Do I really need a flu shot, even if I'm generally healthy?
Who should get a flu shot?
Everyone over the age of six months should receive the influenza vaccine, every flu season. High-risk individuals–especially pregnant women and those with asthma, diabetes or other chronic conditions–remain at risk for serious complications from the flu.
Why get the flu vaccine?
Most people don't realize how dangerous the flu can be, leading to hospitalizations and even death. Getting a flu shot helps protect not only yourself, but those around you, including family members and coworkers. Learn more about people at high risk of developing complications from the flu.
Does vaccine choice matter?
Not all flu shots are created equal. Lake Health chooses to use a quadrivalent flu shot for our patients, which protects you from 4 strains of flu instead of 3 strains of flu that are included in the standard trivalent flu shots. Trivalent flu shots are administered at many retail walk-in clinics, so ask which type is offered before getting your shot.
Timing matters too. Since the flu vaccine takes about two weeks to be fully effective, getting the flu shot in early fall before flu season starts will help keep you protected.
Each flu seaon, the formula for the flu vaccine is studied and updated to give the best protection from the flu. Learn more key facts about the seasonal flu vaccine.
Where can you get the flu shot?
Lake Health offers flu shots to the public for $30, with no appointment necessary, at the following locations:
For more information, call the Best of Health Line at 440-953-6000 or 800-454-9800. Individuals must be age 18 years or older to receive the flu vaccine at our centers. The influenza vaccination is covered by Medicare.
