Flu Shots in Worcester, MA

The virus is highly contagious, affecting millions of patients per year with hundreds of thousands winding up hospitalized due to severe symptoms and complications. Cases can resolve in a few days or a few weeks. While there are several ways you can go about preventing the virus, the most effective form of prevention is by getting an annual flu vaccine which generally provides you with immunity for the duration of one flu season. While the flu shot is the most effective way to prevent contracting the influenza virus, it can only protect against certain strains and may not be 100% effective. If you begin to exhibit flu-like symptoms, you shouldn’t wait to be checked out. Visit AFC Urgent Care Worcester for walk-in flu treatment seven days a week.

What Symptoms Are Associated With The Influenza Virus?

Symptoms of the influenza virus include:

• Low to high fever (fevers over 102 F should be taken to the emergency room for assessment and treatment)
• Sore Throat
• Cough
• Nausea, vomiting and/or diarrhea
• Full Body Chills
• Muscle, head and body aches
• Chest and/or nasal congestion

Who Should Get A Flu Shot?

The flu shot is recommended for almost all patients, ranging from six months old through the elderly. Patients who are considered higher risk should consult with their doctor about when to get the flu shot for optimal protection, as well as whether or not a second dosage is recommended for protection later in the season. Higher risk groups include:

• Seniors over the age of 60
• Pregnant women
• Young children
• Patients who are immunocompromised
• Patients with chronic health conditions including asthma, diabetes, cardiac conditions and cancer

The flu vaccination is not recommended for all patients. If you have an egg allergy, consult with your physician prior to getting a flu shot about prevention alternatives due to the ingredients of the vaccine. Patients who have also had a negative reaction to a past flu shot should also speak to a medical professional prior to getting a flu shot about alternatives.

What Type Of Flu Shot Does AFC Offer?

AFC offers the quadrivalent influenza (flu) vaccine is designed to protect against four different flu viruses, including two influenza A viruses and two influenza B viruses.

Are Quadrivalent Flu Vaccines Safe?

Yes. Flu vaccines that protect against four flu viruses have a safety profile similar to seasonal flu vaccines made to protect against three viruses, with similar—mostly mild—side effects. Like all seasonal flu vaccines, vaccines that protect against four flu viruses are monitored annually for their safety and effectiveness.

Quadrivalent vaccine cannot cause flu illness because they contain ‘inactivated’ (killed) virus, attenuated (weakened) virus, or are made using recombinant methods that don’t use flu virus in the manufacturing process.

For information about flu vaccine side effects, see “Can the flu vaccine give me the flu?”

How Does The Flu Vaccine Prevent Me From Getting The Flu?

The flu vaccination prompts your body to begin developing antibodies to the current strain of the influenza virus. The antibodies will be able to fight against the virus if you are exposed to a live case, preventing you from developing or exhibiting any symptoms. The vaccine is generally effective for about six months.

What Side Effects Can Occur After Getting A Flu Vaccine?

While a flu vaccine cannot give you flu illness, there are different side effects that may be associated with getting a flu shot. These side effects are mild and short-lasting, especially when compared to symptoms of bad case of flu.

A flu shot: The viruses in a flu shot are killed (inactivated), so you cannot get flu from a flu shot. Some minor side effects that may occur are:

• Soreness, redness, and/or swelling where the shot was given
• Headache (low grade)
• Fever
• Muscle aches
• Nausea
• Fatigue

Walk-In Flu Shots in Worcester, MA

Visit AFC Urgent Care location if you are interested in getting the flu shot for yourself, your family or your staff. Our center is open seven days a week, with extended hours in the evening and on weekends for your convenience.

For more information about our seasonal flu shots, please call us at (508) 755-4010, or visit us at 115 Stafford Street in Worcester, MA!