As the temperature begins to fall in Cuyahoga County, it’s a sign that cold and flu season isn’t far behind.

When deciding if the flu shot is right for you, keep in mind these benefits from the CDC:

• Everyone 6 months of age and older should get a flu vaccine every season.
• Flu vaccination can keep you from getting sick with flu.
• Flu vaccination can reduce the risk of flu-associated hospitalization for children, working age adults, and older adults.
• Flu vaccination is an important preventive tool for people with chronic health conditions.
• Vaccination helps protect women during and after pregnancy.
• Flu vaccine can be life-saving in children.
• Flu vaccination has been shown in several studies to reduce severity of illness in people who get vaccinated but still get sick.
• Getting vaccinated yourself may also protect people around you, including those who are more vulnerable to serious flu illness, like babies and young children, older people, and people with certain chronic health conditions.

Where can I get my flu shot?

Flu shots are available at most local pharmacies and minute clinics. Check with your insurance provider to see if flu shots outside of a doctor’s visit are covered by your insurance. If they’re not covered or you do not have insurance, there are other options in the community for free or low-cost flu vaccinations:

Metro Health
Flu shots are available at all MetroHealth pharmacy locations for adults and children 14 years and older. The cost is $22 and most insurance plans are accepted. Walk-ins are welcome. View a list of all pharmacy locations and Metro Health flu shot clinics.

The Cleveland Clinic
If you have an upcoming appointment scheduled with your primary care physician, you may obtain your flu vaccination at that appointment. Flu vaccine-only appointments will not be scheduled until flu clinic options are no longer available. View a list of flu clinics from the Cleveland Clinic.

University Hospitals
Flu shots are available at all primary care locations. Request a flu shot at an upcoming appointment or book a new appointment.

Cuyahoga County Board of Health
CCBH offers vaccine shots for infants, children, teens and adults. As part of the Vaccine for Children Program, they are able to give children under 18 years of age their shots for free or at a low cost. The CCBH also accepts insurance and out of pocket payments. No child under 18 years of age is turned away due to inability to pay. View location and hours.

Cleveland Department of Public Health
The CDPH offers no-cost flu vaccines for most people. The cost will be covered by most insurance plans and are free for those without insurance. View locations and hours.

Pharmacy Locator:
Drug Mart Pharmacy
Ride Aid Pharmacy
CVS Pharmacy
Walgreens Pharmacy