When the seasons change and more illness begins to circulate in your community, it’s important to be aware of flu season. This is a time when people may start thinking about protecting themselves and their loved ones from the influenza virus. One of the most common preventive measures is getting a flu shot, but when’s the most effective time to get vaccinated? In this blog, we’ll outline the best time to get a flu shot so you can be sure to support your health all year long.

For same-day flu shots and flu treatment, visit the walk-in clinic at AFC Urgent Care Burlington. Our urgent care center offers several preventive health services– from vaccinations to other wellness guidance. Just walk-in today!

How Does a Flu Shot Work?

The flu shot is a vaccine that helps protect against influenza– a highly contagious respiratory illness. The vaccine is designed to stimulate your body’s immune response to the flu virus, allowing it to recognize and fight off the virus if you’re exposed to it later on. However, the effectiveness of the flu shot can vary depending on several factors, including the timing of vaccination!

When’s The Best Time To Get a Flu Shot?

The ideal time to get a flu shot is before the flu season begins. Flu season typically rises in the early fall and peaks in the winter months. It takes around two weeks for the flu shot to provide full protection against the virus, so getting vaccinated early ensures that your body has enough time to build immunity. Before the flu virus spreads in your community, be sure to get vaccinated! Healthcare professionals recommend getting the flu shot as soon as it becomes available– which is generally in the early fall.

By getting vaccinated early, you not only protect yourself but also help reduce the spread of flu to others. Some individuals are at a higher risk of flu-related complications– including the elderly, young children, and those with underlying health conditions. Early vaccination will protect these people from illness as well.

Does The Effectiveness of a Flu Shot Vary?

The effectiveness of the flu shot can vary from year to year. The flu vaccine is formulated based on predictions of which strains of the virus will be most prevalent during the upcoming season. Sometimes these predictions are accurate, and the vaccine provides a high level of protection. However, there are some instances when the circulating strains of the flu virus may differ from the initial prediction. This may cause those who are vaccinated to use extra protection from the virus in order to combat illness.

Despite any potential variability, getting a flu shot remains to be the best defense against the flu. Even if the vaccine doesn’t give full prevention against the flu strains, it can reduce the severity and duration of the illness if you do get infected. Additionally, it’s important to note that it’s never too late to get a flu shot. It’s better to get vaccinated late than not at all!

Get a Flu Shot at AFC Urgent Care Burlington

If you don't get a flu shot, your chances of becoming infected from the flu virus are much higher. When you need a same-day flu shot, visit AFC Urgent Care Burlington. We’re open every day of the week, making weekend flu vaccination and treatment accessible when you need it. If you have any questions about flu shots, visit our urgent care center on a walk-in basis or call us directly at (781) 270-4700.