Exciting News!Mount Nittany Health Toftrees is now open! Get ready to experience our state-of-the-art care in a fresh, modern setting. Please note, OB/GYN and Endoscopy services will be moving to our Toftrees location soon—be sure to double-check your appointment details before you visit. We can’t wait to see you there!
Stay Healthier This Season by Getting Your Flu Shot and COVID Vaccine
Protect yourself, your family and everyone around you by getting your 2024-2025 COVID vaccine and flu shot.
Both vaccines are essential for staying safe during cold and flu season. Here’s how to schedule your flu and COVID vaccine — quickly and easily at Mount Nittany Health.
Where to Get a COVID Vaccine or Flu Shot
This year, we’ve made getting your flu shot and updated COVID-19 vaccine easier than ever. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends everyone 6 months and older get a flu shot every year (with rare exceptions), and everyone 6 months and older get a 2024-2025 COVID-19 vaccine (even if you’ve been vaccinated before).
Both vaccines are available for adults and children at designated Mount Nittany Health locations. You can get both vaccines in the same visit.
Get a drive thru flu shot or COVID vaccine
Stay in your car and get your flu and/or COVID vaccine in minutes — no need to come inside!
How to schedule*:
Call your Mount Nittany Health Primary Care provider’s office
Wednesdays
9:00 – 11:00 am
Appointment Required
6 months and older
"With the flu season approaching and COVID-19 still present in our communities, getting vaccinated is one of the best ways to protect yourself, your family, and your neighbors. We are proud to offer these vaccines as part of our mission to keep our community healthy."
Christopher Hester, MDChief Medical Officer, Mount Nittany Physician Group
What to Expect at Your Vaccine Appointment
At COVID-19 vaccine or flu shot drive thru locations
Before your appointment: Bring your insurance card, complete the consent form (Flu or Flu and COVID) for each person being vaccinated and review the vaccine information sheet. Don’t forget to wear short sleeves.
At your appointment: Follow the signs, stay in your car, and have your left or right arm exposed for vaccination.
Have multiple passengers? We can vaccinate multiple people in one vehicle as long as each person has an appointment. Children under age 6 may need to come inside for their vaccination.
Time: Expect the vaccination process to take 20 to 30 minutes in total.
Flu Shot Frequently Asked Questions
Who should get vaccinated for the flu this season?
The CDC recommends everyone 6 months and older get a flu shot every year (with rare exceptions). Vaccination is especially important for people at high risk of complications from influenza, including children under 2 and people over 65.
Why is yearly flu vaccination important?
Flu viruses change each year. Getting an annual flu shot helps protect you against the most common strains. The protection you get from a flu vaccine also declines over time, so getting a flu shot every year is the best way to stay safe.
When should I get vaccinated?
September and October are the best times to get your flu shot — right at the start of flu season (which typically runs through March). But getting vaccinated later in the season is still better than not getting it at all.
Can I get seasonal flu even though I got a flu vaccine this year?
Yes, it’s possible to get the flu even after being vaccinated (although the only way to know for sure is through a flu test). This is possible for several reasons:
You may have been exposed to the flu virus shortly before getting vaccinated or during the timeframe it takes the body to gain protection after vaccination (about two weeks).
You may be exposed to a flu virus that isn’t included in the seasonal flu vaccine.
If you get sick with the flu, the flu vaccine reduces the severity of the illness. Flu vaccines protect against the most common strains each year.
Can I get a flu shot while pregnant?
Yes, most people who are pregnant can get a flu vaccine during any trimester to protect both mom and baby, and others around you. The CDC recommends anyone who is pregnant get a flu shot.
How much does a flu shot cost?
Flu shots are typically no-cost since they’re covered by most insurance. If you’re uninsured, your costs may vary. If you’re unsure of the cost, it’s best to check with your provider.
Is a flu shot covered by Medicaid?
Yes, flu vaccines are generally covered by Medicaid. Contact your provider to confirm your coverage.
Does the flu shot have side effects?
Common side effects of the flu vaccine include soreness at the injection site, mild fever or fatigue. These symptoms are typically mild and resolve quickly.
How long is the flu shot good for?
Flu shots provide protection for about one year, which is why yearly vaccination is recommended.
How do you prepare for your flu shot?
Once you make your Mount Nittany flu shot appointment, be sure to:
Christopher Hester, MD Chief Medical Officer, Mount Nittany Physician Group