Flu Season to be 'Predictably Unpredictable'

Although flu season "peaks" in January and February, flu season is starting now in D.C. and will last through May, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Washington, D.C., has slightly higher levels of flu infections than Northern Virginia right now, but infection levels are still relatively low Google Flu Trends data shows. The trends are based on search engine data related to the flu and its symptoms.

“The past three years have demonstrated that influenza is predictably unpredictable,” said Howard Koh, assistant secretary for health at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) during a news conference last week. “When it comes to flu, we can’t look to the past to predict the future. Stay healthy — get vaccinated.”

Click here and enter your ZIP Code to find out where you can get your flu shot.

Active Flu Strains in 2012

A news release from the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases, this year’s vaccine protects against the same H1N1 virus as in past year, but adds two new ones.

CDC data showed that about 128 million people, or 42 percent of the U.S. population, got their flu shots during the 2011-2012 flu season. These results are far below the goal of 80 percent for people ages 6 months to 65 years and 90 percent for people over 65.

According to the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases, more than 85 million doses of flu vaccine have been distributed since Sept. 14. Officials estimate that about 135 million doses will be made available at pharmacies, doctors’ offices and other retailers during the 2012-2013 season.

Where to Get Vaccinated in Georgetown

Safeway's pharmacy is offer flu shots during normal business hours, seven days a week, on a walk-in basis. No appointments are required and no prescription is necessary. The Georgetown Safeway's pharmacy is open from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily. According to a press release, "Each individual receiving a flu shot at a Safeway Pharmacy will receive a 10 percent off coupon that can be used toward their next grocery purchase."

CVS Pharmacy also offers flu shots. The Wisconsin Avenue (1403 Wisconsin Ave., NW) location in Georgetown welcomes appointments and walk-ins for flu shots. The M Street location does not have a pharmacy.

Pharmacy Hours are:

• Monday through Friday 8 a.m. - 10 p.m.
• Saturday 9 a.m. - 6 p.m.
• Sunday 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. 

Georgetown university student can receive Flu vaccines on campus through the student health center. Clinics are available in October and November for students to receive the vaccine on campus at:

Yates Field House

• Oct. 9, 9 a.m. - noon
• Oct. 10, 4 p.m. - 7 p.m.
• Oct. 16, 9 a.m. - noon
• Oct. 26, 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.
• Nov. 1, 9 am. - noon
• Nov. 13, 4 p.m. - 7 p.m.
• Nov. 15., 9 a.m. - noon  

Sellinger Lounge, Leavy Center: Oct. 17, 4 p.m. - 7 p.m.
McShain Lounge: Oct. 30, 10:45 p.m. - 12:15 a.m. 
Harris Building: Nov. 2, 11 a.m. - 1 p.m.