By AFC Urgent Care Coppell
Every year, flu season sweeps through Coppell, Lewisville, Flower Mound and surrounding North Texas communities, bringing with it coughs, fevers, body aches, and missed workdays. One of the best ways to protect yourself and your family? Get your annual flu shot.
But even though the flu shot is quick and easy, many people still have questions:
What should I bring? What should I wear? Can I get it if I’m not feeling well?
At AFC Urgent Care Coppell, we want to make your visit as smooth and stress-free as possible. That’s why we’ve created this comprehensive guide — a simple checklist to help you prepare for your flu shot appointment.
Whether you’re visiting us from Valley Ranch, Las Colinas, Flower Mound, Carrollton, Irving, or Grapevine, this article will help you feel confident, prepared, and ready to protect your health this season.
Why the Flu Shot Matters
Before we dive into the checklist, let’s quickly review why the flu shot is worth prioritizing:
- Reduces your risk of catching the flu
- Lowers the severity and duration of illness if you do get sick
- Helps protect vulnerable people in your community (children, seniors, immunocompromised individuals)
- Reduces flu-related hospitalizations and healthcare costs
- Keeps schools, workplaces, and families running smoothly during flu season
Even healthy adults and teens benefit from vaccination. It’s not just about if you get sick — it’s about how sick you’ll get.
When Should You Get Your Flu Shot?
The ideal time to get vaccinated is late August through early October. That gives your body time to build full immunity before flu activity peaks in late fall and winter.
But if it’s later in the season, don’t worry — it’s never too late to get protected, especially in high-transmission areas like Coppell and Lewisville.
Your Quick Flu Shot Checklist
Here’s what you need to know — and do — before heading to AFC Urgent Care Coppell for your flu shot:
✅ 1. Know When and Where to Go
At AFC Urgent Care Coppell, you can walk in any day of the week — no appointment needed. We offer extended hours and are centrally located to serve patients from:
- Coppell
- Lewisville
- Irving
- Valley Ranch
- Las Colinas
- Grapevine
- Carrollton
📍 Check our location, hours, and directions on [Insert Website URL]
📞 Or call ahead at [Insert Phone Number] if you have questions about timing or availability.
✅ 2. Bring a Valid Photo ID
This helps us confirm your identity and ensure your medical records are accurate.
- Government-issued ID (driver’s license, state ID, passport)
- For children, a school ID or insurance card may suffice
✅ 3. Bring Your Insurance Card
Most insurance plans, including Medicare, cover the flu shot 100%. If you’re not sure, bring your card anyway and we’ll verify it for you.
If you’re uninsured, don’t worry — we offer affordable self-pay pricing for patients across Las Colinas, Carrollton, and Grapevine.
✅ 4. Wear Short Sleeves or Easy-to-Roll-Up Clothing
Your flu shot will be administered in your upper arm (deltoid muscle).
Wearing a short-sleeve shirt or loose layers makes it quick and easy to receive your shot without needing to change clothes or remove outerwear.
Pro tip for kids: Dress them in layers with a short-sleeve shirt underneath to keep them warm and ready.
✅ 5. Eat a Light Meal and Stay Hydrated
While rare, some people feel lightheaded after getting a shot — especially if they’re nervous or haven’t eaten.
We recommend:
- Having a light meal or snack before your visit
- Drinking water throughout the day
This helps you feel more comfortable and reduces the chance of fainting or nausea.
✅ 6. Bring a List of Medications or Allergies (If Applicable)
If you’ve had vaccine reactions in the past, or if you:
- Have an egg allergy
- Take immunosuppressive medications
- Have chronic health conditions
… let our provider know. This helps us determine the safest and most effective vaccine for your situation. For example:
- We offer egg-free flu vaccines
- Seniors may benefit from a high-dose flu shot
Our providers in Coppell and Lewisville will guide you through your best option.
✅ 7. Prepare Your Child (If Bringing Kids)
If you're bringing your child in for a flu shot:
- Explain what will happen in simple terms (“a quick pinch to keep you healthy”)
- Bring a favorite toy or comfort item
- Offer a small reward afterward (like a sticker or treat)
Tips for parents:
- Children under 9 receiving their first flu shot will likely need two doses, spaced four weeks apart — start early!
- Our providers at AFC Coppell are experienced in giving pediatric vaccines and making kids feel at ease.
✅ 8. Know If You’re Eligible for a COVID-19 Booster Too
Many patients in Irving and Valley Ranch opt to get their flu shot and COVID booster at the same visit — and yes, it’s safe and effective.
We’ll review your vaccination history and help you determine:
- Which COVID booster you may be due for
- Whether co-administration is recommended
- What symptoms to watch for after dual vaccination
Ask during check-in if you're eligible.
✅ 9. Don’t Come If You Have a Fever
While you can usually get a flu shot with a mild cold or sore throat, don’t come in if you’re running a fever (100.4°F or higher).
Wait until you're feeling better, then return for your vaccine.
Not sure if your symptoms are flu-related or something else? We can evaluate you with:
- Rapid flu testing
- COVID-19 antigen and PCR testing
- RSV or strep testing (if needed)
If you’re sick, we can help — and reschedule your flu shot for a better day.
✅ 10. Know What to Expect Afterward
After your flu shot, most people feel no side effects — but some may experience:
- Mild arm soreness
- Low-grade fever
- Fatigue or headache
These are normal signs your body is building immunity. They typically go away in 24–48 hours.
If you have a history of severe allergic reactions or are getting a new vaccine formulation, our team may ask you to stay for a few minutes for observation — just as a precaution.
What to Expect During Your Visit
The entire process is quick and easy. At AFC Urgent Care Coppell, here’s how it works:
- Walk in (or check in online)
- Fill out a brief intake form
- Speak with one of our providers (especially if you have medical concerns)
- Receive your flu shot
- You're done in 15–30 minutes!
No appointments, no long lines — just efficient, friendly service for patients from Coppell, Lewisville, Irving, and beyond.
Additional Services You Can Access During Your Visit
Because we’re a full-service urgent care clinic, you can also:
- Get your COVID-19 booster or other vaccines
- Receive treatment for cold & flu symptoms
- Get school/work excuse notes
- Access care for minor injuries, strep throat, sinus infections, and more
Flu shot visits are also a great time to ask questions about:
- Medication interactions
- Children’s flu protection
- Preventing flu at school or work
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need an appointment for a flu shot?
No. At AFC Urgent Care Coppell, walk-ins are always welcome — 7 days a week.
Is the flu shot safe?
Yes. The flu shot has been shown to be safe and effective for children, adults, pregnant women, and seniors. It cannot give you the flu.
How long does it take to work?
It takes about 2 weeks to build full protection. That’s why early vaccination is important.
Is it okay to get the flu shot and COVID-19 vaccine together?
Yes. The CDC confirms co-administration is safe and effective, and it’s commonly done in clinics across North Texas.
Get Prepared and Get Protected
Taking a few minutes to prepare for your flu shot visit can make a big difference — both in your comfort and in your confidence.
At AFC Urgent Care Coppell, we make it simple. Whether you’re coming from Coppell, Lewisville, Carrollton, Flower Mound,Irving, Grapevine, Valley Ranch, or Las Colinas, our team is ready to help you get in, get protected, and get on with your day.
