Edward-Elmhurst Health offers flu shot options

With the COVID-19 pandemic showing no sign of easing, it’s more important than ever for people to get a flu shot. A flu shot is not a guarantee a person won't get sick, but it does provide a distinct advantage.

“While people can still get the flu if they are vaccinated, during most years it provides at least 70% protection from getting the flu,” says Dr. Jonathan Pinsky, Medical Director, Infection Control and Prevention, Edward Hospital.

Edward-Elmhurst Health (EEH) is offering flu shots through its primary care physicians, Immediate Care Centers and Walk-In Clinics.

An appointment is required for a flu shot in EEH’s physician offices, including Edward Medical Group, Elmhurst Clinic, Elmhurst Memorial Medical Group and Elmhurst Medical Associates. Contact the doctor’s office to schedule. To find an EEH primary care physician, call (630) 527-6363 or visit www.eehealth.org/services/primary-care.

No appointment is necessary for a flu shot at EEH’s Immediate Care Centers and Walk-In Clinics. To check locations and wait times, visit www.eehealth.org/convenient-care.

The flu season, which typically runs from October to May, can be a killer. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) estimates that influenza has resulted in between 9.3 million – 49 million illnesses, 140,000 – 960,000 hospitalizations and 12,000 – 79,000 deaths annually since 2010.

The CDC recommends anyone over 6 months of age should have a flu shot, especially pregnant women, people age 65 and older, and those with chronic medical conditions, such as asthma, heart disease or diabetes. In addition to the regular flu shot, there is a high-dose shot for people 65 and over who have weaker immune systems than younger people.

A nasal spray flu vaccine is available for people ages 2 to 49 who don't care for shots. The nasal spray option is not appropriate for people whose immune systems are compromised or women who are pregnant.

For more information, visit www.eehealth.org.