Get Your Flu Shot Today

People living with heart disease and stroke survivors face a greater risk of serious complications from flu. Vaccination can help protect your health throughout flu season.

The flu vaccine: What you need to know this year

The facts are simple: Getting a flu shot every year decreases your chances of getting the flu.

You’re less likely to be hospitalized or die from it, especially if you have heart disease or have had a stroke.


Make time to get a flu shot today!

Help save lives by protecting yourself, your loved ones and your co-workers.

Have heart disease or a history of stroke?

During recent flu seasons, about half of all adults hospitalized for the flu also had heart disease. It’s important to get a flu shot every year to lower your risk of serious illness or hospitalization.

Skip the nasal spray vaccine. It’s approved only for healthy nonpregnant people, ages 2-49. If you have heart disease, have other chronic conditions or are pregnant, choose a flu shot.

65 or older?

A high-dose vaccine provides extra protection.

Typically, the flu season hits people 65 and older the hardest. Between 70% and 85% of seasonal flu-related deaths happen in people 65 and older. Between 50% and 70% of seasonal flu-related hospital stays also hit this group.

Ask your healthcare professional about a high-dose vaccine. If one isn’t available, a standard flu shot is better than none.

Got kids, including babies?

Everyone 6 months and older should get a flu shot every year. Some children up to age 8 need two doses at least four weeks apart. Talk to your healthcare professional for details.

Unclear on timing?

September and October are the best times for most people to get vaccinated. Try to get a flu shot by the end of October. Getting one after October can still provide protection during the height of flu season.

After vaccination, can I still get the flu?

Even if you get the flu shot, you can still get the flu, but it won’t be as severe. Prescription medications called flu antiviral drugs also may lessen the effects of the flu if you take them in time.

Antiviral drugs works best when started within one to two days after flu symptoms begin. High-risk or hospitalized patients may still benefit from the medication if started later. The medications can lessen symptoms, reduce flu complications and shorten sick time by about a day. If you start to feel flu symptoms (fever, chills, cough and/or body aches), visit your healthcare professional, urgent care facility or local pharmacy as soon as possible, especially if you have cardiovascular disease.

And remember, antiviral drugs aren’t a substitute for the flu vaccine.

Flu Myths Busted!

MYTH: The flu isn’t that bad.

BUSTED! It can be bad, especially if you’re in a high-risk population for severe flu complications, including:

  • Adults 65 and older
  • People with chronic health conditions such as heart disease or diabetes
  • Pregnant women
  • Children under age 2

There’s a strong link between the flu and heart disease and stroke. During recent flu seasons, about half of all adults hospitalized for the flu also had heart disease. A 2018 study found that the risk of having a heart attack was six times higher within a week of a flu infection. 

 MYTH: The vaccine’s side effects are worse than the flu.

BUSTED! Most people tolerate the vaccine well. Some people report mild side effects, such as soreness, redness, tenderness or swelling, low-grade fever, headache and muscle aches.

But the flu can cause much worse symptoms, such as fever or feeling feverish, chills, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, muscle or body aches, headaches and/or fatigue.

You can reduce your chances of feeling bad after you get a flu shot by:

  • Staying hydrated
  • Applying a cool, clean compress to the injection site
  • Considering over-the-counter pain and fever reducers if needed
  • Not smoking or drinking alcohol
 MYTH: I got a flu vaccine last year, so I’m good to go.

BUSTED! You need a flu vaccine every year. Immunity reduces over time, and flu virus vaccines are constantly updated to protect against the most recent strain.

 MYTH: Only elderly people need to worry about the flu.

BUSTED! People 65 and older are at higher risk of developing serious flu complications compared with young, healthy adults. But people from underrepresented racial and ethnic groups are also hit harder by the flu. Black, Hispanic, American Indian and Alaska Native people have had consistently higher rates of severe flu outcomes, including hospital stays and ICU admissions, from 2009 to 2023.

Are you in a high-risk category for severe flu complications?

Did you know that age and chronic health conditions put you at a higher risk for a severe case of the flu?

Watch this House Calls clip to learn more.