Influenza (flu) is a contagious disease that can make you and your family very sick. Even healthy people can get sick from the flu and miss work or school. Some are even hospitalized.
Help keep yourself, your family and those around you healthy by getting a flu vaccine. Schedule an appointment with your primary care provider today! Are you looking for a provider who sees Health First Colorado (Colorado’s Medicaid Program) members? Search for a provider at CCHAcares.com/findadoc or contact CCHA Member Support Services.
Help keep yourself, your family and those around you healthy by getting a flu vaccine now.
Who should get an annual flu vaccine?
An annual flu vaccine is recommended for everyone 6 months of age and older.
Some people are at higher risk for serious flu-related complications, so getting a yearly flu vaccine is especially important to:
While you’re getting your annual flu vaccine, make sure you and your family members are caught up on other recommended vaccinations. Routine childhood vaccinations help prevent 14 serious diseases and protect your child’s health now and in the future.
Adults need to keep their vaccinations up to date because immunity from childhood vaccinations can wear off over time. Adults are also at risk for different diseases. Receiving vaccinations is one of the most convenient and safe preventive care measures available.
All adults need
Adults may need other vaccines based on their age, health conditions, job, lifestyle or travel habits. Learn more about what other vaccines may be recommended and talk to your primary care provider about which vaccines are right for you.
If you or a family member has fallen behind on routine vaccines, call your primary care provider’s office to schedule an appointment.
Do you have questions about the seasonal flu vaccine? Here are answers to some frequently asked questions.
Flu signs and symptoms usually come on suddenly. People who are sick with flu often feel some or all of these symptoms:
- Fever* or feeling feverish/chills
- Cough
- Sore throat
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Muscle or body aches
- Headaches
- Fatigue (tiredness)
- Some people may have vomiting and diarrhea, though this is more common in children than adults.
*It’s important to note that not everyone with flu will have a fever.
COVID-19 symptoms are similar to those of bronchitis, the common cold and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). If you have symptoms, you should get tested, isolate and call your provider. Find a free COVID-19 testing site near you.
Protect yourself and your family from the worst of COVID-19 by getting your free COVID-19 vaccine. Find out where you can get vaccinated.
As a Health First Colorado (Colorado’s Medicaid Program) member, you can get your annual flu vaccine at no cost to you! When looking for a flu shot, talk to your primary care provider or use our search tool to find a provider. Be sure to confirm that the location accepts Health First Colorado. Adults may have an office visit co-pay at the time of service.
Talk to your primary care provider about getting a flu vaccine. If you don’t have a primary care provider yet, you can use our search tool to find a provider or contact CCHA Member Support Services.
Yes. Wearing a mask and physical distancing can help protect you and others from respiratory viruses, like flu and the virus that causes COVID-19. However, the best way to reduce your risk of flu illness and its potentially serious complications is for everyone 6 months and older to get a flu vaccine each year. By getting a flu vaccine, you may also be protecting people around you who are more vulnerable to serious flu complications.
Yes. There are prescription medications called “antiviral drugs” that can be used to treat flu illness. Antiviral drugs are prescription medicines (pills, liquid, an inhaled powder, or an intravenous solution) that fight against flu in your body. You can only get them if you have a prescription from your doctor or health care provider. Learn more about antiviral medicines.