Every year, when the weather gets cooler, sniffles start to make a comeback. Although the influenza virus peaks between December and February, it’s important to stay ahead of it by getting your flu shot as early as October, as recommended by the CDC. According to the CDC, signs and symptoms of the flu typically include a sudden onset of fever and chills, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, muscle or body aches, headaches, and fatigue.

How to Avoid the Flu 

Of course, it’s also important to take other precautions to avoid getting sick. These include avoiding close contact with sick individuals, washing your hands regularly, covering your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing, properly disposing of contaminated items, avoiding touching your face, especially in places like your eyes, nose, and mouth, and spending time in clean, fresh air daily. Still, the CDC advises that nearly everyone aged six months or older should receive the flu vaccine every year. 

Fortunately, getting the vaccine is quick and convenient, with friendly, walk-in opportunities available at pharmacies, health centers, doctor’s offices, and more. Most insurance plans cover the shot, and many locations offer free or low-costing vaccines to qualifying individuals. 

Flu Shot Resources 

Luckily for you, we’ve gathered a list of flu shot resources in the area. Below, you’ll find locations ranging from pharmacies to doctor’s offices, where qualified, trained immunizers are ready to help you and your family stay healthy and flu-free this season! 

CVS Pharmacy

  • Flu shots are available during store hours, depending on location and when a certified immunizer is on duty. Wait times may vary, so schedule ahead online or in person to avoid delays. 
  • Find your nearest CVS on the store locations page. 
  • Walk-ins are welcome, or you can schedule an appointment on the vaccinations page. 

Walgreens Pharmacy 

  • Flu shots are available during store hours, depending on location and when a certified immunizer is on duty. Wait times may vary, so schedule ahead online or in person to avoid delays. 
  • Find your nearest Walgreens on the store locations page.
  • Walk-ins are welcome, or you can schedule an appointment on the vaccinations page.

Walmart 

  • Flu shots are available during store hours, depending on location and when a certified immunizer is on duty. Wait times may vary, so schedule ahead online or in person to avoid delays. 
  • Find your nearest Walmart that offers flu shots, and schedule an appointment on the vaccinations page.

LCMC Health Urgent Care 

  • Walk-in visits for flu shots are available, or appointments can be scheduled online. 
  • Clinic Hours: Mon–Fri: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. | Sat–Sun: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
  • Find your nearest LCMC Health Urgent Care clinic on the locations page.

Ochsner Health 

Ochsner Pharmacy & Wellness 

  • Hours: Mon–Fri: 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
  • Walk-in visits are welcome at 4430 Veterans Memorial Blvd, Metairie, LA 70006.

Urgent Care

  • Hours vary by location. Walk-ins are welcome. 
  • Find your nearest Ochsner Urgent Care location on the locations page.

Manning Family Children’s Hospital 

  • To schedule an appointment, contact your child’s pediatrician or book through the pediatrics page.

To find even more local sites offering flu vaccinations near you, visit Vaccine Finder.

To learn more information about the flu and its vaccine, visit the  official CDC website.