Colds & Flu - HPSJ/MVHP

Cold Flu - Community

Protect your crew from the flu

Don't wait until you are sick. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist about the flu shot today.

Click the flu shot finder button below to find a pharmacy near you.

Cold Flu - Baby

Babies can get a flu shot as early as 6 months old. Talk to your doctor today.

Mark their milestones
with a flu shot

Babies can get a flu shot as early as 6 months old. Talk to your doctor today.

Cold Flu - How to get shot

Ready to get your flu shot?

Doctor's Office
Make an appointment today to stay up-to-date on shots and important exams!

Visit Your Local Pharmacy
19 years or older

Rides to doctor visits available.
Call 1-888-936-7526 TTY 711.

Learn about the flu

Some things to know about the flu shot:

Flu shots can prevent illness and severe, life-threatening complications in children.
A 2022 study showed that flu shots reduced children’s risk of severe life-threatening flu by 75%.
Flu shots reduced flu-related hospitalization by 41% and flu-related ER visits by half among children.
The flu shot is NOT the same as the COVID-19 vaccine. They are not combined and are separate from each other.

Flu Shots for Children:

The CDC Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommends the flu shot for children over the age of 6 months. For children 6 months or older, they should get a flu shot each year. If your child’s first dose happens between 6 months to 9 years old they may need 2 doses. The flu shot is a safe way to keep your family healthy this season.

How to avoid getting sick:

Get Your Flu Shot
Wash Your Hands—with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Use alcohol-based hand sanitizer if you can’t wash your hands.
Avoid Close Contact—with anyone who may have a cold/flu symptoms.
Avoid Touching—your eyes, nose or mouth.

What to do if you get sick:

Keep away from others.
Cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing.
Clean shared surfaces often.
Stay home if you are sick for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone. Cover your nose and mouth with your elbow/sleeve when cough or sneeze.

FAQs:

When should I go to the doctor?

Most health children and adults don’t need to go to the doctor if they have a virus. If you or your child has any of the following signs, going to the doctor is a good idea:

An infant becomes sick.
High fever (over 103) or fever (over 101) that lasts over 48 hours.
Cough, fever, or ear pain that lasts more than 10 days.
Severe ear pain.
Severe headache or pain in the face.
Severe sore throat with high fever or swollen “glands”.
Hard time breathing or chest pain.
Flu symptoms (body aches, high fever, tiredness, cough, sore throat) especially if you have other health problems and especially if there is a local flu outbreak.
Symptoms that don’t get better.

When should I go to the emergency department?

Learn the signs of problems that may be dangerous. These problems should be treated in the emergency room right away.

Moderate or severe difficulty breathing.
Very sleepy or hard to wake up.
Stiff neck.
Not able to swallow or keep fluids down.
If you are not sure call the HealthReach Advice Nurse Line.

Do I need antibiotics?

Viruses cause most colds and “flu” infections. Since antibiotics do not work against viruses, they will not help viral infections and can be harmful. Your doctor will know of you need antibiotics. If your doctor doesn’t give you an antibiotic, ask for more information.

What else should I do if I get sick?

Rest and drink plenty of liquids (juice and water).
Avoid alcohol and tobacco, including vape pens and electronic nicotine delivery devices..
Talk to your doctor about what medications to take to help with symptoms.

Flu Vaccines Locator
Stay safe and protect your health year-round. Find a location to receive your flu shot today.

Find Vaccines

Advice Nurse Line
Call Health Plan’s 24/7 HealthReach Advice Nurse line at 1-800-655-8294 for more information.

Learn about the flu

CDC Flu Information