Flu Shots in Washington, DC, Maryland and Virginia

Every year in this country 5 to 20 percent of the population gets the flu, more than 30,000 people die from the flu and 200,000 are hospitalized. The best prevention against influenza is to be vaccinated. Here is information about the flu and where to get a flu shot in the Washington, DC area, including Maryland and Virginia.

Flu shots are highly recommended for:

• people that are 50 or older
  
• children ages 6 months to 5 years
  
• pregnant women
  
• healthcare workers
  
• people with chronic medical conditions, like arthritis, cancer, diabetes, dialysis patients, respiratory diseases, heart disease, AIDS, and high blood pressure.
  
• people who live with others who are at risk for flu-related complications.

When to Get a Flu Shot

The flu season runs from October through April, so the best time to get a flu shot is October and November to provide protection throughout the flu season. You can however get the flu shot at any time.

Cost of a Flu Shot

The cost of a flu shot ranges from $12 to $25 depending on where you get it. Medicare, Medicaid and most insurance companies cover the cost of flu shots for the elderly and other high-risk groups.

Side Effects

Most people who get the flu vaccine experience no side effects. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, you cannot get the flu from a flu shot. Some minor side effects that can occur are soreness, redness, or swelling where the shot was given or a low grade fever.

Where to Get a Flu Shot

• your personal physician
  
  
• employer flu shot clinics
  
  
• pharmacies (Costco, Giant, CVS, Rite Aid, Shoppers, Food Lion, Bloom, Walmart, BJs)
  
  
• county or city health departments
  
  
• medical clinics or local hospitals

To find a flu shot provider near you, visit Find a Flu Shot, an online source by Maxim Health Systems that lists locations by zip code.

Additional Resources on the Flu

• About.com's Cold and Flu Website
  
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
  
• U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)
  
• District of Columbia Department of Health
  
• Maryland Department of Health
  
• Influenza activity in Virginia