Flu season is coming, and it is time to get vaccinated. However, it may seem unnecessary to make a doctor’s appointment with your primary care physician for a simple shot. If you don’t have any other medical concerns to discuss, you do have other options for a quick, convenient, flu shot.

1. Pharmacies are available but may not have the availability you require.

Most pharmacies offer vaccines, like the flu shot. Most of them can also bill your insurance. Check with your insurance to see if the pharmacies in your area a covered location are to receive vaccines. At many pharmacies, you can even make an appointment for your flu shot, and be in and out in a matter of minutes.

Some pharmacies can not only quickly run out of flu shots, especially during a busy flu season, but also not have the most immediate service available for patients.

2. Flu Shot Clinics pop up but could be unclear about pricing

Similar to blood drives, flu shot clinics are popping up in communities and at workplaces. Check with your workplace to see if they will offer a flu shot program, or search around in your community. If you carry insurance through your employer, and they do offer a flu shot clinic, chances are it will be set up for you and require very minimal paperwork.

Some flu clinics offer coverage but many could be out-of-pocket costs for patients. Additionally, these clinics are temporary which could Double check with your insurance provider and see if there are more available alternatives.

3. Urgent Care Centers like AFC Urgent Care Little Ferry

Urgent care facilities are one of the best places to get vaccines outside of your primary care physician’s office. Urgent care centers move quickly. While patients who need a specific time can make an appointment for their vaccines, most urgent care centers also offer walk-ins which means you can squeeze it in whenever it is convenient. Many urgent care centers also offer evening and weekend hours, which your primary care physician’s office may not do. The providers at the urgent care centers can complete your vaccine and have you on your way in just a few minutes.

If you do not receive your flu shot from your primary care physician, you may want to call his or her office and leave a message, requesting that a note be added to your file regarding when you received the flu vaccine. If you receive the flu vaccine early, it can be tough to remember exactly when you were vaccinated, which can help your doctor determine whether or not you need an additional dose of the vaccine to be protected for the entire flu season.

At AFC Urgent Care Little Ferry patients can quickly get a flu shot without the need for an appointment. Our provider team is available for the majority of the day and is open seven days a week! Simply visit on your schedule and get your flu shot right away.