Schedule your appointment via MyUCDavisHealth or by calling your clinic. More information below, including dates for drive-thru flu shot clinics.
You deserve expert care, even for common illnesses like influenza (the flu). Our team is easy to reach and delivers treatments that speed healing.
Medically reviewed by Dean Blumberg, M.D. on Sep. 30, 2025.
The flu is a viral infection that is highly contagious and typically strikes in the late fall and winter. There are two main types. Influenza A is more common and can cause severe symptoms. Type B is less common and more likely late in the season, like February and March.
At UC Davis Health, you receive prompt influenza care close to home. Many primary care provider locations offer same- and next-day appointments for flu symptoms.
Our telehealth express care service makes it possible to receive some services from home. You may still need to come to a lab for testing to confirm the diagnosis.
The influenza virus affects your nose and throat. Occasionally, it impacts your lungs. In some people, it causes discomfort lasting a few days. Sometimes flu symptoms make people very sick, requiring immediate care in the hospital.
The symptoms you experience depend on where the infection spreads and its severity.
Severe symptoms or ones that do not improve in a few days require prompt medical attention.
Influenza happens when you get infected with the flu virus. After exposure, it may take a few days for you to start feeling sick.
There are some risk factors that can slightly increase your chances of getting influenza.
Young children and older adults are more likely to develop severe flu that may require hospital care.
You face a higher risk if you have a weakened immune system or ongoing medical issues like diabetes.
If you have not received your annual flu shot, you have less natural defense against it.
If you have flu-like symptoms, seeing a provider promptly is essential. We can confirm the diagnosis and flu type using a quick lab test. This information helps you start treatments, like antiviral medications, earlier when they’re more likely to be effective.
The treatment that’s best for you depends on the flu type and severity.
These medications fight the flu virus, helping you recover in less time. Antiviral drugs also lower the likelihood of flu-related complications.
Rest is essential when you are trying to recover from the flu. It is also important to get a lot of fluids so you don’t get dehydrated.
Additional medications can improve specific symptoms. Saline nasal spray reduces sinus pressure, making it easier to breathe. Ibuprofen helps treat body aches.
Your provider will give you information about flu-related complications and what to do if you think you have one. Additional treatments may be necessary if you have a high fever that doesn’t go away, chest pain or faintness.
While influenza can be highly contagious, taking certain precautions significantly lowers your risk of infection.
One of the best ways to prevent the flu is by getting an annual flu shot.
You can also avoid contact with people who are sick. If you must share space with an infected person, regularly wash your hands and disinfect high-touch surfaces like doorknobs.
Respirator masks such as N95s can prevent you from inhaling the influenza virus. A well-fitted face mask can provide an extra layer of protection in crowded public areas like airports.
UC Davis Health is offering this winter’s updated 2025-26 flu and COVID vaccinations starting Oct. 1, 2025. You can schedule your appointment via MyUCDavisHealth or by calling your clinic.
On Sept. 17, 2025, the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) announced official immunization recommendations in accordance with West Coast Health Alliance partners Oregon, Washington and Hawaii.
That guidance, plus information about access and insurance coverage, is now available on the CDPH Public Health For All web page and its Q&A pages.
UC Davis Health is following guidelines from CDPH for both flu and COVID vaccinations. More information is available on the CDPH Public Health For All web page. All UC Davis Health primary care physicians practice in accordance with the above guidelines.
All UC Davis Health primary care clinics offer flu vaccines to their regular patients. There are several ways you can get a flu vaccine from us:
The most convenient way is to use MyUCDavisHealth:
Other ways you can typically schedule a flu vaccine with us:
UC Davis Health patients ages 9 years and older, who have previously received a flu vaccine with UC Davis Health, can schedule a drive-through flu vaccine appointment at the following locations and dates:
Drive-through flu vaccine appointments can generally be scheduled for these time slots, but please confirm when you make your appointment:
Important notes about our drive-through flu vaccines:
If you are not a UC Davis patient and you are looking for a flu vaccine, the information and websites below may help.
(Note: Websites listed on this page are updated by government public health agencies. They are not updated by UC Davis Health).
Consumer pharmacies (drug stores) are front-line targets for distribution of flu shots because of their convenience and large number of locations. Many already offer the updated flu vaccine. Check the website for the pharmacy of your choice or give them a call.
Protect yourself from flu web page – usually includes:
What you need to know about the flu web page – usually includes:
Influenza (flu) web page – usually includes:
Flu vaccination web page – usually includes:
Your county's public health department or its website may have information about vaccine locations, as well as low- or no-cost options.
"Assessment of a respiratory face mask for capturing air pollutants and pathogens including human influenza and rhinoviruses," Journal of Thoracic Disease, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5906272/
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