Flu Shot Information
Getting a flu shot is an important way to protect yourself and those around you from seasonal influenza viruses. And it’s especially important this flu season. Click here to read our Flu Facts.
Because the flu and COVID-19 have similar signs and symptoms, getting a flu shot will protect you from similar symptoms of COVID-19, including:
- Fever or feeling feverish/chills
- Cough
- Shortness of breath/difficulty breathing
- Fatigue/tiredness
- Sore throat
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Muscle pain or body aches
Protect yourself from the flu and eliminate it as a suspect for COVID-19 by getting your flu shot!
UI Health Flu Shot Pharmacy Location
UI Health offers flu shots at two pharmacy locations. Flu shots are offered only during designated hours, so please call ahead to check availability. The flu shot typically is available to individuals age 10 and older in the pharmacies, but restrictions may apply.
Specialty Care Building (SCB) Pharmacy
1009 S Wood St., Suite 1025
Chicago, IL 60612
Phone: 312.996.6540
Hours: Monday – Friday: 9 am – 5 pm; Saturday: 9 am – 1 pm
University Village Pharmacy
722 W. Maxwell St., 2nd floor
Chicago, IL 60607
Phone: 312.355.2345
Hours: Monday – Friday: 9 am – 5 pm
The University Village Pharmacy is a Campus Care location.
Flu Shot Cost & Insurance
Both pharmacies accept most insurance plans, including CampusCare. Please call ahead to see if your insurance plan covers the flu shot at our pharmacy; sometimes, flu shots only may be covered at your doctor’s office.
Flu Facts
How does the flu shot work?
The flu shot is an inactivated (dead) version of the flu. The dose allows your body to create natural defenses against the flu.
Why is getting the flu shot so important?
For patients: Healthcare worker vaccination is the best defense against hospital acquired influenza.
For you: Vaccination reduces the risk of getting the flu and passing it on to family and friends.
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- The flu can last for one to two weeks.
- You’ll feel lousy and unable to continue your daily routine.
- You may be at risk for pneumonia, sinus and ear infections, dehydration, and worsening of chronic conditions.
I don’t believe the flu shot is effective.
While the flu shot is not 100% effective, not getting the flu shot is 0% effective at preventing the flu.
Why do I have to get it every year?
- The flu virus mutates and changes each year.
- The annual flu shot will protect you against this year’s three most common strains.
- Flu shots from previous years will not be effective against the new strains.
- Multiple studies have shown the body’s immunity to influenza virus decreases over time.
- Getting vaccinated each year provides the best defense against the flu.
What are the possible side effects?
The most common side effects of the shot are:
- Soreness, swelling and redness at the injection site
- Low-grade fever
- Muscle aches
- Headaches
- Fatigue
Side effects, if they occur, are usually mild and only last one to two days.
Can I get sick with the flu from the vaccine?
NO! The flu shot is an inactivated version of the flu and does not have the ability to transmit the flu to you (it’s not a live virus).
I got sick with the flu last year anyway.
- The flu shot takes about two weeks to fully protect you from the flu.
- It cannot protect you from the flu if you are exposed to it before you get the shot or during this two-week period.
- There are many illnesses, like those caused by rhinovirus (common cold), that have similar symptoms to the flu but are not the flu.
- A low-grade fever and achiness may be side effects of the shot, but this is not the flu!
I’m not putting anyone at risk because I’ll just stay home if I get the flu.
- It may take several days after you contract the flu for you to know you have it.
- During that time, you can pass it on to everyone you come into contact with, including patients, family, and friends.
I can’t get the shot; I have a medical reason.
Talk to your primary care provider before getting it if:
- You have had an allergic reaction to vaccinations in the past.
- You have a history of Guillain-Barre Syndrome within six weeks of getting a flu shot.
- Egg allergies and latex allergies should not prevent you from getting the shot. Please ask about egg-free and latex free vaccines.
Will the shot make me miss work?
- Reactions experienced are uncommon and usually mild.
- You should be able to return to work immediately.
- Getting sick from the flu WILL make you miss work.
I’m healthy, I’ve never gotten sick from the flu before.
- EVERYONE is at risk of getting the flu, even if you’ve never gotten it before.
- As a healthcare worker, the risk of getting and giving the flu is even higher.
The CDC recommends that ALL healthcare workers and hospital employees receive the flu shot annually.
Thank you for doing your part to protect yourself and others this flu season!
