Ochsner Health is a system that delivers health to the people of Louisiana, Mississippi and the Gulf South with a mission to Serve, Heal, Lead, Educate and Innovate.
Health ResourcesFlu Shots
Flu season is here
The flu can have a serious impact on the health of our communities, and this year with COVID-19, it’s more important than ever for everyone to get the flu vaccine this fall to protect you and your loved ones. Schedule a flu vaccine appointment in MyOchsner.
If you or a family member has flu symptoms, please visit an Urgent Care location or see a doctor online 24/7 with an Ochsner Connected Anywhere Virtual Visit.
How to identify flu symptoms and what to do if you think you need to seek care: Click Here
We also offer a 24/7 Ochsner On Call nurse care line, at 1-800-231-5257.
South Shore Locations
Ochsner Center for Primary Care and Wellness: 8 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Ochsner Medical Center - West Bank Campus: 8 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Ochsner Health Center - Kenner: 8 a.m. - 2 p.m.
St. Charles Parish Hospital: 8 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Ochsner Community Health - Brees Family Center (Bullard Ave.): 8 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Ochsner Community Health - Brees Family Center (Howell Blvd.): 8 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Baton Rouge Locations:
Ochsner Health Center - O'Neal: 8 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Ochsner Medical Complex - The Grove: 8 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Ochsner Health Center - Prairieville: 8 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Lake Charles Location:
Ochsner CHRISTUS Health Center - Lake Area: 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Acadiana Locations
Ochsner Lafayette General Vaccine Clinic: 8 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Ochsner Lafayette General Urgent Care - Maurice
Ochsner Lafayette General Urgent Care - University Hospital & Clinics
Ochsner Lafayette General Urgent Care - River Ranch
Ochsner Lafayette General Urgent Care - Sugar Mill Pond
Gardiner Center Health Clinic - an Ochsner Abrom Kaplan Memorial Hospital Campus
Ochsner St. Martin Hospital Community Health Clinic: Monday – Thursday 7:30 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Friday 7:30 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Ochsner Acadia General Health Center - Crowley: Monday - Thursday 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Friday 8 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Northshore Locations
Ochsner Health Center - Slidell: 8 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Ochsner Health Center - Tangipahoa: 8 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Ochsner Health Center - Covington: 8 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Bayou Locations
Leonard J. Chabert Medical Center: 8 a.m. - 2 p.m.
4 Ways to Get a Flu Shot at Ochsner Health
1. Visit an Ochsner Pharmacy & Wellness Location
Find a Pharmacy & Wellness location near you.
Ochsner Pharmacy & Wellness accepts most insurances, and walk-ins are welcome. They can administer flu shots to adults and children ages 7 and up.
2. Primary Care and Pediatric Physicians
Ochsner primary care and pediatric physicians offer flu shots by appointment.
To schedule an appointment:
- Schedule online through our secure patient portal, MyOchsner
- Call 1-866-OCHSNER
3. Visit an Urgent Care Location
Find an Urgent Care location near you.
Ochsner's urgent care locations can administer flu shots to adults and children 6 months and older.
4. Visit an Ochsner Drive-thru or Walk-up Flu Fair
Our 2022 flu fairs are on Saturday, September 24 and Saturday, October 29.
The Flu and COVID-19
Influenza (Flu) and COVID-19 are both contagious respiratory illnesses, but they are caused by different viruses. COVID-19 is caused by infection with a new coronavirus (called SARS-CoV-2) and flu is caused by infection with influenza viruses. Because some of the symptoms of flu and COVID-19 are similar, it may be hard to tell the difference between them based on symptoms alone, and testing may be needed to help confirm a diagnosis. Flu and COVID-19 share many characteristics, but there are some key differences between the two.
While it’s not possible to say with certainty what will happen in the fall and winter, CDC believes it’s likely that flu viruses and the virus that causes COVID-19 will both be spreading this fall and winter. In this context, getting a flu vaccine will be more important than ever. CDC recommends that all people 6 months and older get a yearly flu vaccine.
Flu Season is Here
Are you waiting until the last minute? Don’t. Flu shots take about two weeks to provide protection. Get vaccinated before peak flu season hits by scheduling your appointment online today. Or discover four ways you can get your flu shot at Ochsner.
Who Should Get a Flu Shot?
Those 8 years old and older.
Ochsner offers a variety of flu shot options, including preservative-free alternatives for pregnant women and people with allergies. Please note that due to a recommendation from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), nasal spray vaccinations will not be available this year.
Who’s at Risk for Flu-Related Complications?
Pregnant Women
Children
Younger Than 5
Adults Older
Than 65
And Those With:
Asthma
Weakened
Immune Systems
Diabetes
Heart Disease
Flu Shots: Myths vs. Facts
If you are experiencing flu symptoms, see a doctor today.
Myth:
The flu vaccine gives you the flu.
Fact:
A flu shot does not cause the flu. Flu vaccines are made with “inactivated” viruses, so there is no live flu virus in the shot. However, common side effects include soreness, redness and swelling at the shot site.
Myth:
The flu vaccine isn’t effective.
Fact:
The vaccine’s effectiveness varies by season. However, recent studies show vaccination can reduce the risk of getting the flu by 50 to 60 percent in the general population, according to the CDC.
Myth:
I don’t need a flu vaccine every year.
Fact:
Over time, immune protection from the flu vaccine decreases, meaning yearly shots are the best way to protect yourself and your family.
Learn more about the flu
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