The flu stops with you
Getting the flu shot protects you — and those around you.
Where can I get a flu shot?
Learn about the flu shot
Get a free flu shot near you
Getting a flu shot is always a good idea. But with the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, it’s even more important. Why? Because you want to protect yourself from having the flu virus (influenza) and COVID at the same time.
Maybe you consider the flu an inconvenience, not a serious illness. But, like COVID-19, the flu can be bad news for some. Getting a flu shot can keep you from spreading flu to others at high risk of severe illness (like children under 2 or adults over 65).
Flu cases were low last year. But they’re likely to rise this year with relaxed mask mandates. You can help keep cases down by getting the shot. It’s easy, safe — and puts you on the first line of defense.
Where to get a flu shot
Flu season begins in the fall and ends in the spring, typically lasting from October through May. It’s best to get vaccinated before flu season starts — but getting it later in the season is better than not at all.
Choose the most convenient way to get your free flu shot from Geisinger:
1. Get a walk-in flu shot
Get a walk-in flu shot during business hours at:
- Geisinger primary care clinics
- Convenient Care (urgent care) clinics
- Geisinger Pharmacy locations
That’s right, just walk in — wearing your mask and being mindful of physical distancing.
To avoid a wait, schedule an appointment or call 800-275-6401.
2. Get a drive-through flu shot
Drive-through flu shots are no longer available this flu season. But check back for events next fall.
Have flu shot questions? We have answers.
Can I get the flu from the flu shot?
The flu shot doesn’t contain the active virus, so it can’t cause you to get the flu. You might feel a bit under the weather, though, as it revs up your immune system and your body creates antibodies.
Read: The science behind your flu shot.
Are there any side effects from the flu shot?
You might have some minor side effects including:
- Soreness, redness and/or swelling
- Headache
- Fever
- Nausea
- Muscle aches
If you have side effects, you should feel better within a day or two. If not, contact your doctor.
Who should get a flu shot?
The CDC recommends annual flu shots for everyone 6 months and older. Vaccination is particularly important for people at higher risk of serious complications — including anyone age 65 or older, children younger than 2, pregnant women and those with medical conditions like asthma, cancer, COPD, diabetes, kidney or liver disease.
Will a flu shot protect me against COVID-19?
Getting a flu shot won’t protect you against COVID-19, but it can reduce your risk of illness, hospitalization and other severe complications from the flu.
Both the flu and COVID can make you really sick. If you haven’t received your COVID-19 vaccine yet, there’s no better time than now. Learn how to get a COVID vaccine.
When should I get the flu shot?
Flu season begins in the fall and ends in the spring, peaking between December and February. Protect yourself all season by getting your flu shot in October.
If you don’t get your shot early, it can still be beneficial throughout flu season. So, if you forget, get it as soon as you can.
If I get the flu shot, can I still get the flu?
Several strains of flu go around, and the flu shot covers the ones you’re most likely to get. But it’s possible to catch a strain that isn’t covered by the vaccine. Still, getting the vaccine reduces your chances of getting the flu. And the vaccine can also reduce how severe the flu is if you do get it.
I was told I can’t receive a flu shot in the past. Can I now?
You may be able to get the current version of the flu shot offered at Geisinger. Talk to your doctor to learn about your options.
I’m allergic to eggs. Can I get a flu shot?
Yes. The flu shot at Geisinger has a very small amount of egg — so small that most people with egg allergies can get the shot.
Geisinger also has a limited supply of egg-free flu vaccines available for people with egg allergies who have had severe reactions to the shot in the past.
If you’re allergic to eggs, talk to your doctor about which shot is right for you.
Which types of flu shots does Geisinger offer?
We offer two types of flu vaccines:
- Flulaval: A standard dose, four strain (quadrivalent) vaccine that is approved for patients 6 months and older. This will be the flu vaccine we offer to people between 6 months and 64 years old.
- Fluzone HD: A high dose, quadrivalent vaccine approved for people 65 and older. The higher dosage helps to produce a more robust and long-lasting immune response in those whose immune system may not be as strong.
Do children ages 6 months and up receive the same flu shot as adults?
Yes. All standard dose flu vaccines are approved for use in people 6 months to 64 years old.
Which strains do Geisinger flu vaccines offer protection against?
All flu vaccines available in the United States contain the same strains as determined by the World Health Organization and then approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. For the 2022-2023 season, all available flu vaccines in the U.S. are the quadrivalent vaccines.
