Flu shot and preventing seasonal flu

Find flu shot locations and learn how the flu vaccine helps protect you and your family from the flu

Millions of people get influenza (flu) every year. While it may be common, seasonal flu is a potentially serious disease. It can lead to hospitalization and even death, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).1 That’s why it’s recommended to get a flu vaccine (flu shot) every year to help protect yourself and your family.2 The flu vaccine can help:

  • Weaken or prevent the flu
  • Reduce the risk of having to go to the doctor with flu by 40 percent to 60 percent during seasons when the flu vaccine viruses are similar to circulating flu viruses1

Get a flu shot at no cost to you

If you have a UnitedHealthcare health plan, the flu vaccine is covered at 100% for most benefit plans, which means you can get a flu shot at no additional cost to you.

Talk with your health care provider, sign in to your health plan account or enter your ZIP code below to find a flu shot location near you.

Participating pharmacies

Plan your flu and COVID-19 vaccines during the same visit

Getting the flu shot and COVID-19 vaccine is the best way to help protect yourself and your family. According to the CDC, the flu and COVID-19 vaccines can be received during the same time. Protect yourself this year and talk to your doctor to schedule your vaccines together.

Find COVID-19 vaccine providers for your area

Who should get a flu shot?

A yearly flu shot is recommended for most everyone 6 months of age and older, even healthy people.

It’s especially important for people who are at high risk of serious complications to get the flu shot. If you’re in this group, you may also want to ask about the pneumonia vaccine. These groups include:

When should you get your flu shot?

It’s generally recommended that people get a flu vaccine by the end of October, according to the CDC. This is especially important because of the ongoing spread of COVID-19. The flu season peaks often in February and can last until May, so you can still get the flu vaccine later. No matter when you get your flu shot, it will still be valuable to help protect you for the rest of the flu season. Talk to your provider about the best time to get your flu shot. Remember to ask about other vaccines you might need to protect yourself this year too.

Learn more about annual vaccines and preventive care

What should you know about seasonal flu this year?

Watch as Dr. Mayrene Hernandez, Medical Director for UnitedHealthcare, answers some common questions about the upcoming flu season.

Virtual visits for flu-related care

If you are experiencing common flu-like symptoms such as cough, sore throat and headache, one convenient way to get care without having to leave home is by scheduling a virtual care or telehealth visit. 

Learn about your care options to visit with a provider, including virtual visits.

More ways you can help protect yourself against the flu

After you get your flu shot, continue to take steps to protect yourself and others from the flu. That means frequent hand-washing, wearing a mask and keeping a safe distance when you’re in public spaces. Here are more ways you can help protect yourself and your community:

If you’re feeling sick, stay home

Wash your hands throughout the day, especially after you’ve been in a public place or if you sneeze or cough

Avoid close contact with others and maintain a physical distance from others when you’re in public spaces

Wear a mask that covers your mouth and nose to protect others in case you may be infected

Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces daily, like doorknobs, tables, countertops, phones and more

Learn more about healthy habits from the CDC

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