Flu Shots

Flu shots are more important than ever.

Public health experts have made it clear that getting a flu vaccination is more important than ever to protect yourself and the people around you from the flu, and to help reduce the strain on healthcare systems responding to the COVID-19 pandemic. Flu vaccinations not only help protect you from influenza and potentially serious illness or death but, due to the common symptoms of influenza and COVID-19, a flu shot also reduces your chances of receiving a mistaken diagnosis of COVID-19. With very few rare exceptions identified by the CDC, everyone six months of age and older should get a flu vaccination, and find the time to do so by the end of October. For more information visit https://www.cdc.gov/flu/prevent/keyfacts.htm.

The flu shot is covered by Bowdoin’s medical plans under preventive care benefits at 100% when you go to a health professional, pharmacy, urgent care facility, or other setting considered in the plan. Local providers are organizing drive-through clinics and other events. Your primary care doctor is the best source of information and can guide you on the best way for you and your family to receive a flu vaccination. Due to COVID-19 precautions, the College will not be offering on-campus flu clinics to faculty and staff this year.

Options include:

In October 2020, Mid Coast Medical Group and CHANS Home Health & Hospice will be collaborating to provide free drive-thru flu shot clinics at various locations in the community. Clinics will be offered every weekend in October and the first weekend in November at the following locations: Topsham, Brunswick and Bath. For more guidelines to help you prepare, visit www.midcoasthealth.com/flu.
For patients of Martin's Point, flu shots are by appointment only, sorry, no walk-in appointments are available during this time. If you have a scheduled in-person appointment you will be offered a flu shot during that office visit.
If you are a patient of InterMed you can schedule your appointment online or call 207-523-3919; no walk-in appointments available. Pediatric flu shots available in mid-September. Located at 225 Gorham Rd, Portland (former WEX location).
Patients of MaineHealth should contact their provider to schedule a flu vaccine appointment.
ConvenientMD Urgent Care is offering free flu shots 7 days a week from 8am-8pm, with locations in Brunswick, Portland, Saco and Westbrook; no appointment needed.
If you would find it more convenient to get your shot another way, please present your health insurance card for a free flu shot at your local pharmacy: Hannaford's, Walgreens, CVS or Walmart.