With the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s more important than ever to get your flu shot to reduce your risk of getting and spreading the flu.
When it comes to the flu, your best defense is to get vaccinated as soon as possible. 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
Penn Medicine offers flu shots to all of our patients. There are several options available for you to get your flu shot.
Schedule a flu shot on MyChart by myPennMedicine
To make getting a flu shot as easy as possible, we have online scheduling available through our online portal MyChart by myPennMedicine.
To schedule your appointment, go to MyChart by myPennMedicine and:
- 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-19 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.
Guidance on COVID-19 vaccines and the flu shot
- COVID-19 vaccines and boosters are strongly recommended to reduce transmission of COVID-19 and to prevent severe illness and hospitalization.
- Omicron sub-variant strains of COVID-19, including the EG.5 sub-variant (commonly known as Eris), are currently causing the most cases of COVID-19 and are expected to circulate in fall and winter.
- An updated version of the COVID-19 vaccine, which offers increased protection against the currently circulating omicron sub-variant strains of COVID-19 will be available this fall at local pharmacies and at some Penn Medicine practices. It may be given at the same time as the flu shot. When you are eligible for a COVID vaccine, you should get it wherever it is offered — even outside of Penn Medicine. If you are unsure about the best time for you to get the COVID vaccine, talk to your provider.
- The CDC recommends waiting a minimum of two months since your most recent booster or infection with COVID-19 before taking the COVID-19 vaccine. However, waiting 4 to 6 months may provide the best possible immune response.
Guidance on RSV vaccines and the flu shot
- The Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is typically a winter virus for older adults, causing about 60,000-160,000 hospitalizations and between 6,000 and 10,000 deaths annually.
- The RSV vaccine, now offered for adults 60 and older, is highly effective in preventing hospitalizations and death.
- If possible, it may be best to get the flu shot and the RSV vaccine two weeks apart for the best possible immune response. Talk to your provider about the best time for you to get the RSV vaccine.
- RSV can also affect babies and children younger than 4. Parents should reach out to their pediatrician for advice.