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Hi, hello, you should get your fluvaccineASAP.
Heather Hazzan. Wardrobe styling by Ronald Burton. Prop styling by Campbell Pearson. Hair by Hide Suzuki. Makeup by Deanna Melluso at See Management.
Better yet, you should get yourfreeflu vaccine ASAP.
Yup, even if you feel like flu season is forever away.
So, you know,now.
Heres why you really need to get the flu vaccine every year.
(you might read more about how rare this ishere.)
Influenza viruses change very quickly, which is why its important toget vaccinatedevery year, Dr. Schaffner says.
But to think that the flu is merely a very bad cold severely underestimates its power.
Influenza can cause hospitalizations, complications like pneumonia, and even death.
This is the baseline level of vaccination a community needs to have to prevent vaccine-preventable illnesses from spreading.
It really doesn’t make sense to not take advantage.
The big news this year?
TheCDChas no preference for the flu shot over the nasal spray vaccine.
There is one major difference to pay attention to here, though.
Many of the larger pharmacies arent carrying the nasal spray this season.
(CVS, Rite Aid, and Walgreens all carry only the flu shot, spokespeople tell SELF.)
Heres where you’re able to get a free flu vaccine right this second.
That could be a doctor like yourprimary care provider, or it could be somewhere like a pharmacy.
Department of Health and Human Services.
(TheCDC offers a locatoryou can use to find pharmacies that offer flu vaccines near you.)
The thing is that, in this situation, getting the vaccine will unfortunately cost money.
The price will vary based on which provider you choose.
AtCostco, its about $20 no matter your age.
Other places you may find free flu vaccines?
If youre in college, check with your campus health center.
Heres what to expect after your free flu vaccine.
You might also notice a headache, fever, nausea, and muscle aches, according to theCDC.
Typical nasal spray flu vaccine side effects are very similar to those from the shot, according to theCDC.
Again, these symptoms are usually mild and clear up in a few days.
What doesnt go away after the side effects fade?
Your amped-up protection against this season’s flu strains.
Trust us when we say that its a good decision.
Even if youthinkyou can brave the seasonunvaccinated, take one for the team.
Seriously, think about your family members, commuter buddies, coffee shop comrades, and coworkers.
Nobody wants to be a dreaded spreader and make other people sick, Dr. Schaffner says.
