Fight the Flu. It’s up to YOU!

The flu shot is the first and most important step in protecting against flu viruses.

This year – as we face the uncertainty of the delta variant of COVID-19 – the flu shot is essential to protect your health and reduce the impact of respiratory illnesses in our community and health care systems.

Who should get the flu shot?

The CDC recommends everyone ages 6 months and older receive the flu shot every year. Vaccination is especially important for these high-risk groups:

- Parents of young children

- Pregnant women

- Adults ages 65 and older

- People with chronic medical conditions, like heart disease, diabetes and asthma

- Health care workers

- People who live with or care for high-risk individuals

- Caregivers of and those who live with infants younger than 6 months.

When is the best time to get the flu shot?

Peak flu season is October through March. You should get your flu shot before flu viruses begin spreading in our community because it takes about 2 weeks after vaccination for antibodies to develop in the body and provide protection. The CDC recommends that people get a flu vaccine by the end of October.

What type of vaccine is North Oaks offering?

North Oaks is offering the preservative-free, quadrivalent vaccine, which offers protection against the four strains of the flu virus projected by the CDC to be most prevalent for the 2021-2022 season: an influenza A (H1N1) virus, an influenza A (H3N2) virus and two influenza B viruses. A specific vaccine for those 65 and older is also being offered.

Can I get a COVID-19 vaccine and flu vaccine at the same time?

According to the CDC, these vaccines can be given at the same time safely. However, the CDC recommends people should be consistent with the recommended schedule for both vaccines. If you have not yet received your doses of the COVID-19 vaccine, make the appointment as soon as you can, and ideally get a flu vaccine by the end of October. 

Where can I get the flu shot?

Flu shots will be available without an appointment at North Oaks Urgent Care Clinics in Hammond, Ponchatoula and Walker.

Select North Oaks primary care and specialty clinics in Hammond, Livingston, and Independence also are providing flu shots. To locate the clinic convenient to you, click here. You also may call North Oaks Physician Group at (985) 230-APPT [2778] or (844) APPT-NOW [277-8669].

Will my insurance cover the flu shot?

Most health insurance plans are accepted, and many may cover the shot as a preventive service at no cost to you and covered family members. To verify acceptance of your plan and preventive service coverage, contact your insurance provider. Self-pay options also are available. 

For more articles about this year's flu season, please visit our Flu Season blog.