Flu Prevention
The Health Department encourages people of all ages to get a seasonal flu shot from a healthcare provider, local pharmacy, retailer or big box store. Flu vaccination can reduce flu illnesses, doctors’ visits, and missed work and school due to flu, as well as prevent flu-related hospitalizations and deaths.
Flu Vaccination Events
The Howard County Health Department will offer FREE flu shots at various community events this fall. Below please find more information about the flu vaccines available and a listing of events:
- Vaccines available:
- Flulaval 2025-26 Formula, recommended for ages 6 months and older.*
- Sanofi Fluzone High-Dose 2025-2026 Formula, recommended for age 65 and older (available while supplies last).
- *High dose flu vaccine is preferentially recommended for adults 65 and over if it is available. If high dose vaccine is not available at an opportunity for vaccination, any other approved age-appropriate vaccine should be used.
- Both products meet the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s recommendations for flu vaccine composition this season, to protect against Influenza A (H1N1), A (H3N2), and B/Victoria lineage viruses.
- There is no need to wait to get your flu shot even if you recently received other shots.
- Many local healthcare providers and pharmacies also have flu and other fall respiratory vaccines available. Contact your preferred location directly for more information.
- Individuals enrolled in Medicare are asked to bring their Medicare card to these events, to allow the Health Department to recover a portion of the cost. Billing is made directly to Medicare and there is no charge to the patient.
| Date | Time | Location/Event | Address |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sat., Oct. 4 | 11am - 2pm | Hope Bible Church Harvest Festival | 9112 Guilford Rd, Columbia, MD 21046 |
| Sat., Oct. 4 | 12pm - 4pm | Howard County Recreation & Parks Fall Festival North Laurel Community Center |
9411 Whiskey Bottom Rd, Laurel MD 20723 |
| Wed. Oct. 8 | 3pm - 6pm | Miller Branch Library | 9421 Frederick Rd, Ellicott City, MD 21042 |
| Wed. Oct. 8 | 5:30pm - 8:30pm | Hispanic Heritage Month Resource Fair Deep Run Elementary School |
6925 Old Waterloo Road, Elkridge, MD 21075 |
| Sat. Oct. 11 | 11am - 2pm | Elkridge Volunteer Fire Department Open House | 5700 Rowanberry Dr, Elkridge, MD 21075 |
| Fri. Oct. 17 | 12pm - 4pm | Dar Al-Taqwa Mosque | 10740 MD-108, Columbia, MD 21042 |
| Wed. Oct. 22 | 4pm - 7pm | Elkridge Branch Library | 6540 Washington Blvd, Elkridge, MD 21075 |
| Sat. Oct. 25 | 2:30pm - 4pm | Triadelphia Elementary School Trunk or Treat | 13400 Triadelphia Rd, Ellicott City, MD 21042 |
| Wed. Oct. 29 | 6pm - 7:30pm | Homewood Center Trunk or Treat | 10914 MD-108, Ellicott City, MD 21042 |
| Sun. Nov. 2 | 12pm - 1:30pm | Chin Bethel Church Elkridge | 6801 Douglas Legum Dr, Elkridge, MD 21075 |
| Sat. Nov. 15 | 8am - 4pm | Howard County Health Department | 8930 Stanford Blvd, Columbia, MD 21045 |
| Sun. Nov. 16 | 8am - 4pm | Howard County Health Department | 8930 Stanford Blvd, Columbia, MD 21045 |
Walk-ups are accepted at all Health Department flu clinic events. No pre-registration is required. Additional dates for walk-up flu vaccination at the Health Department will be announced later in the fall.
Information about high dose flu vaccine
The CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) changed their guidance about flu shots for people 65 and over starting with the 22-23 Flu Season. It is now recommended that this age group get vaccinated with a high dose or adjuvanted flu vaccine if they are available. These types of vaccine have been shown to produce stronger immune responses in this age group. (Flu vaccines brands in this group include Fluzone High-Dose, Flublok, and Fluad.) If the high-dose flu vaccine is not available, ACIP still recommends that all people over 6 months old should get any accessible brand of trivalent flu vaccine.
FluMist
The FDA has approved the nasal spray influenza vaccine FluMist for self-administration or caregiver-administration for people 2 through 49 years of age. This is the first flu vaccine that does not need to be administered by a health care professional. Individuals interested in ordering FluMist online for use at home should visit the manufacturer website. You can also speak with your healthcare provider about FluMist as an alternative to a flu shot. Please note: the Howard County Health Department does not have FluMist available.
The best way to protect yourself and your family is to get your seasonal flu vaccine.
Flu Prevention Tips
Flu prevention tips:
- Avoid close contact with sick people.
- While sick, limit contact with others as much as possible to keep from infecting them.
- If you are sick with flu-like illness, CDC recommends that you stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone except to get medical care or for other necessities. (Your fever should be gone for 24 hours without the use of a fever-reducing medicine.)
- Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. After using a tissue, throw it in the trash and wash your hands. (Or cough or sneeze into the bend in your elbow.)
- Wash your hands often with soap and water. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand rub.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth. Germs spread this way.
- Clean and disinfect surfaces and objects that may be contaminated with germs like flu.
More information:
What can I do to protect myself from getting sick?
Avoid close contact with people who are sick. If you are sick, keep your distance from others to protect them from getting sick.
- If possible, stay home from work, school, and errands when you are sick. You will help prevent others from getting sick. People with the flu should stay away from others for at least 24 hours after their fever is gone. The fever should be gone without the use of a fever-lowering medicine.
- Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or inside of your elbow when you cough or sneeze. Make sure to put used tissues in the trash after one use.
- Wash your hands often with warm water and soap. Alcohol-based hand cleaners also work.
- Avoid touching your eyes, mouth, and nose. Germs spread this way.
- Get plenty of sleep, manage your stress, drink plenty of fluids and eat nutritious food.
What is the difference between the Flu and COVID-19?
Influenza (Flu) and COVID-19 are both contagious respiratory illnesses, but they are caused by different viruses. COVID-19 is caused by infection with a new coronavirus (called SARS-CoV-2) and flu is caused by infection with influenza viruses. Because some of the symptoms of flu and COVID-19 are similar, it may be hard to tell the difference between them based on symptoms alone, and testing may be needed to help confirm a diagnosis. Flu and COVID-19 share many characteristics, but there are some key differences between the two. Click HERE to view the CDC Flu vs. COVID-19 page
Can I get the flu and COVID-19 vaccines at the same time?
According to the CDC, individuals do not need to wait between COVID-19 and flu vaccines. It's safe and convenient to get both at the same time. For more information, click here.