Influenza season is upon us once more! While it may feel like we just made it through last year’s season, it is time to start protecting ourselves from this year’s strains.

Did you know that there are different versions of the flu shot available to you? While there is the standard flu shot that protects against the most common strains, there are high-dose vaccines designed to provide an extra layer of protection for the most vulnerable people.

If you want to learn more about what a high-dose flu vaccine can do for you, our AFC Urgent Care Hickory team lays out the details below!

Who Should Get the High-Dose Flu Vaccine?

The stronger version of the flu shot is called the Fluzone High-Dose Quadrivalent vaccine and is available to all adults that are 65 years old or older. As you age, you become more at risk of developing serious complications from influenza. This higher dose shot can help protect you!

The standard flu shot protects against the year’s most common flu strains, while this high-dose version contains strains from four different flu viruses. Because of this, your body develops antibodies against more versions of the flu to help provide a wider range of protection.

Potential Flu Shot Side Effects

• Muscle aches
• Minor discomfort at the injection site
• Headache
• General tiredness

Is Influenza a Possible Side Effect From the Flu Shot?

No! While feeling run down after the flu shot is very common as your body builds immunity to the flu, getting influenza from the shot is not possible. Both the standard flu shot and the high-dose version only have dead flu virus in them, so they cannot cause the flu.

The easiest way you can help prevent serious side effects from the flu is to get vaccinated as soon as possible. You can come see us any day of the week without an appointment and we can help protect you from influenza this season.

Potential Flu Complications

• Myocarditis (heart inflammation)
• Pneumonia
• Kidney failure
• Bronchitis

It’s not too late to get your flu shot this year! Come see us today at AFC Urgent Care Hickory.