October 2026 — Flu season has started in the Treasure Valley and this is your reminder to get your flu shot as soon as you can. We are seeing local spread of influenza earlier this year compared to last year.
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends annual influenza vaccination of all children without medical contraindications starting at 6 months of age. Local schools are seeing a large burden of respiratory illness right now, which drives up student absences and disrupts parents' work schedules. Influenza vaccination is an important strategy for protecting children and the broader community.
All adults are advised to get an annual flu shot according to the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP). The vaccine reduces the overall risk of catching the flu by 40% to 60% when circulating strains match the vaccine, according to CDC data. If you do catch the flu despite being vaccinated, the shot trains your immune system so that your illness is often much milder and shorter. Senior patients are especially at risk for severe complications from influenza. Flu vaccination has been associated with reduced risk of major cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events, including heart attacks, strokes, and death.
Primary Health makes it easy to get your flu shot. Flu vaccine is available at all Primary Health clinics, including nasal mist for kids ages 2 to 18, and high-dose vaccines for patients 65 and older. You can book an appointment online for our dedicated flu clinic dates or walk into any of our urgent care clinics. Most major insurance plans cover the flu vaccine at no cost, and a discount is available for self-pay patients.