Fall is here which means it’s time to get the annual influenza shot! Experts recommend that everyone over the age of six months receive the vaccine every year for the best protection against influenza (sometimes called the flu).
Influenza fast facts:
- Different influenza vaccines are available and approved for people of different ages and different health conditions.
- Older adults, young children, pregnant women and people with asthma, diabetes or other chronic conditions are at higher risk for serious complications from influenza.
- Getting your influenza shot helps protect your family and others around you, such as coworkers or customers.
- The influenza vaccine takes about two weeks to become fully effective. You can still get influenza even if you get the vaccine if you are exposed to the virus before your immunity develops (about two weeks), you are exposed to a partially-covered strain of influenza or you have a chronic illness that prevents the development of full immunity. Even if you do get influenza despite having the shot, the severity of your illness will probably be reduced.
- You should talk to your doctor before getting the vaccine if you are allergic to any of its ingredients, have had Guillain-Barré Syndrome or don’t feel well before the shot.
You can get this year’s influenza shot, which covers the four strains of influenza virus expected this season, from your physician’s office. Or get the vaccine for $30 at any of the following locations*, with no appointment necessary:
UH Mentor Urgent Care Center
UH Brunner Sanden Deitrick Wellness Center
8655 Market Street, Mentor
8 am – 8 pm, Monday through Friday
9 am – 5 pm, Saturday and Sunday
UH Willowick Urgent Care Center
UH Willowick Health Center
29804 Lakeshore Boulevard, Willowick
8 am – 8 pm, Monday through Friday
9 am – 5 pm, Saturday
UH TriPoint Medical Center Retail Pharmacy
Physician Pavilion
7580 Auburn Road, Concord Township
9 am – 6 pm, Monday through Friday
9 am – 1 pm, Saturday
UH Lake West Medical Center Retail Pharmacy
Main Lobby
36000 Euclid Avenue, Willoughby
9 am – 6 pm, Monday through Friday
9 am – 1 pm, Saturday
*Individuals must be 5 years of age or older to receive the influenza vaccine at a UH Lake Health urgent care location, and 7 years of age or older to receive the influenza vaccine at a UH Lake Health retail pharmacy location.
