is one way each of us can help improve the health of our community and our population as a whole.”

Where to get a flu shot

Hosting flu shot clinics is one way organizations can make it easy for their employees to get vaccinated during working hours without having to take the time to schedule an appointment or travel to their doctor’s office. Here are a few other ways to get vaccinated. Flu shots are free with all Moda Health plans.

• Local pharmacy: Several neighborhood pharmacies such as Costco, Walgreens and Rite Aid, offer flu shots. Call or stop by to see if they have the flu vaccine in stock.
• Doctor’s office or urgent care: Scheduling an appointment with your doctor may be the most familiar way to get a flu shot. However, if you can’t make it during your doctor’s office hours, check to see if a local urgent care center provides flu shots.
• Work: Like Moda Health, many companies hold flu shot clinics. This is a fast and convenient way to get the vaccine while you are at work. Check with your HR department to find out if they offer flu shots to employees.
• Supermarket: Many supermarket chains have pharmacy departments. Check with your local supermarket to find out if they offer walk-in flu shots.

Protect yourself and others

While staying healthy may be the top incentive for getting a flu shot, Katie Scheelar, Senior Clinical Pharmaceutical Programs Manager at Moda Health, says thinking about others is important when deciding whether or not to get the vaccine.

“Even if you don’t get sick, you can carry the flu virus and pass it on to someone who it can really impact,” she said. “This is why it’s important to look beyond yourself, to think about other higher-risk individuals such as children and older adults who have lower immune systems.”