Flu is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses that infect the nose, throat and sometimes the lungs. It can cause mild to severe illness, and at times can lead to death. Symptoms include fever or chills, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, muscle or body aches, headaches and fatigue (tiredness).

The flu vaccine is an injection given in your arm or a spray placed in your nose that helps protect you from the flu. The flu vaccine lowers your chances of getting sick from the flu and, if you do catch the flu, you are less likely to become very sick or die.

Everyone should get their annual flu shot in the fall. Ideally, everyone would have their flu shot by the end of October. However, it's better to get the flu shot late than not at all.

Everyone 6 months old or older should receive the flu shot. People who have had a serious reaction to the flu shot in the past should discuss their options with their healthcare provider or pharmacist.

Every year, flu vaccination prevents illnesses, medical visits, hospitalizations and deaths. Flu vaccination also is an important preventive tool for people with chronic health conditions.

You need a dose every flu season (fall & winter) for your protection & for the protection of others around you. Learn more at https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/vpd/flu/index.html. Consult your pharmacist or healthcare provider to determine your level of risk for infection & your need for this vaccine. Immunization offerings may vary by state.

Flu shots are available at no cost to you through most insurance plans.

Yes, because the influenza virus changes year over year, the annual flu shot is adjusted to best suit the version of the virus that is circulating.

The effectiveness of the seasonal flu shot can vary. Because the influenza virus changes year over year, the annual flu shot is adjusted to best suit the version of the virus that is circulating. When the vaccine available matches the virus circulating, the flu shot is very effective. However, if the flu virus changes more than the vaccine, the benefit of getting a flu shot can be limited. The goal of the flu shot is to prevent you from getting sick. Specifically, the annual flu shot should decrease your chances of serious illness, hospitalization and death.

The flu virus spreads throughout the United States every year, usually between October and May, with peak flu activity in January or February.

Flu shots are now available for the 2025-2026 season.

The flu shot is a vaccination that helps you fight off a flu infection. It is likely to cause an immune response but does not cause the flu virus. The vaccines either contain inactivated virus, meaning the viruses are no longer infectious, or a particle designed to look like a flu virus to your immune system. While the nasal spray flu vaccine does contain a live virus, the viruses are changed so that they cannot give you the flu.

Most people have mild side effects after getting their flu shot. It is possible that you may have soreness, redness or swelling where the injection was given, headache, fever, nausea, muscle aches and/or fatigue. Rarely, you could feel faint. These symptoms should resolve in a few days. Serious allergic reactions to the flu shot are very rare. These reactions include breathing problems, hoarseness, wheezing, hives, paleness, weakness, a rapid heartbeat and dizziness. These reactions are more common in people who are allergic to ingredients in the vaccine.

No, the flu vaccines that are offered at Walmart pharmacies are commercially available products. They're the same vaccines also likely to be available at many doctors’ offices.

Yes, there are many different types of flu shots available that provide protection against influenza. They are made and designed differently to address specific ages, allergies and concerns. Ask your pharmacist or healthcare provider which flu vaccine is best for you based on your unique situation.

Yes, it is safe to get the flu shot and the COVID-19 vaccine at the same visit.

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