When it comes to the flu, your best defense is to get vaccinated as soon as possible.
With the flu vaccine, you reduce your risk of getting and spreading the flu. Vaccination also reduces the risk of flu-related hospitalizations and deaths.
If you are 65 or older, you should get the high-dose flu shot. If you receive an influenza (flu) vaccine, you’ll likely be protected from the flu for a full season.
Even if the shot doesn’t prevent you from getting the flu, it will make its symptoms less severe. Studies show that people who are vaccinated and get sick have less severe symptoms and a shorter length of the illness—sometimes as little as three to four days, compared to one to two weeks.
How to get a flu shot at Penn Medicine
The best time to get the flu shot is from September to November, though it can be given any time between August and March.
There are options available for you to get your flu shot at Penn Medicine.
Schedule a flu shot on MyChart by myPennMedicine
Current patients of participating Penn Medicine Primary Care practices can self-schedule their flu shot in MyChart by myPennMedicine. If your primary care practice isn’t listed for self-scheduling, please call their office to make an appointment.
To schedule your appointment:
- Click on “Schedule an appointment or lab test” under the “Visits” tab.
- Choose “Flu shot - returning patients of primary care only.”
- Pick your primary care practice and follow the prompts. (Note: The practices are sorted alphabetically by the name of the city where the office is located.)
If you don’t have a MyChart by myPennMedicine account, sign up today.
Request a primary care appointment
Schedule your annual check-up and get your flu shot while you’re there.
To request an appointment, you can fill out our online form and a representative will call you back, or you can call us directly at 800-789-7366.
The flu, COVID, and RSV
This year, due to the coronavirus and RSV, it is essential to get your flu shot.
As the seasonal flu overlaps with coronavirus and RSV cases, there may be a surge of sick patients across the country that crowd and put more pressure on doctors and hospitals. The potential for a "tripledemic" of COVID-19, RSV and influenza is especially concerning.
By getting a flu shot, you’re helping protect yourself and others around you.
Risks to flu complications
Although everyone should get a flu shot, they are even more important for people who are more vulnerable to the flu:
- Adults age 65 and older
- Those with medical conditions, such as asthma, diabetes, chronic lung disease and cancer
- Pregnant people
If you live with or provide care to someone who is more susceptible to the flu, it is also vital for you to get a flu shot to help protect them.
CDC guidance on flu, COVID, and RSV vaccines
- Eligible patients can get the flu, COVID-19, and RSV vaccines during the same visit. Talk with your healthcare provider about this option.
- If you prefer to get each vaccine at a different visit, there is no minimum waiting period between vaccines.
- It is important to make sure you are up to date and protected for this season. Talk with a healthcare provider or pharmacist if you have questions about flu, COVID, and RSV vaccines.