It takes about two weeks after vaccination to be fully protected, so you should get a flu shot before the flu begins spreading — ideally starting in September and by the end of October.

Your safety is our priority. The process for getting a flu shot hasn't changed and we have safety protocols in place at all locations.

Flu shots are covered by most insurance plans. Self-pay options are available at Sutter Walk-In Care.

Flu shots are available seasonally, by appointment, at Sutter Walk-In Care, flu clinics and at your doctor’s office.

Every year the influenza virus changes, making it different from the previous year. Getting a flu shot every year may not completely prevent the disease, but it can lessen its effects and minimize your chances of getting seriously ill and being hospitalized. Your immunity from a flu shot also diminishes over time, so a flu shot every year will help keep you protected.

You can’t get the flu from the flu shot. The viruses inside the vaccine are dead and can’t infect you.

The most common flu shot side effects are redness, swelling and soreness at the injection site. This occurs in only 15 to 20 percent of people who get the shot and are usually mild. Fever, chills and muscle pain occur in less than one percent (1 in 100) of people receiving a flu shot. Visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website for more answers about flu vaccine safety.

Yes, if you’re age 17 and under, you need parental or guardian consent to receive a flu vaccine. Bring a parent or guardian to your vaccine appointment, or download the consent form, have it signed and bring it with you.

Flu Vaccine Consent Form

• English (PDF)

Yes, Sutter can provide an enhanced flu vaccine for this age group, which is associated with a stronger immune response. Receiving an enhanced flu vaccination is now preferred by the CDC and is especially important for people 65 years and older because they’re at higher risk of developing serious flu complications.

The viruses that cause influenza and COVID-19 are both expected to spread this fall and winter. This means getting a flu vaccine will be more important than ever. The CDC recommends that everyone 6 months and older get a yearly flu vaccine.

Yes. It's possible to have the flu (as well as other respiratory illnesses) and COVID-19 at the same time.

Getting a flu vaccine won’t protect against COVID-19. However, the flu vaccination has many other important benefits. Flu vaccines have been shown to reduce the risk of flu illness, hospitalization and death. Getting a flu vaccine this fall will be more important than ever, not only to reduce your risk from flu but also to help conserve potentially scarce healthcare resources.

Influenza (Flu) and COVID-19 are both contagious respiratory illnesses, but they’re caused by different viruses. COVID-19 is caused by a coronavirus called SARS-CoV-2. The flu is caused by infection with influenza viruses. Because some of the symptoms of flu and COVID-19 are similar, it may be hard to tell the difference between them based on symptoms alone, and testing may be needed to help confirm a diagnosis.

flu nasal spray is only indicated for use in specific populations. Consult your doctor to find out if you’re eligible to receive flu nasal spray.

Yes. According to the CDC, it’s safe to get vaccinated for both COVID-19 and the flu on the same day.