Protect yourself and your loved ones – Get your flu shot today!

Yes! Denver Public Health offers immunizations to anyone regardless of insurance or ability to pay.

No, the flu shot will not give you the flu. However, it is possible to feel a little sick after getting the flu shot.

Some people may have mild side effects after their flu shot. The most common side effects from flu shots are soreness, redness, tenderness or swelling where the shot was given. Low-grade fever, headache and muscle aches also may occur. If these reactions happen, they usually begin soon after the shot and last 1-2 days. The most common reactions people have to the flu shot are much less severe than the symptoms caused by actual flu illness.

The overall effectiveness of the vaccine varies each year averaging about 40-60%. Even though getting the flu vaccine shot might not protect a person completely from getting the flu, the illness is often much milder and the number of days off work is less. Read more information from the CDC: Vaccine Effectiveness – How well does the Flu Vaccine Work. For information specific to this flu season, visit the CDC’s FAQ about the current flu season.

Today’s vaccines use only ingredients needed to be as safe and effective as possible. Each ingredient in a vaccine serves a specific purpose to:

• Keep you healthy.
• Provide protection (immunity).
• Keep the vaccine safe and long-lasting.

Read more about vaccine ingredients from the CDC.

No. The flu shot is not a live vaccine.

Yes. Because the flu shot is not a live vaccine, even people who are immunocompromised should, and can, get it every year.

Yes. There are egg-free options for the flu shot. Ask your local public health department or doctor giving the vaccine about your options.

Yes. Everyone should get a flu shot every year - even the young and healthy. While you may work hard every year to eat healthy and exercise, this does not necessarily protect you from the flu virus. Everyone should get the flu shot to stay healthy themselves and protect those around you, especially those who are at risk of serious illness and/or may not be able to get vaccinated.

The Flu and COVID-19 are both contagious respiratory illnesses, but are caused by different viruses. COVID-19 is caused by an infection with a new coronavirus (called SARS-CoV-2) and flu is caused by infection with influenza viruses. Some of the symptoms of flu and COVID-19 are similar, and it may be hard to tell the difference between them based on symptoms alone, and testing may be needed to help confirm a diagnosis. Visit the CDC website for information about the similarities and differences between the Flu and COVID-19.