Book Your Appointment to Get This Season's Flu Shot!

You may have heard that flu season is early this year, sweeping through Asia at alarming rates. Get protected now and rest easy this winter. 

Here's everything you need to know:

What is the flu shot?

The annual flu shot combines different strains of the flu virus in circulation and is made from killed viruses. It can keep you from getting sick and, in the unlikely event that you do catch the flu, it will drastically reduce your symptoms. 

This season's flu shot is made by Vaxigrip and contains the following strains:

• an A/Michigan/45/2015 (H1N1) pdm09-like virus

• an A/Hong Kong/4801/2014 (H3N2)-like virus

• a B/Brisbane/60/2008-like (B/Victoria lineage) virus

Who should get vaccinated?

Everyone older than six months old should get a flu shot.

• Young children aged six to 35 months receive a smaller dose (0.25 ml).

• Older children and adults (aged 36 months or older) get a full dose (0.5 ml). Children under the age of 9 should get a booster shot within four weeks if they are getting their flu shot for the first time. 

• Consult your doctor before getting this shot if you have a history of egg allergies. 

• Both the Chinese and American national centers for disease control recommend that pregnant women get their flu shots, as they are considered a high-risk group.

• Women in their first trimester should consult their doctor before getting the shot.

• Women in their second and third trimesters and women preparing to get pregnant should get the shot.

• Pregnant women with a risk of complications from the flu should get vaccinated, regardless of their stage of pregnancy.

Where can you get the flu shot?

• BJU's main campus in Lido

• Financial Street Clinic

• Shunyi Clinic

• Wudaokou Clinic

• Jianguomen Clinic

• Guangqumen Clinic
  

When is it available?

If you wish to get vaccinated at one of the clinics mentioned above, you can do so as of mid-October. Please call ahead to book an appointment. The number is 4008-919191.

Why should I get vaccinated?

The flu is particularly bad this year, with more cases than in previous years. People who are susceptible, including the very young and the very old, should get vaccinated to avoid any dangerous complications from the flu. Those who spend a lot of time around these high-risk groups should also get vaccinated in order to protect these people. 

How much does the flu shot cost?

The flu shot costs RMB 99 altogether. You will not need to see a doctor to get the shot, but you do need to make an appointment to see a nurse to get it done. 

• Didn't hear about the early outbreak of the flu this year? Get all caught up here.

• Want to know which vaccines to get for your next tropical getaway? Let Dr. Evelyn Fang teach you what's what. 

• Want to eat well and boost your gut health while in Beijing? BJU naturopath Dr. Melissa Rodriguez explains it all.