Influenza Vaccine
Who Should Get a Flu Vaccination
Everyone 6 months or older is recommended to receive the seasonal influenza vaccine every year with rare exceptions.
The single best way to protect against the flu is to get vaccinated each year. Vaccination is particularly important for people who are at high risk for serious flu complications from influenza. Since flu season for Nebraskans is between November and April, October is a great month to schedule your seasonal influenza vaccine. Visit the CDC website to learn more about who should get the flu shot.
For more information about the flu vaccine, please visit our immunizations page.
High-risk individuals for flu complications
- Adults 65 and older
- Pregnant women
- Asthma
- History of heart disease and stroke
- Diabetes (type 1, type 2, or gestational diabetes)
- People with muscle and lung function disabilities
- Cancer
- HIV/AIDS
- Chronic kidney disease
- Racial and ethnic minority groups, including non-Hispanic Black, non-Hispanic American Indian or Alaska Native, and Hispanic or Latino people
Find a Flu Vaccine
Start with your primary care provider or where you regularly receive medical care. They may be able to administer the vaccine and provide information about its risks and benefits with a trusted partner. Also, local health departments often provide seasonal influenza vaccines, contact your local health department. Finally, retail pharmacies accept insurance that may cover the vaccine costs and can be the seasonal influenza vaccine.
To easily find an accessible flu vaccine near you, please visit vaccine finder.
Influenza Prevention Tips
Why should I cover my cough?
Serious respiratory illnesses like influenza, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and whooping cough are spread by:
- Coughing or sneezing
- Unclean hands
- These illnesses spread easily in crowded places where people are in close contact.
How do I stop the spread of germs if I am sick?
- Wear a mask to protect others when in public.
- Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue every time you cough or sneeze. Throw the used tissue in a waste basket.
- If you don't have a tissue, sneeze or cough into your sleeve.
- After coughing or sneezing, always clean your hands with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand cleaner.
- Stay home when you are sick.
- Do not share eating utensils, drinking glasses, towels or other personal items.
How can I stay healthy?
- Clean your hands often with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand cleaner.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick, if possible.
- Get vaccinated! Influenza (flu) and pneumococcal (pneumonia) vaccines can prevent serious complications like hospitalization and death.
When you are at the clinic or hospital:
- Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue and dispose of the used tissue in the waste basket.
- Clean your hands with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand cleaner.
- You may also be asked to wear a mask to protect others.
Influenza Educational Materials
Additional Influenza Prevention Resources