Where to Get a Flu Shot for Your Child

Flu shots have become a vital part of routine health care for kids. A child under the age of 5, who gets infected with the influenza virus is likely to become much sicker than a healthy adult, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). That's because children under the age 5 have an increased risk of complications such as dehydration and encephalopathy that require hospitalization. These are some of the reasons the CDC's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) states that all persons 6 months and older should get vaccinated against the flu every year.

Why You Shouldn't Wait

Some years there haven't been enough flu shots to go around. You may remember that in 2010 there was a shortage of vaccines available, leaving some parents scrambling to find a place to get their kids immunized.

A scarcity of flu vaccine hasn't been a problem since. However, parents who wait too long to sign up their kids to get a shot from the pediatrician sometimes find the doctor's office has run out.

Another reason to get a jump on flu season is if your child is under the age of 8 and is being vaccinated against flu for the first time. They'll need two shots given 28 days apart to be fully protected so you want to make sure there's time to fit both doses in before flu season is in full swing.

Alternatives to the Pediatrician

Let's say you miss the flu shot boat at your child's doctor's office and need to have your child vaccinated elsewhere. Some places to consider:

• Your local or state health department is often your best bet, so start looking there.
• The American Lung Association (ALA) website has a user-friendly tool for finding local outlets for flu shots. Simply enter your zip code and nearby options will pop up. In addition, the tool will give you helpful information about each site, such as the days and times it's open.
• Vaccinefinder.org works in much the same way as the ALA site—plug in your address or zip code and you'll get a list of local places offering flu vaccines. You can use this tool to find locations for other vaccines as well, from chickenpox (varicella) to shingles to HPV (human papillomavirus).
• Pharmacies, grocery stores, community centers, churches, office parks, shopping malls, schools, and other venues sometimes offer flu shots. Keep an eye out for advertisements and notices.

Note that many places that offer flu shots outside a doctor's office may not give them to young children, especially kids under 4, so call ahead. This restriction may be waived if your pediatrician will write a prescription for your child to have a flu shot.

Free Flu Shots

While flu shots aren't as expensive as some other childhood vaccines, they aren't particularly cheap either. Medicaid and most insurance plans that cover childhood immunizations will cover a flu shot for a child, but if yours doesn't and you can't pay outright, you may be able to find a place to get the vaccine for free, such as:

• Your local health department
• A pediatrician who participates in the Vaccines for Children (VFC) program, a federally-funded program powered by the CDC
• A flu clinic at a church or school