Do you need a flu shot?

A blanket and a bowl of soup might make you feel better if you get the flu. But not getting the flu in the first place is better medicine.

So ask your doctor if you or others in your family should get a flu shot. It’s one of the best ways to stay healthy. The shot is free for TennCare members.

Flu shots can be especially important for some people, such as:

  • Children 6 months to 18 years
  • Adults 50 and older
  • Those with health problems, such as heart disease or asthma
  • Women who will be pregnant during flu season.

And you might need a shot if you spend time with others who are at high risk.

Sometimes there may not be enough flu vaccine for everyone, so check with your doctor to see if you should get a shot.

Some people should not get a shot, such as babies less than  6 months old.

There is also a flu vaccine that comes in a nose spray instead of a shot. It can be given to most healthy people ages 2 to 49.

Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention