Flu and COVID-19 vaccine appointments are available at multiple clinics, select UW Health pharmacies and at the John Wall Drive Thru Clinic. Scheduled appointments are available during regular business hours, and on weekends and early evening at select locations.
When you schedule, you will be shown only the locations appropriate for each person’s age. If scheduling for multiple people, each person might be presented with different options.
UW Health Primary Care clinics
UW Health Pharmacies for ages 6 years and older. If you need additional vaccinations at the time of your influenza vaccine, please call one of our pharmacy locations to schedule this appointment. Learn more
UW Health Union Corners in Madison will have a weekend flu vaccination clinic for all ages 6 months and older
UW Health John Wall Drive Thru Clinic in Madison is a convenient, drive-through option for patients 5 years and older and is open seven days a week from 7:30 a.m.–4:45 p.m. Not open on holidays. Appointments can be scheduled at this location; however, appointments are not necessary. COVID-19 vaccines, influenza vaccines and routine vaccines for children and adults are offered at the John Wall Drive Thru location.
For those without health insurance, Public Health Madison and Dane County can help. Learn how
Skip the waiting room
Urgent care 24/7 - If you are in Wisconsin, Care Anywhere urgent care video visits give you easy, quick access to care so you can see a medical provider without leaving the comfort of your home. No appointment needed.
As the influenza (flu) season approaches and with COVID-19 still a threat, it is more important than ever for you and your loved ones to get a flu vaccine.
A flu shot can greatly reduce your chances of getting the flu. You need a vaccine every year because flu viruses are always changing. Doctors design the vaccine to work against the viruses they think will be most common each year. We give the vaccines by shot or nasal spray. They're extremely safe.
Who should get vaccinated?
Nearly everyone 6 months of age and older should get a yearly flu vaccine. There are different options including the flu shot and nasal spray. Your age and health help us decide which one is best for you.
You should not get vaccinated if you have a severe allergy to the vaccine or any of its ingredients. Your health care provider will speak with you about your health and allergies to come up with the best prevention strategies for you.
When should I get a flu shot?
Flu is most common in the fall and winter. It’s best to get your vaccine before the virus begins spreading. It takes about two weeks for the vaccine to offer full protection.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends getting your vaccine by the end of October. If you don’t meet that date, you can — and should — get your vaccine as soon as possible.
Are there other types of flu vaccines?
FluMist is a nasal flu vaccine and is available in UW Health clinics when stock is available. It will be determined during your appointment by clinic staff or your provider if FluMist can be given.
About COVID-19 vaccines
COVID-19 vaccines have been shown to be effective at preventing serious disease, hospitalization and death from COVID-19. You are best protected from COVID-19 when you stay up to date with all doses recommended for you.
Learn more about COVID-19, including vaccine and booster eligibility requirements, prevention and symptoms and care.
Cover your mouth and nose
Cough or sneeze into a tissue instead of a handkerchief. Throw the tissue away. Or, cough or sneeze into your elbow if a tissue isn’t available.
Stay away from others who are sick
If you’re sick, avoid close contact with others. Stay home when possible.
Clean your hands often
Use running water and soap and scrub for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water aren’t available, an alcohol-based hand rub is an option.
Try not to touch your eyes, nose or mouth
If you have picked up the virus by touching a surface, touching your eyes, nose or mouth could allow it to get into your body.
Practice healthy habits
Clean frequently touched surfaces often
Drink plenty of liquids
Eat a healthy diet
Exercise
Get enough sleep
Knowing the symptoms of flu is important. If you’re at high risk for flu complications, you should contact your doctor as soon as you experience them. There are treatments that could help you.
You may be at high risk for flu complications if you:
Are 65 years old or older
Are pregnant
Have a chronic condition, such as asthma, diabetes or heart disease
A cold, the flu and even COVID-19 may seem a lot alike. Learn a few key signs to look for:
Influenza (Flu)
Some or all symptoms usually come on suddenly. Symptoms are more severe in people that do not get a flu vaccine.
Fever
Sore throat
Headache
Runny or stuffy nose
Cough
Chills
Muscle or body aches
Fatigue (tiredness)
Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
Some people may have vomiting and diarrhea, and is more common in children
COVID-19
One or more symptoms could appear 2-14 days after exposure, with the average being 5 days.
Fever (100°F or higher)
Sore throat
Headache
Runny or stuffy nose
Cough
Chills
Muscle or body aches
Severe fatigue (tiredness)
Shortness of breath/chest tightness (for those under 12 years old – increased work to breathe)
Loss of taste or smell
For children under 12 years old, symptoms can include:
Nausea or vomiting
Diarrhea
Poor feeding/appetite
Plus at least one respiratory symptom
Colds
Symptoms come on gradually and last about 1-2 weeks.
Low-grade fever (above 98.6° F, but lower than 100.4° F)
Sore throat
Headache
Runny or stuffy nose
Dry cough or wet cough without wheezing or rapid breathing
Mild general body aches
Red eyes
Sneezing
Diagnosing the flu
To confirm that you have flu, we swab the inside of your nose or the back of your throat. There are several different tests. Some give us results in minutes. Others take a bit longer. The longer tests tend to be the most accurate.
Treatment might help those most at risk
Many people get over the flu without treatment. If you’re at high risk for flu complications, your provider may prescribe antiviral medicines. These medicines may ease your symptoms and shorten the time you’re sick. They work best if you take them soon after your symptoms begin. At home, these self-care tips may help:
Drink plenty of fluids. If you get dehydrated, your fever might go up.
Go to bed earlier than usual. This can reduce stress and help you fight your infection.
Use a cool mist vaporizer or take hot, steamy showers. This can help with cough or congestion.
Know the difference between the flu, a cold, RSV, strep and COVID-19
Not every infectious disease, such as a cold or the flu, can be treated by your health care provider. By knowing the various symptoms and treatment solutions, you can avoid unnecessary visits to the doctor. You'll also be able to identify conditions that need medical attention. Learn the difference between the a cold, the flu, COVID-19 and more
Flu or flu-like illness?
What is the difference between flu and flu-like illness? There is a lot of misuse of words out there, which can lead to confusion. Flu is often used as a generalized term that stands for influenza but is also used to describe colds and even the stomach flu – which is totally different. SARS-CoV-2 can present with a very wide variety of symptoms including those suggestive of influenza. Learn the difference between influenza or an influenza-like illness