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Other resources to find a flu shot provider
- Oregon Flu Hotline: 800-978-3040
- SafeNet: 503-988-5858, toll-free 800-SAFENET (800-723-3638)
Flu shots for children
- Members who are 3 and older may get a flu shot from a participating pharmacy. Call your pharmacy to see if they provide flu shots. Take your Member ID card with you, so they know whom to bill.
- Members under age 3 should get a flu shot from their primary care provider.
Seasonal flu information
Seasonal flu — the flu that comes year after year — begins in September and lasts into May. Caused by the influenza virus, the flu is a sickness that infects the nose, throat and lungs. Getting a flu shot each fall is the best way to prevent it.
Flu shots are FREE to all Jackson Care Connect members. Get a flu shot as soon as possible — everyone ages 6 months and older should receive an annual flu vaccine unless there’s a medical reason not to get one. Check with your primary care provider (PCP) or local pharmacy to find out when flu shots are available to you and your family. Home tests are also available for use.
Is it a cold or the flu?
The flu and the common cold are respiratory illnesses, but they are caused by different viruses. Antibiotics cannot cure a cold or the flu. Cold and flu symptoms are similar.
| Signs and symptoms | Influenza | Cold |
| Onset | Sudden | Gradual |
| Fever | Usually high (101-104◦ F), lasting three to four days | Rare or rarely higher than 101◦ F |
| Cough | Common, often dry and intense | Mild |
| Headache | Strong | Rare |
| Muscle aches | Usual, often severe | Uncommon |
| Tiredness and weakness | May last up to two to three weeks | Very mild and brief |
| Extreme exhaustion | Early and strong | Never |
| Chest discomfort | Common, can become severe | Uncommon or mild |
| Runny or stuffy nose | Less common | Common |
| Sneezing | Less common | Common |
| Sore throat | Less common | Common |
| Stomach symptoms | More common in children than adults | Rare |
What are the risk factors for flu complications?
You may be at higher risk for developing serious complications from the flu. A flu vaccination can help reduce your risk of hospitalization or death. Individuals with a higher risk include:
- Adults 65 years and older.
- Children younger than 2 years old.
- People with asthma.
- People with lung disease.
- People with neurodevelopment conditions.
- People with blood disorders.
- People with endocrine disorders.
- People with heart disease.
- People with kidney disorders.
- People with liver disorders.
- People with metabolic disorders.
- People with a body mass index (BMI) of 40 kg/m2 or higher.
- People younger than 19 years old on long term aspirin or salt containing drugs.
- People with a weakened immune system due to drugs or disease.
- People who have had a stroke.
Get more key facts about seasonal influenza and other risk factors on the CDC website.
What about antiviral drugs?
Influenza antiviral drugs are prescription drugs that make it harder for flu viruses to reproduce.
Most people recover from the flu without using antivirals. Using them improperly can make things worse by helping the virus develop resistance to drugs. Flu shots are much more effective against the flu.
The U.S. Government has decided that antiviral drugs should be used only for people who have gone to the hospital with the flu, and some who are at highest risk of flu complications. It’s recommended that providers decide on a case-by-case basis — based on the patient's needs and other factors — who should receive these drugs.
Let us help you
Send us a secure message through our Member Portal at jacksoncareconnect.org/portal or call us at 541-500-0567, toll-free 855-722-8208 or TTY 711. We can help you find a free flu shot nearby.
