Flu Shot: Where To Get Vaccine In Virginia, DC

WASHINGTON, DC — It's not too soon to get yourself and your family vaccinated against the flu. As the 2018-19 flu season approaches, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has started reminding the public to get flu shots. Some county health departments and schools plan to offer the shots, while every Giant grocery store in Virginia that has a pharmacy says it has the shots available, as do national chains like CVS, Walgreens and Rite Aid pharmacies.

The CDC’s recommendations state that everyone six months or older should get a flu vaccine annually. The CDC said the vaccine is needed every flu season for the following reasons:

1. The body’s immune response from vaccination declines over time
2. Flu viruses are constantly changing

Getting vaccinated by the end of October gives your body time to develop the antibodies it needs to fight off the flu as the season kicks in, and reaches its peaks in January and February, says Consumer Reports.

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The vaccine takes about two weeks to go into effect. The flu shot can keep people from getting sick with the flu and it is shown to reduce the severity of illness in those who get vaccinated but still get sick. For children, the CDC says the vaccine can be life-saving and reduces the risk for hospitalization. (Click here to see the full benefits of getting the vaccine.)

People should ideally get their flu shots by the end of October but the vaccine continues to be offered as long as the flu is circulating and vaccines are available. The CDC also reiterates that it is still worthwhile to get the vaccine after October. Children who require two doses of the vaccine should start the process sooner rather than later because the two doses need to be given at least four weeks apart, the CDC says. Children under six months are too young to get the flu shot.

Influenza, more commonly referred to as "flu," is a respiratory illness caused by viruses infecting the nose, throat and lungs and can be severe and, especially for the young and very weak, be life threatening, according to Doctors Report. Flu-related illnesses that can result include pneumonia, asthma and dehydration.

The CDC also provides guidance for those who shouldn’t get a flu shot as well as for people who should talk to their doctors before getting a flu shot. The agency also has resources on special considerations regarding egg allergies and the flu shot.

To find a clinic near you offering the flu vaccine, you can enter your zip code or city below:

Read more on the CDC’s flu vaccine recommendations here.

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