Flu Shots Available At Giant Stores In DC

WASHINGTON, DC -- Flu season will be upon us before we know it, so now is the time to get your flu shots. Giant is making it easier by offering the shots at all 138 of their pharmacies, including in stores in D.C.

Most insurance plans cover flu shots for free, and no appointment is needed to get one at your local Giant, the company said in a statement.

To find a Giant store near you, use the Giant store locator.

“Getting a flu shot is the easiest and most effective way to fight the flu,” said Leigh Shirley, director of pharmacy operations at GIANT/MARTIN’S, in the statement. “We encourage everyone to visit their local GIANT/MARTIN’S pharmacy to get vaccinated as soon as possible, because it can take up to two weeks to be fully protected against the flu.”

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends everyone six months old and above get a flu vaccination, particularly those who face a greater risk from getting the flu, such as people with diabetes, pregnant women, adults over 65, children younger than 5, people with compromised immune systems, and those with lung problems.

"Influenza is a serious disease that can lead to hospitalization and sometimes even death," the CDC says on their website. "Every flu season is different, and influenza infection can affect people differently, but millions of people get the flu every year, hundreds of thousands of people are hospitalized and thousands or tens of thousands of people die from flu-related causes every year.

"Even healthy people can get very sick from the flu and spread it to others. CDC estimates that flu-related hospitalizations since 2010 ranged from 140,000 to 710,000, while flu-related deaths are estimated to have ranged from 12,000 to 56,000. During flu season, flu viruses circulate at higher levels in the U.S. population. ('Flu season' in the United States can begin as early as October and last as late as May.) An annual seasonal flu vaccine is the best way to reduce your risk of getting sick with seasonal flu and spreading it to others. When more people get vaccinated against the flu, less flu can spread through that community."

(Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)