Learn ways to protect yourself and your family from the flu virus.

Five simple steps you can take to reduce your chances of getting - or spreading - the flu:

1. Get vaccinated.
2. Wash hands frequently.
3. Cover coughs and sneezes.
4. Stay home if you're sick.
5. Convince those around you to follow steps 1 - 4.

More Prevention Information:

• CDC Says “Take 3” Actions to Fight the Flu (cdc.gov)
• Everyday Preventive Actions (cdc.gov, pdf)
• How Flu Spreads (cdc.gov)
• What You Should Know About Flu Antiviral Drugs (cdc.gov)
• Prevention Strategies in Healthcare Settings (cdc.gov)

Flu Vaccine Finder

• How to Use. Simply enter a city or ZIP code in the Flu Vaccine Finder box.
• Results. The locator finds providers that are offering—or are planning to offer—flu vaccine to the public in the area entered.
• Check First. Individuals should first check with their usual health care providers about vaccine availability.
• Check Direct. DSHS urges the public to check with a listed provider to confirm that information presented in the locator about hours, dates, locations, eligibility and vaccine availability is accurate and current.
• Local Notices. DSHS encourages the public to also watch for local announcements of flu vaccine availability.
• Dial 2-1-1. Alternatively, Texans can call 2-1-1 or visit 211Texas.org to find information on vaccine availability from local public health departments and other nearby non-profit organizations.

Who Should Get Vaccinated?

• This season’s flu vaccine is recommended for everyone 6 months of age or older.
• The vaccine is available in shot form for all ages who do not have certain health problems and who are not pregnant.
• The CDC advises against the use of the live attenuated influenza vaccine, commonly called the “nasal spray” vaccine and sold under the trade name FluMist. Research from prior flu seasons measured no protective benefit.
• There is no priority-group order for receiving the vaccine.

• People with certain conditions—or who live with people with certain conditions—that put them at high risk of developing serious complications should they get the flu, are especially encouraged to get vaccinated, as are pregnant women.
• Because babies under 6 months of age cannot receive the vaccine, it is important that family members and others around the babies get vaccinated to protect the babies and themselves.

Vaccine Resources

• Additional information from the DSHS Immunization Unit
• Who Needs a Flu Vaccine & When (cdc.gov)
• Selecting Viruses for the Seasonal Influenza Vaccine (cdc.gov)
• Vaccine Information Statement (VIS): Inactivated Flu Vaccine (Injectable) (cdc.gov)
• Preventing Seasonal Flu (cdc.gov)
• People at High Risk of Developing Flu–Related Complications (cdc.gov)
• What You Should Know and Do this Flu Season If You Are 65 Years and Older (cdc.gov)
• Pregnant Women and Influenza (Flu) (cdc.gov)
• Key Facts About Seasonal Flu Vaccine (cdc.gov)
• Misconceptions about Seasonal Flu and Flu Vaccines (cdc.gov)
• ACIP Recommendations: Prevention and Control of Influenza with Vaccines (cdc.gov)
• Influenza Vaccination Information for Health Care Workers (cdc.gov)
• Influenza (Flu) Vaccine Safety (cdc.gov)

For your convenience, DSHS has gathered the above additional online resources from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Except for the Flu Vaccine Finder,  CDC links open in a new window.