Take Care Clinics are now offering flu shots for just $29.99

Available for adults and children ages 2+*
Open 7 days a week, and weeknights too
No appointments necessary
Most insurance accepted

Simplify your flu shot visit by downloading and completing your vaccination consent form in advance.

What is the flu shot?
Why should I get a flu shot?
If I've received the H1N1 vaccination this year, do I still need to get the seasonal flu vaccination?
What other vaccines should adults get to stay healthy?
How long does it take for the flu shot to be effective?
Who should get a flu shot?
Who should not get a flu shot?
Do I need to get a flu shot every year?
When should I get a flu shot?
Can I still get the flu after I've received a flu shot?
Can pregnant women get a flu shot at Take Care Clinics?

What is the flu shot?

The flu shot is a vaccine that protects against the most prevalent strains of flu (influenza). Every year, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) studies the potential strains that might be prevalent and creates a flu vaccine to protect against the anticipated strains. This year, the seasonal flu vaccine will also protect against H1N1. One vaccine will protect you against both H1N1 and flu.

Why should I get a flu shot?

The flu (influenza) is a serious disease that can affect people of any age. In an average year, influenza is responsible for more than 200,000 hospitalizations and 36,000 deaths in the United States. Getting vaccinated is the best way to protect yourself as well as your loved ones from getting the flu.

If I've received the H1N1 vaccination this year, do I still need to get the seasonal flu vaccination?

Yes, you should still get the flu vaccination. The H1N1 vaccine you received in either 2009 or early 2010 is not expected to protect against the 2010/2011 seasonal flu or H1N1 viruses. It is recommended that you get your flu vaccine as early as possible.

What other vaccines should adults get to stay healthy?

The pneumococcal (pneumonia) vaccine is recommended for all adults over 65. This vaccine is also recommended for younger individuals at high risk for pneumonia, including adults ages 19-64 who smoke or who have asthma and children ages 2-64 with a history of chronic illness that has resulted in a compromised immune system. Take Care Clinics can provide the pneumococcal vaccine to eligible patients ages 7+. You can get the flu shot and pneumococcal vaccine on the same day.

The Tdap (Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis) vaccine is recommended every 10 years for individuals ages 11 - 64. Tetanus enters the body through cuts or wounds and causes painful tightening of the muscles. Diphtheria and Pertussis are spread from person to person. Diphtheria can lead to breathing problems, paralysis, heart failure, and even death. Pertussis can lead to pneumonia, seizure, brain damage, and death. Ask your Take Care Health Provider if this vaccine is appropriate for you.

How long does it take for the flu shot to be effective?

About two weeks after vaccination, antibodies that provide protection against influenza infection develop in the body.

Who should get a flu shot?

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) is currently recommending that everyone 6 months and older should get a flu vaccine this season. Take Care Clinics vaccinate patients ages 2 and older*. In general, it is recommended that anyone who wants to reduce his or her chances of getting the flu or spreading the flu should be vaccinated. The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommends that these high-risk groups of people receive a flu shot:

All persons, including school-age children, who want to reduce the risk of becoming ill with influenza or of transmitting influenza to others
All children age 6 months to 18 years of age
All persons age 50 years and older
Children and adolescents (age 6 months to 18 years) who are receiving long-term aspirin therapy and who therefore might be at risk for developing Reye syndrome after an influenza virus infection
Women who will be pregnant during the influenza season
Adults and children who have chronic pulmonary (including asthma), cardiovascular (except hypertension), renal, hepatic, hematological, or metabolic disorders (including diabetes mellitus)
Adults and children who have immunosuppression (including immunosuppression caused by medications or by human immunodeficiency virus, or HIV)
Adults and children who have any condition that can compromise respiratory function or the handling of respiratory secretions, or that can increase the risk for aspiration (for example, cognitive dysfunction, spinal cord injuries, seizure disorders, or other neuromuscular disorders)
Residents of nursing homes and other chronic-care facilities
Healthcare personnel
Household contacts and caregivers of children up to 5 years of age, and adults 50 years and older
Household contacts and caregivers of persons with medical conditions that put them at higher risk for severe complications from influenza

Who should not get a flu shot?

Certain individuals should not be vaccinated without first consulting a healthcare professional. These people include:

Those with a severe allergy to chicken eggs
Those with allergies to certain medications and preservatives, including certain antibiotics and Thimerosal (preservative)
Those who have had a severe reaction to an influenza vaccination in the past
Those who have Guillain-Barre syndrome (GBS) within six weeks of getting a flu vaccine previously
Those who have a moderate or severe illness with a fever should wait until they recover before getting flu shot

Do I need to get a flu shot every year?

Yes. Influenza (flu) viruses change from year to year; therefore, a new vaccination must be created each year, and annual immunization is necessary.

When should I get a flu shot?

Yearly flu shots begin as soon as the vaccine is available. Flu shots will be available at Take Care Clinics on August 9, 2010.

Can I still get the flu after I've received a flu shot?

Yes. As with other immunizations, the flu shot is not 100% effective against all influenza viruses, but it still provides the best form of protection. Individuals who are vaccinated but still contract the flu generally get a milder case of influenza than they would have had they not been vaccinated.

The vaccine takes effect two weeks after it has been administered; therefore, during this time you may be susceptible to influenza just like individuals who have not received the vaccination.

Can pregnant women get a flu shot at Take Care Clinics?

Yes - Take Care Clinics administer flu shots to pregnant women in all three trimesters. Delaware and Missouri require pregnant women to receive a preservative-free vaccine.

Click here for a full list of services available at Take Care Clinics.
Click here for a Take Care Clinic location near you.

*Delaware and Missouri require preservative-free vaccinations to pregnant women; Delaware requires preservative-free vaccinations to children younger than 8 years-old and Missouri requires preservative-free vaccinations to children younger than 3 years-old.