Flu resources

The flu (influenza) is a very contagious virus. It causes high fever, body aches, cough and other symptoms. Most children who get the flu can recover at home. However, some children, especially those with underlying medical conditions, can get very sick from the flu, develop complications and need to be hospitalized.

The most important step you can take to stay healthy this flu season is to make sure everyone in your family (6 months and older) gets the flu shot. Watch this video and get answers to more questions below on how to best protect your family against the flu.

Where can I get a flu shot?

If you have an upcoming appointment with a health care provider, ask about getting your flu shot during your appointment. The list below can also help you find a flu vaccine near you.

Find a flu vaccine near you

• Ask your primary care provider or pediatrician’s office if they are offering the flu vaccine. If you’re looking for a pediatrician for your child, visit Children's Health℠ Primary Care.
• Search for flu vaccine locations at Vaccines.gov. Most pharmacies offer flu vaccines for adults and children. You can make convenient appointments online, but you may want to call or stop by first to find out:
  • Cost of the flu vaccine. Flu vaccines are typically 100% covered by private insurance.
  • Your ability to make group appointments. Many pharmacies allow you to make appointments for multiple family members at the same time.
  • Age requirements. Pharmacies can only give flu shots to children who are 3 or older.
  • Nasal flu vaccine availability. This can be a great alternative for children who have a hard time with shots.
• These pharmacies can also provide more information and help you make a convenient online appointment:
  • CVS
  • Kroger
  • Walgreens
  • Walmart
• North Texas City and County Public Health Clinics:
  If you have Medicaid, CHIP or don't have health insurance, public health clinics can be a great option for flu vaccines.
  • Collin County
  • Dallas County
  • Denton County
  • City of Garland
  • Tarrant County
• Other flu vaccine locations in Texas:
  Many of these locations offer free or discounted flu vaccines, accept many types of insurance, have walk-in appointments and extended hours, and can vaccinate all children 6 months and older. However, we recommend calling to confirm pricing and scheduling options ahead of time.
  • Find a community health center near you
  • BlueCross BlueShield of Texas Care Van Flu Events
  • Parkland Health Centers
  • CareNow Urgent Care
  • MD Kids Pediatrics
  • Health Services of North Texas
  • Foremost Family Health Centers

Flu vaccines for Children's Health patients

The health and well-being of our patients and their families is our priority. That’s why we recommend that everyone (6 months and older) get a flu vaccine every year. Getting vaccinated is especially important to protect children with chronic health conditions who are at higher risk for serious flu complications.

If you have an upcoming appointment at Children’s Health, ask your provider about getting your flu shot during your appointment. Children’s Health offers flu vaccines to patients in select clinics. If your child gets a flu shot somewhere else, please let our care team know. One easy way to do that is to register to use a free, online vaccination record keeper called the ImmTrac2 vaccination registry.

What is ImmTrac2?

ImmTrac2 is the Texas state vaccination registry. This convenient system stores immunization records from multiple databases in one secure, centralized, online system – so you don’t have to. To use this registry, you must first give your permission to participate. Only authorized organizations such as hospital systems can access the registry. Children’s Health pulls vaccine data from ImmTrac2. This information helps us understand how to better serve families during flu season.

Flu vaccine FAQs

• Who should get the flu shot?

  The flu shot is recommended for every person 6 months of age and older. Getting vaccinated is especially important if someone in your home is at high risk for serious flu complications. This includes children under the age of 5, adults over age 65, and children with chronic health conditions, such as asthma, cystic fibrosis, diabetes, epilepsy, heart conditions and sickle cell disease. 

• When should I get a flu shot?

  It’s best to get the flu shot in early fall (September and October) because it can take up to two weeks for antibodies to develop. If you have a child who needs two doses of the flu vaccine (like if it’s your child’s first flu shot), it’s recommended they get the first dose as soon as possible. If you have a child with an underlying health condition, it’s especially important to get the flu shot in early fall before flu cases start to increase.

  If you or your children haven’t gotten your flu vaccine by the end of October, remember, it’s better late than never because some flu seasons stretch out for months. We encourage you to get your flu vaccine at any point during the flu season rather than not getting it at all.

• Can I get a flu shot at Children’s Health?

  Children’s Health offers flu shots to children with upcoming appointments in select clinics in Dallas and Plano.

  If your child does not have an upcoming appointment, or their clinic is not offering flu vaccines, we recommend they get their flu shot at your pediatrician or primary care office. If your child does not have a pediatrician, visit Children’s Health Primary Care to find one.

• How effective is the flu shot?

  The flu shot significantly reduces your risk of getting the flu. It also reduces your risk of developing serious complications, if you get the flu. Every year, a new vaccine is produced to try to be as effective as possible. This is because new strains of the flu can circulate each year. Even if the vaccine is less effective at preventing one strain of the flu, it can help protect you against another strain and decrease the severity of symptoms and severe complications like pneumonia.

  Learn more about what to expect for this year’s flu season.

• Can the flu shot make you sick?

  Yes, you can get your flu shot at the same time as other vaccines. Ask your health care provider if you have any questions.