Flu shots are a safe and effective way to prevent developing severe illness from the flu. However, taking the time to get your flu shot can be easily forgotten or intimidating due to the cost or need to schedule an appointment. At AFC Urgent Care Stoneham, we offer affordable flu shots on a walk-in basis 7 days a week. Learn more about how easy getting a flu shot is by visiting AFC Urgent Care Stoneham to get your flu shot today.

When Should I Get My Flu Shot

Flu season lasts from early fall through early spring. Because of this, the ideal time to get your flu shot is two weeks before flu season begins. The flu shot doesn’t work immediately, so getting your flu shot early will ensure that you’re protected when flu cases begin to rise. However, in some areas flu season may start earlier or later depending on the climate. There is no danger from getting your flu shot too early. Talk to your healthcare provider if you are wondering when you should get your flu shot.

The flu is caused by the influenza virus. Like many viruses, the flu is very contagious. The flu can be spread through coming into direct contact with someone who has the flu. It can also be spread by touching the same surface as someone who is sick with the flu, or by breathing in the virus. Although basic hygiene can help protect you from getting sick, getting the flu shot is the best way to protect yourself from becoming seriously ill from the flu.

Side Effects of The Flu Shot

There are many misconceptions regarding the flu shot. Flu shots work by introducing your immune system to a deactivated flu virus. This allows your body to build up a defense against the flu vaccine. Flu shots are a safe and effective way to protect yourself from becoming seriously ill from the flu. The flu shot does not mean that you cannot contract the flu, however, it significantly decreases the chances of you becoming seriously ill from the flu.

Despite the flu shot containing a deactivated virus, the flu shot can cause mild flu-like symptoms in some people. These symptoms typically only occur in the 24 hours following the flu vaccine before resolving. The flu shot cannot infect you with the flu. The most common symptoms following the flu shot are redness at the injection sight and muscle soreness in the area of the injection.

Are Flu Shots Covered By Insurance?

The CDC recommends that anyone older than 6 months old get their flu shot annually. This helps develop herd immunity in the community, further reducing the risk of the flu. The flu shot is altered annually to reflect the strain of the flu that is most widespread, which is why it is important to get the flu shot every year.

The flu shot is readily accessible at various locations. This includes many pharmacies, urgent care clinics, and primary care offices. Although it is recommended that you get your flu shot before flu season begins in the fall, many locations that offer the flu shot allow you to get your flu shot at any point during flu season. Getting your flu shot late will still protect you for the remainder of the flu season. Most locations that offer flu shots accept most medical insurance plans or offer low-cost flu shots. In some locations, flu shots may be free of cost. If you’re concerned about the costs associated with getting a flu shot, contact your medical insurance company or speak to your primary care physician regarding the options available to you.

Get Your Flu Shot Today Without An Appointment By Visiting AFC Urgent Care Stoneham

Getting your flu shot is an important step to take every year to ensure that you’re protected from the flu. At AFC Urgent Care Stoneham, our clinic offers flu shots 7 days a week, with no appointment needed. If you live in Stoneham, MA, or any of the surrounding communities, simply walk into our clinic when it’s convenient for you or schedule an appointment online.

AFC Urgent Care Stoneham understands that your time is valuable. That is why we offer our services on a walk-in basis 7 days a week from 8am-8pm. Our wait times are short so that you can get the care that you need when it’s convenient for you. Our clinic accepts most medical insurance plans. If you do not have medical insurance, or your insurance is out of network, we offer flu shots at an affordable cost. If you have questions regarding our clinic, contact us directly by calling (781) 279-4000.