Flu Season Is Here: What COS Families Should Do Before Thanksgiving

Where to Get Flu Shots in Colorado Springs

Flu vaccines are widely available in Colorado Springs right now. Most Walgreens, King Soopers, and Safeway pharmacy locations offer walk-in flu shots — no appointment needed in most cases, though you can book online to skip the wait. Many pediatric clinics and family medicine offices in COS can administer flu shots during existing appointments or during a quick vaccine-only visit.

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends annual flu vaccination for all children 6 months and older. If your child is under 6 months, focus on vaccinating everyone around them — parents, grandparents, siblings, and regular caregivers — to create a protective circle.

Sick-Day Protocol: What D11 and D49 Expect

For families in D11 and D49, the standard sick-day guidance follows Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment recommendations: if your child has a fever, they should stay home from school until they have been fever-free for 24 hours without fever-reducing medication. This applies even if the child seems to feel better.

Flu symptoms to watch for include fever above 100.4°F, body aches, fatigue, headache, and respiratory symptoms such as coughing or congestion. Vomiting and diarrhea can also occur, especially in younger children. If your child develops these symptoms, contact your pediatrician — antiviral medications like Tamiflu can reduce the severity and duration of flu illness when taken within the first 48 hours.

Before Thanksgiving Travel

If your family is traveling for Thanksgiving, consider the vaccination timing: flu shots typically take about two weeks to reach full effectiveness. That means families traveling in late November should ideally be vaccinated by mid-November to get maximum protection. This week is a good window to act.