For most people, getting the flu means getting sick — usually for about a week. But for some people, the flu can be deadly. In the United States, the flu kills tens of thousands of people per year.
Flu vaccination has important benefits. It can reduce flu illnesses, doctors’ visits, and missed work and school due to flu. It can also prevent flu-related hospitalizations and deaths.
Protect yourself and your loved ones. Get a flu shot so you don’t pass it on to people who are more vulnerable than you are.
Who
With rare exceptions, everyone 6 months and older should get a flu vaccine every season. Vaccination is particularly important for people who are at higher risk of serious complications from influenza.
Some children 8 years and younger may require two shots of flu vaccine. Find out more about flu vaccination for children.
If you have health insurance
If you and your family have health insurance, the best way to get vaccinated is to make an appointment with your doctor. Many pharmacies also offer flu vaccine. Call ahead to make sure they have vaccine in stock and that it will be covered by your insurance.
Looking for a doctor?
- Call the number on the back of your insurance card or visit their website.
- Reach out to a health center in Philadelphia. Call ahead to make an appointment. Ask what identification or proof of residency you’ll need, if any, to get vaccinated.
If you don’t have health insurance
If you don’t have health insurance, you can get your flu vaccine shot at a health center in Philadelphia. Call ahead to make an appointment, or see below for walk-in hours for flu vaccination at City health centers.
Where
Walk-in flu shots at City health centers
You’ll need to provide proof that you live in Philadelphia. Bring your insurance card if you have one. If you don’t have insurance, you can still get a flu shot.
Flu vaccine is available to any patient 6 months and older. Patients under 11 years old must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Masks are required.
We recommend that all patients wear masks during their visit. If you have cold symptoms, health center staff will ask you to wear a mask.
| Location | Address | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Health Center 2 | 1700 S. Broad St., Unit 201 |
9 – 11 a.m. 1 – 3 p.m. |
| Health Center 3 | 555 S. 43rd St. | 9 – 11 a.m. 1 – 3 p.m. |
| Health Center 4 | 4400 Haverford Ave. | 8 – 11 a.m. 1 – 3 p.m. |
| Health Center 5 | 1900 N. 20th St. | 9 – 11 a.m. 1 – 3 p.m. |
| Health Center 6 | 301 W. Girard Ave. | 9 – 11 a.m. 1 – 3 p.m. |
| Maddie L. Humphrey Health Center (formerly Health Center 9) |
131 E. Chelten Ave. | 9 – 11 a.m. 1 – 3 p.m. |
| Health Center 10 | 2230 Cottman Ave. | 8 a.m. – 1 p.m. |
| Strawberry Mansion Health Center | 2840 West Dauphin St. | 9 – 11 a.m. 1 – 3 p.m. |
Other community health centers
Adults can also get a flu shot at Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) in Philadelphia. They’ll let you know what identification or proof of residency you need, if any, to get vaccinated.
Pharmacies
Many pharmacies offer flu vaccine (and other routine vaccines) to people 3 years of age and older.
Community flu clinics
The Health Department works with community organizations to host flu clinics for uninsured adults.
Flu clinic map
Use this map to find a City health center (orange), Federally Qualified Health Center (yellow), or pharmacy (purple) where you can get a flu shot. Call ahead to make an appointment.