Flu Shots in Jackson, MS
The annual flu shot is the best way to reduce your child’s chances of getting sick and, if they do get sick, to make the illness shorter and less severe. Children’s Medical Group provides flu vaccines for the whole family at our Jackson, Madison, Clinton, and Richland offices. Flu shots are part of our full range of childhood vaccinations.
Why Your Child Needs an Annual Flu Shot
The flu hits kids harder than most parents expect. Each year, thousands of children are hospitalized with influenza, and complications like pneumonia, ear infections, and dehydration can turn serious fast. A flu vaccine gives your child’s immune system a head start. Even when the vaccine doesn’t prevent infection entirely, vaccinated kids usually have milder symptoms, recover faster, and are less likely to end up in the hospital.
The CDC recommends an annual flu vaccine for everyone 6 months and older. Getting one also protects the people around your child: younger siblings, grandparents, and classmates with medical conditions that put them at higher risk.
What Type of Flu Vaccines Does CMG Offer?
- Flu Shot (injection): Available for children 6 months and up and for adult family members up to age 64.
- FluMist (nasal spray): Available for healthy children age 2 and up. We cannot give FluMist to adults.
Your pediatrician will help you decide which option is right for your child based on their age, health history, and any underlying conditions.
When to Get Your Child’s Flu Shot
Flu vaccines become available in our offices starting in late summer or early fall, usually August or September. The CDC recommends getting vaccinated by the end of October if possible, but vaccines continue to offer strong protection throughout flu season, which in Mississippi typically runs from October through May.
If your child is getting the flu shot for the first time and is under age 9, they may need two doses given at least four weeks apart. Your pediatrician will let you know during your visit.
Why You Should Get a Flu Vaccine from CMG
- FREE (on most insurances)
- Highly trained and experienced pediatric nurses and physicians administer the vaccine
- Flu vaccines available for the entire family, parents included
- After-work and weekend availability
- Easy to schedule online appointments
We are offering a wide range of appointment times throughout the day Monday through Friday at each location, including times after 5:00pm in the Jackson office.
Schedule a Flu Shot Appointment
Flu vaccines are by appointment to keep wait times short and to make sure we have doses ready when you arrive. Book online using our flu vaccine appointment system, or call your nearest office at 601-362-8776.
Book a Flu Vaccine Appointment
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a flu shot cost?
Flu vaccines are covered at 100% with no copay under most major insurance plans. If you’re uninsured or your plan doesn’t cover vaccines, call our office at 601-362-8776 and we can discuss your options, including the Vaccines for Children (VFC) program.
Can my child get a flu shot if they have an egg allergy?
In most cases, yes. Current CDC guidance is that children with egg allergies can safely receive a standard flu vaccine. Children with a history of severe anaphylactic reactions to eggs should be vaccinated in a medical setting like ours where staff can respond if needed. Let us know about any allergies at check-in.
Will the flu shot give my child the flu?
No. The injectable flu shot contains an inactivated (killed) virus and cannot cause the flu. The FluMist nasal spray contains a weakened live virus that also cannot cause the flu in healthy people. Some kids feel a little tired or achy for a day after getting vaccinated, which is their immune system responding normally, not the flu.
My child just had a cold. Can they still get the flu shot?
Usually, yes. Mild illnesses like a runny nose or cough don’t prevent vaccination. If your child has a moderate or severe illness with fever, we may reschedule. Call ahead if you’re not sure.
Does my child need two flu shots this year?
Most kids only need one dose per season. Children under age 9 who are getting a flu vaccine for the very first time need two doses given at least four weeks apart. Your pediatrician will confirm what your child needs based on their vaccination history.
What if we miss flu season? Is it too late?
It’s not too late. Flu activity in Mississippi often continues into April or May, so a flu shot in January or February still provides real protection. As long as flu is circulating in the community, it’s worth getting vaccinated.
Can my whole family get flu shots at the same appointment?
Yes. We offer flu vaccines for parents and family members up to age 64 alongside our pediatric patients. Book one appointment per person so we can document everyone’s vaccination properly.
What side effects should I expect?
Most kids have no reaction or a mild one: a sore arm, low-grade fever, headache, or feeling tired for a day. These go away on their own. Serious reactions are rare. Call us if your child develops a high fever, rash, or any symptoms that worry you, or go to the ER for signs of a severe allergic reaction like difficulty breathing or facial swelling.
Protect Your Family with Seasonal Flu Vaccines
For the safety of all of our patients this year, we are requiring that all flu vaccines be given by appointment. These appointments can be made using our new online Flu Vaccine Appointment system.
Please click the button below to make your appointment: