Flu Shots in Washington | Flu Season Information | American Family Care

Flu Shots

Get Protection for the Upcoming Flu Season

Flu shots are available at American Family Care locations in Washington. These vaccines protect against the four influenza viruses that CDC research has indicated will be most common during the upcoming season. They are a great way to protect yourself and your family from missing school or work due to illness, and they protect against some of the more dangerous side effects of the flu.

Who is a Good Candidate for a Flu Shot?

With rare exceptions, everyone six months of age and older should get the flu vaccine every season. Vaccination to prevent flu and its potentially serious complications is crucial for people at higher risk of developing serious flu complications. Flu shots are appropriate for most people.

Who Should NOT Get a Flu Shot?

People who SHOULD NOT get a flu shot include:

• Children younger than six months of age.
• People with severe, life-threatening allergies to any ingredient (gelatin, antibiotics, etc.) in a flu vaccine should not get that vaccine.
• People who have had a severe allergic reaction to a dose of the flu vaccine in the past should not get that flu vaccine again.

People who should talk to their health care provider before getting a flu shot:

• People who are not feeling well.
• People with an allergy to eggs or any of the ingredients in the vaccine.
• People who have ever had Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS), a severe paralyzing illness.
• Talk to your health care provider if you have had a severe allergic reaction to a previous dose of any other flu vaccine.

Stop in Any Time

We know you’re busy, and penciling in time for a flu shot isn’t always easy. American Family Care locations in Washington has flu vaccines and is ready to serve your family whenever you’re ready. Either call to make an appointment or just stop in whenever it’s convenient. You can walk in any time to get your flu shots at American Family Care locations in Washington.

Preventing the Flu

• Get vaccinated.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• If you are sick, limit contact with others as much as possible.
• Cover coughs and sneezes.
• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water, or use an alcohol-based hand rub.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
• Clean and disinfect surfaces and objects that may be contaminated with viruses.
• If you have a fever, stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone without the use of fever-reducing medications except to get medical care.

FAQs ABOUT THE FLU AND GETTING THE FLU VACCINE AT AFC

Is it the Flu, a Cold or COVID-19?

• Cold symptoms normally come on gradually and usually include sneezing, mild cough, stuffy nose and sore throat. Colds do not usually have an associated headache, fever, chills or aches.
• Flu symptoms usually come on abruptly and include fever, aches, headache, chills, fatigue and weakness, chest discomfort and cough.
• Both COVID-19 and flu can have similar symptoms, and each can also have varying degrees of symptoms, ranging from no symptoms to severe symptoms. Flu symptoms generally come on in one to four days after exposure, and COVID-19 symptoms come on in two to fourteen days. Due to the similarity in symptoms, it is essential that if you think you have the flu or COVID-19, you come into American Family Care locations in Washington for testing and treatment as soon as possible

What Are Some Complications That Can Arise Because Of The Flu?

The flu can result in complications, including:

• Pneumonia
• Respiratory failure
• Acute respiratory distress syndrome
• Sepsis
• Heart attack and stroke
• Multiple-organ failure
• Worsening of chronic medical conditions
• Secondary infections

Who Is At Risk For Flu-Related Complications?

Everyone is at risk for flu-related complications, especially those over 65, those with chronic conditions like asthma, pregnant women, and young children. The CDC and American Family Care locations in Washington recommend the following people prioritize the flu vaccine:

• Children aged six months through 4 years
• People aged 50 years and older
• People with chronic pulmonary (including asthma) or cardiovascular (except isolated hypertension), renal, hepatic, neurologic, hematologic, or metabolic disorders (including diabetes mellitus)
• People who are immunosuppressed due to any cause, including immunosuppression caused by medications or by HIV
• People who are or will be pregnant during the flu season and people up to two weeks after delivery
• People who are residents of nursing homes and other long-term care facilities;
• People who are obese
• Health care personnel
• Household contacts and caregivers of children under five years and adults aged 50 years and older or with medical conditions that put them at increased risk for severe illness and complications from influenza

How Well Does The Flu Vaccine Work?

The benefits of flu vaccination will vary depending on the person being vaccinated, what influenza viruses are circulating this season and even which type of flu vaccine was used. The CDC offers more information on vaccine effectiveness and the current flu season. The main benefits of flu vaccination include:

• Keeping you from getting sick with the flu
• Reduce the severity of illness in people who get vaccinated but still get sick
• Reduces the risk of flu-associated hospitalization
• Preventive tool for people with certain chronic health conditions like heart disease, lung disease and diabetes
• Can be lifesaving in children and pregnant women
• Protect the people around you

Are There Side Effects From The Flu Vaccine?

Common side effects from a flu shot include soreness, redness, and/or swelling where he shot was given, headache, fever, nausea, muscle aches, and fatigue. No, the flu hot does not give you the flu. Although extremely rare, if you have a severe reaction to the flu vaccine, call American Family Care locations in Washington or get to the doctor right away.

How Long Does It Take To Get A Flu Shot?

Our centers in Washington have some of the shortest wait times around. The vaccine itself is administered in just a few seconds! Most people find it’s over before they know it.