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As flu season approaches, Cleveland Clinic is offering appointment-only flu vaccinations at locations across Northeast Ohio starting Sept. 10. Additional information can be found at www.clevelandclinic.org/flu.
Patients can schedule an appointment by phone or online via MyChart. Patients can also receive the flu vaccine at most scheduled in-person office visits with a physician, nurse practitioner or physician assistant. In addition, patients can call their primary care physician’s office to schedule a flu vaccination appointment with a nurse.
“Every year thousands of people are hospitalized because of the flu. It is a highly contagious respiratory infection that should not be taken lightly,” said Steven Gordon, M.D., chair of the Department of Infectious Disease at Cleveland Clinic.
“Given the potential for a severe flu season, getting the flu vaccine is crucial. It's our best defense against the virus and plays a key role in protecting not just our own health but the health of our entire community. Vaccination remains a simple yet powerful tool in preventing serious illness and reducing the overall impact of the flu.”
Infectious disease experts recommend everyone 6 months of age and older get vaccinated for the flu every year.
The flu is contagious and can cause serious respiratory infection. The timing of seasonal flu activity is unpredictable and can vary, but most typically occurs between October and May and usually peaks between December and February. Hospitals are preparing for a fall respiratory season that will likely include viruses such as flu, RSV and COVID-19. Patients can also ask their providers about being vaccinated for COVID-19 and/or RSV, if they are eligible. An updated COVID-19 vaccine will be available this fall.
Vaccination is especially important for people at high risk for developing flu complications, such as adults aged 65 and older, pregnant women, people with chronic medical conditions, and children younger than 5 years of age.
In addition to vaccination, preventive measures such as washing hands, covering coughs and staying home when sick can help prevent the spread of respiratory viruses.
Symptoms of the flu include fever, dry cough, headache, sore throat, chills, muscle aches, tiredness and loss of appetite.
Cleveland Clinic is a nonprofit multispecialty academic medical center that integrates clinical and hospital care with research and education. Located in Cleveland, Ohio, it was founded in 1921 by four renowned physicians with a vision of providing outstanding patient care based upon the principles of cooperation, compassion and innovation. Cleveland Clinic has pioneered many medical breakthroughs, including coronary artery bypass surgery and the first face transplant in the United States. Cleveland Clinic is consistently recognized in the U.S. and throughout the world for its expertise and care. Among Cleveland Clinic’s 81,000 employees worldwide are more than 5,743 salaried physicians and researchers, and 20,160 registered nurses and advanced practice providers, representing 140 medical specialties and subspecialties. Cleveland Clinic is a 6,690-bed health system that includes a 173-acre main campus near downtown Cleveland, 23 hospitals, 276 outpatient facilities, including locations in northeast Ohio; Florida; Las Vegas, Nevada; Toronto, Canada; Abu Dhabi, UAE; and London, England. In 2023, there were 13.7 million outpatient encounters, 323,000 hospital admissions and observations, and 301,000 surgeries and procedures throughout Cleveland Clinic’s health system. Patients came for treatment from every state and 132 countries. Visit us at clevelandclinic.org. Follow us at twitter.com/CleClinicNews. News and resources available at newsroom.clevelandclinic.org.
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