Flu Shots - Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare

Flu Shot: Your Strongest Defense Against Illness

Each year, millions of people in the U.S. get influenza, commonly known as the flu. This respiratory illness spreads easily and quickly, which is why there are so many cases every year.

The flu attacks the lungs, nose and throat, causing symptoms that include:

  • Body aches
  • Cough
  • Fatigue
  • Fever
  • Headache
  • Runny nose
  • Sore throat
  • Vomiting and diarrhea (mainly in children)

Most people who get the flu will recover within two weeks. However, others — especially those at high risk because they’re older than 65, younger than 5, pregnant or have other illnesses — may experience additional complications. These complications, including breathing issues, pneumonia and dehydration, can lead to hospitalization and even death.

The annual flu shot helps you build immunity to the virus, which may help you not get the flu or could make your flu symptoms less severe. Methodist Minor Medical Centers offer the flu vaccine for adults and children at convenient locations in Memphis and the Mid-South.

 

Flu Shots at Methodist Minor Medical Centers

Methodist Minor Medical Centers offer the flu shot at all four locations in Memphis and the Mid-South. It’s a simple process; getting the vaccine only takes a few minutes.

A healthcare professional will ask you a few questions and then insert a needle containing the vaccine into your arm. You may feel a little pinch. We may ask that you wait in the medical center for a few minutes to ensure you respond well to the vaccine.

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Do I Need to Get a Flu Shot?

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends everyone over the age of 6 months get a flu shot every year. Even if you’re healthy, you still need a flu shot, as you can still contract the flu and experience disruptive symptoms.

Getting the vaccine helps prevent you from getting and spreading the virus, especially during flu season when infections are at their highest.

Who Shouldn’t Get a Flu Shot

Very few people shouldn’t get the flu shot.

The CDC doesn’t recommend the flu shot for these groups of people:

  • Babies age 6 months and younger
  • Anyone with severe, life-threatening allergies to an ingredient in the flu shot
  • People who have had a severe allergic reaction to a previous flu vaccine shouldn’t get that specific vaccine again and should talk with their provider about whether to get a different type of flu vaccine