Fall is Flu Shot Season

Now more than ever, it is critically important to get a flu shot (also called seasonal flu vaccine). Flu season begins in the late fall and goes through winter, peaking between the months of December and February, but people can still get the flu as late as May.

The Cambridge Public Health Department (CPHD) strongly encourages residents to get a flu vaccine this fall in addition to maintaining healthy, safe habits of wearing a face covering, handwashing, and practicing physical distancing as a way to slow the spread of both the flu and COVID-19. Practicing these habits and getting a flu shot will help keep each of us, our loved ones, and our neighbors healthy, especially those who are at higher risk for both the flu and COVID-19, and who may have chronic health conditions. Preventing the flu translates to fewer sick days and fewer flu-related medical visits or hospitalizations, ensuring healthcare centers and hospitals do not become overwhelmed during the pandemic and the flu season. Getting the flu vaccine also helps support healthcare and other frontline champions who have been working hard during COVID-19.

Cambridge residents can get a free flu shot at one of the flu clinics run by CPHD. Adults and children six months or older are highly encouraged to get a seasonal flu vaccine. To meet the expected higher demand, CPHD has ramped up its efforts to vaccinate more residents than in previous years while implementing procedures to help reduce the risk of getting—or transmitting—COVID-19. There will be new guidelines and recommendations for this year’s flu shot in order to support health and safety measures.

To learn more about this year’s flu clinics and how to get a free flu vaccine, visit the City of Cambridge’s flu webpage at Cambridgema.gov/flu