Flu resources

Influenza is a very contagious virus that causes high fever, body aches, cough and other symptoms. Most children who get the flu can recover at home. Some children may have more serious illness and complications that can require hospitalization.

The most important step you can take to stay healthy this flu season is to make sure everyone in your family (6 months and older) gets the flu shot. View resources below to protect your family this flu season from Children's Health℠.

Where can I get a flu shot?

If you have an upcoming appointment with a health care provider, ask about getting your flu shot during your appointment. We have also compiled a list of resources to help you find a flu vaccine near you. This list includes facilities with vaccines for both children and adults.

Find a flu vaccine near you

• Check with your primary care provider or pediatrician’s office. If you are looking for a pediatrician for your child, visit Children’s Health Primary Care.
• Search for flu vaccine locations at Vaccines.gov. For more assistance in Texas, you can dial 2-1-1 or visit  211Texas.org
• Check pharmacy locations, such as:
  • CVS
  • Kroger
  • Walgreens
  • Walmart
• North Texas City and County Public Health Clinics:
  • Collin County
  • Dallas County
  • Denton County
  • City of Garland
  • Tarrant County
• Other flu vaccine locations:
  • Find a community health center near you
  • BlueCross BlueShield of Texas Care Van Flu Events
  • Parkland Health Centers
  • CareNow Urgent Care
  • MD Kids Pediatrics
  • Health Services of North Texas
  • Foremost Family Health Centers

Flu vaccines for Children’s Health patients

The health and well-being of our patients and their families is our priority. That’s why we recommend that everyone (6 months and older) get an annual flu vaccine. Getting vaccinated is especially important to protect children with chronic health conditions who are at higher risk for serious flu complications.

If you have an upcoming appointment at Children’s Health, ask your provider about getting your flu shot during your appointment. Children’s Health is offering flu vaccines to patients and family members in select high-risk clinics. If your child gets a flu shot elsewhere, please make sure their care team is aware. One way to do that is to opt-in to the ImmTrac2 vaccination registry.

What is ImmTrac2?

ImmTrac2 is the Texas state vaccination registry. The system stores immunization records from multiple databases in one secure, centralized system. You must opt-in to participate. If asked, please say yes to participate. Only authorized organizations such as hospital systems can access the registry. Children’s Health pulls vaccine data from ImmTrac 2. This information helps us understand how to better serve our patient families during flu season.

Flu vaccine FAQs

• Who should get the flu shot?

  The flu shot is recommended for every person 6 months of age and older. Getting vaccinated is especially important if someone in your household is at high risk for serious flu complications. This includes children under the age of 5, adults over age 65, and children with chronic health conditions such as asthma, cystic fibrosis, diabetes, epilepsy, heart conditions and sickle cell disease. 

• When should I get a flu shot?

  It’s best to get the flu shot in early fall (September and October) because it can take up to two weeks for antibodies to develop. If you have a child who needs 2 doses of the flu vaccine (for instance, a child getting their first flu shot), it’s recommended they get the first dose as soon as possible. If you haven’t gotten your flu vaccine by the end of October, remember, it’s better late than never because some flu seasons stretch out for months.

• Can I get a flu shot at Children’s Health?

  Children’s Health is offering flu shots to patients with upcoming appointments in select clinics in Dallas and Plano. Household contacts can also receive their flu vaccine at these appointments. This is to help encourage the health and safety of patients in high-risk areas.

  If you do not have an upcoming appointment, or if your child’s clinic is not offering flu vaccines, we recommend you get your flu shot at your pediatrician or primary care office. This is the best place to get vaccinated. If your child does not have a pediatrician, visit Children’s Health Primary Care to find one. Remember, please notify your Children’s Health care team after your flu shot so we can update your medical records.

• How effective is the flu shot?

  The flu shot reduces risk of flu illness. Every year, a new vaccine is produced to try to be as effective as possible. This is because new strains of the flu can circulate each year. Even if the vaccine is less effective at preventing one strain of the flu, it can help protect you against another strain and decrease the severity of symptoms.

• Can the flu shot make you sick?

  You cannot get sick with the flu from a flu shot. Some people may feel side effects after getting their vaccine, such as soreness and redness at the injection site, muscle aches and fatigue. Side effects are typically mild and may last a few days.

• Can I get the flu shot at the same time as other vaccines?

  Yes, you can get your flu shot at the same time as other vaccines. Ask your health care provider if you have any questions.