The flu is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. It can cause mild to severe illness, and at times can lead to death. Some people are at high risk for serious flu complications. This includes older people, young children and people with certain health conditions. Even healthy children and adults can become very ill if they get the flu.
Preventing the flu
There are many things you can do to prevent getting sick from the flu:
- Stay home when you are sick.
- Keep sick kids home from day care and school.
- Wear a mask inside public places.
- Ask others to wear a mask around children under 2 (who can't mask).
- Wash hands frequently with soap and water.
- Get your flu vaccine (ages six months and older)
The flu shot is especially recommended for all health care workers, people with chronic medical conditions, pregnant individuals, people living or caring for babies six months and younger, or people living with someone who can't be vaccinated because of health reasons.
It is safe to get your flu and COVID-19 vaccines at the same time.
Where to get a flu vaccine
In addition to the locations listed below, most pharmacies are listed on the CDC's Flu Vaccine Finder. You can also call your health care provider to get a flu shot. If you don't have a doctor or health insurance, call the Washington County Health Care Resource line at 503-846-8851.
Pharmacies:
This list was updated on October 11, 2023.
American Family Care Urgent Care
14278 SW Allen Blvd, Beaverton
Appointments recommended.
Medicare, Medicaid and most insurances accepted.
Cost without insurance: $35
Columbia Clinic Urgent Care
9735 SW Shady Lane Ste. 100, Tigard
Appointments not required.
Most insurances accepted.
Kaiser Permanente
Two locations in Washington County.
Members only and appointments required.
Legacy Health
Various locations in Washington County
Appointments required.
Insurances not accepted: Providence and Kaiser
Medicare, Medicaid and most insurances accepted.
Cost without insurance:$105 for 65+ and $55 for all other ages
Neighborhood Health Center
Various locations in Washington County
Appointments required.
Insurances not accepted: OHSU, Legacy and Kaiser
Cost without insurance depends on age: $21.69 for under 19, $81 for older than 19
OHSU
Beaverton and Orenco Station locations
Patients only
Portland VA
For veterans. Call your provider first.
Free flu shot by showing VA card or driver’s license.
Providence
Various locations in Washington County.
Walk-ins available for 65+. All others require an appointment.
School-Based Health Centers
Beaverton, Hillsboro and Forest Grove High Schools (operated by Virginia Garcia)
- Must be a student or family member of student within the school district.
- Medicaid and most insurances accepted.
- Cost without insurance depends on income.
Merlo Station and Tualatin High Schools (operated by Neighborhood Health Center)
- Merlo Station and Tualatin High Schools will begin flu shots in mid-October
- Must be a student or family member of student within the school district.
- Medicare, Medicaid and most insurances accepted.
Cost without insurance depends on income.
The Portland Clinic
Various locations in Washington County
Age requirements at certain locations.
Current patients only. Appointments required.
Medicare, Medicaid and most insurances accepted.
Cost without insurance: $60, high dose for ages 65+ is $125
Virginia Garcia Memorial Health Center
232 SE 7th Avenue, Hillsboro
Appointments needed.
Existing patients can also receive flu shots at their home VG clinic.
Call your clinic to make an appointment.
Posters and other resources
- Clean Your Hands English, Spanish
- Cover Your Cough English, Spanish
- Detenga los gérmenes
- Fiona the Flu Fighter Poster English, Spanish
- Fiona the Flu Fighter Bookmarks English, Spanish
- After the Shots (for parents)
- CDC flu page
- Multiple languages flu fact sheets (CDC)