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What is Influenza (Flu)?
The flu is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses that infect the nose, throat, and lungs. It can cause mild to severe illness, and at times can lead to death. The best way to prevent the flu is by getting a flu vaccine each year.
Flu Vaccine Clinics
UW Tacoma Student Health is partnering with Safeway/Albertsons and UW Immunity Verification Program (IVP) to offer expanded vaccine clinics. Students, staff, and faculty can access a wide range of vaccines including, but not limited to, COVID-19 boosters, flu, MMR, and meningitis A. Insurance is accepted but vaccines are still available without insurance for a fee. Learn more and make an appointment via the button below.
Clinic Dates:
Thursday, October 3 from 10am-2pm in Milgard 110
Thursday, October 31 from 10am-2pm in Milgard 110
UW Tacoma-area flu vaccine options
In addition to primary care providers, most pharmacies and walk-in clinics offer the flu vaccine during flu season in the fall, which typically occurs between early summer and late fall to winter. It’s best to get the flu vaccine before the flu starts circulating or as soon as it is available in clinics and pharmacies, although it is never too early or late to get the vaccine.
| WHERE | LOCATION / HOURS | IMPORTANT INFO |
|---|---|---|
| MultiCare (Across Puget Sound) |
By appointment: Find a clinic near you Walk-ins at Indigo Urgent Care: 1812 S Mildred Street, Suite H |
Flu vaccines are for those ages 19 and older. No cost with insurance coverage. Flu vaccine cost without insurance: $38, payable at time of service |
| Safeway Pharmacy (Tacoma) |
1112 S M St Drop-in during open hours |
No cost with contracted insurance Under age 65: $32 All Apple Health plans accepted |
| Rite Aid |
7041 Pacific Ave 1912 N Pearl St 1850 S Mildred St |
No cost with most insurance |
Signs & Symptoms of the Flu
People who have the flu often feel some or all of these signs and symptoms:
- Fever* or feeling feverish/chills
- Cough
- Sore throat
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Muscle or body aches
- Headaches
- Fatigue (very tired)
- Some people may have vomiting and diarrhea, though this is more common in children than adults.
*It’s important to note that not everyone with flu will have a fever.
How Flu Spreads
Most experts believe that flu viruses spread mainly by droplets made when people with flu cough, sneeze or talk. These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby. Less often, a person might also get flu by touching a surface or object that has flu virus on it and then touching their own mouth, eyes or possibly their nose.
Flu information provided by the Centers for Disease Control.
