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Experts say vaccination is the best way to protect oneself and others from the flu and other respiratory viruses
As flu season approaches, Cleveland Clinic is offering appointment-only flu vaccinations at locations across Northeast Ohio. 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.
“Flu season can lead to significant illness each year, particularly among people who are at higher risk for complications,” said Thomas Fraser, M.D., chair of the Department of Infectious Disease at Cleveland Clinic. “Getting vaccinated is one of the most effective steps people can take to protect themselves and those around them. As we head into the 2026 flu season, I encourage everyone who is eligible to get vaccinated and take other simple precautions to help reduce the spread of respiratory viruses.”
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, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and COVID-19. Patients can also ask their providers about being vaccinated for COVID-19 and/or RSV, if they are eligible.
Vaccination is especially important for people who are 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. 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 83,000 employees worldwide are more than 6,600 salaried physicians and researchers, and 21,900 registered nurses and advanced practice providers, representing 140 medical specialties and subspecialties. Cleveland Clinic is a 6,725-bed health system that includes a 173-acre main campus near downtown Cleveland, 23 hospitals, 300 outpatient facilities, including locations in northeast Ohio; Florida; Las Vegas, Nevada; Toronto, Canada; Abu Dhabi, UAE; and London, England. In 2025, there were 15.9 million outpatient encounters, 343,000 hospital admissions and observations, and 336,000 surgeries and procedures throughout Cleveland Clinic’s health system. Visit us at clevelandclinic.org. Follow us at x.com/CleClinicNews. News and resources are available at newsroom.clevelandclinic.org.
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