By AFC Urgent Care Coppell
As we move into the cooler months in Coppell, Flower Mound, Lewisville, and surrounding areas, flu season is once again on the horizon. Each year, influenza causes millions of illnesses and hundreds of thousands of hospitalizations across the U.S. — and the best defense is prevention.
While flu shots are recommended for almost everyone over the age of six months, some people are more vulnerable than others and should get vaccinated as early as possible.
At AFC Urgent Care Coppell, we’re committed to protecting families not just in Coppell and Lewisville, but also in Grapevine, Flower Mound, Valley Ranch, Las Colinas, Irving, and Carrollton. In this article, we’ll break down:
- Who needs the flu shot first
- When to get vaccinated
- Why certain groups are at greater risk
- And how AFC can help keep your household healthy this flu season
Why Prioritizing the Flu Shot Matters
Influenza isn’t just a minor illness. It can lead to serious complications such as pneumonia, bronchitis, and worsening of chronic conditions. Getting the flu shot:
- Reduces your risk of illness and hospitalization
- Protects high-risk individuals in your household or workplace
- Lessens the severity and duration of symptoms if you do get sick
- Helps slow the spread in our North Dallas communities
Flu vaccines take about two weeks to become fully effective — so knowing when to act is just as important as getting vaccinated.
Who Should Get the Flu Shot First?
While everyone 6 months and older should get vaccinated, the following groups should be first in line to protect themselves and their loved ones.
1. Seniors (65 and Older)
If you or a loved one is over the age of 65, getting a flu shot early is essential.
Why?
Older adults in Coppell, Lewisville, and Irving face higher risks of:
- Hospitalization
- Complications such as pneumonia
- Death due to weaker immune systems
Recommended:
- High-dose flu shots or adjuvanted vaccines are specifically formulated to generate a stronger immune response.
At AFC Urgent Care Coppell, we offer these enhanced vaccines for seniors in Valley Ranch, Las Colinas, and surrounding areas.
2. Young Children (Under 5, Especially Under 2)
Children, especially toddlers and infants, are more likely to develop severe flu-related complications.
Risks:
- High fever
- Dehydration
- Ear infections
- Respiratory distress (especially in infants)
Special Note:
If it’s your child’s first time receiving the flu shot, they’ll need two doses — spaced 4 weeks apart. That’s why it’s important to start early in the season for families in Carrollton, Grapevine, and nearby communities.
3. Pregnant Women
Expecting mothers in Coppell, Lewisville, and Las Colinas are encouraged to get the flu shot during any trimester.
Why it’s crucial:
- Flu during pregnancy can lead to complications like preterm labor
- The vaccine protects both mother and baby — antibodies are passed to the newborn
- It’s safe and strongly recommended by OB-GYNs and the CDC
Getting vaccinated during pregnancy benefits both mom and baby well after birth.
4. People with Chronic Health Conditions
Residents of Irving, Valley Ranch, and surrounding cities living with conditions such as:
- Asthma
- Heart disease
- Diabetes
- COPD
- Kidney or liver disease
- Cancer or immunosuppressive conditions
… are significantly more likely to be hospitalized from flu complications.
If you fall into this group, getting your flu shot early is one of the most important things you can do this fall.
5. Healthcare Workers & Caregivers
Whether you work at a hospital in Irving, a nursing home in Carrollton, or a private practice in Grapevine, flu vaccination is essential.
Why?
- You’re in frequent contact with vulnerable populations
- You could spread the flu before even feeling sick
- Protecting yourself helps reduce flu transmission in the workplace and beyond
If you care for a high-risk family member at home, your vaccination can protect them too.
6. Residents of Long-Term Care or Assisted Living Facilities
Communal living environments in Lewisville, Coppell, and nearby cities are breeding grounds for seasonal illnesses like the flu.
We recommend:
- Residents be vaccinated as early as possible
- Staff and visitors also get vaccinated to prevent outbreaks
At AFC, we often help coordinate vaccination plans for residents and caregivers — reach out if your facility needs assistance.
7. People Who Live with High-Risk Individuals
Even if you're young and healthy, if you live with someone who is pregnant, elderly, or chronically ill, your flu shot plays a vital role in keeping them safe.
This includes:
- Parents of infants under 6 months (who are too young to be vaccinated)
- Children with immunocompromised siblings
- Spouses or roommates of individuals with chronic health conditions
8. People Living in Group Housing or Shelters
In settings like homeless shelters, halfway homes, and college dorms, close contact makes flu spread rapidly.
AFC Coppell works closely with local outreach teams to ensure residents in Lewisville, Valley Ranch, and Carrollton have access to flu vaccinations.
When Should You Get the Flu Shot?
📅 Ideal Timing:
- Late August through early October is the best window for most people.
- Seniors and high-risk groups should aim for early September.
It’s not “too late” if you miss the early season — flu season can last until May — but earlier is always better.
⏱️ Why timing matters:
- It takes two weeks for the vaccine to build full immunity.
- You want protection in place before peak flu season (typically December–February).
Is It Safe to Get the COVID Booster and Flu Shot Together?
Yes — many Coppell and Lewisville residents opt to get both shots in a single visit for convenience and maximum protection. The CDC confirms it's safe and effective to co-administer the two.
At AFC Urgent Care Coppell, we offer both flu and COVID-19 vaccines. Ask our team if you're eligible for the newest COVID booster when you come in for your flu shot.
How Long Does the Flu Shot Last?
Flu vaccine protection typically lasts 4 to 6 months. That’s why it’s important to get vaccinated each year and ideally before flu activity peaks.
Even if you're vaccinated later in the season, you can still benefit from protection — especially if flu cases are still circulating in North Texas.
What to Expect During Your Visit at AFC Urgent Care Coppell
Getting your flu shot with us is simple and fast:
Here’s how it works:
- Walk in or check in online — no appointment needed
- Complete a short health screening
- Receive your flu vaccine from one of our trained medical professionals
- You're in and out in minutes!
We offer:
- Standard flu shots
- High-dose flu vaccines for seniors
- Egg-free and preservative-free options
Busting Common Flu Vaccine Myths
Let’s debunk a few flu shot misconceptions we often hear from patients in Coppell and Lewisville:
❌ “I’m healthy — I don’t need the flu shot.”
✅ Even healthy people can catch and spread the flu. Vaccination helps protect the vulnerable people around you.
❌ “I got the flu shot last year — I don’t need it again.”
✅ The flu virus mutates. Each year’s vaccine is updated to match circulating strains.
❌ “The flu shot can give me the flu.”
✅ False. The vaccine is made from an inactivated virus, which cannot cause infection.
Why Choose AFC Urgent Care Coppell?
We're proud to serve families across Coppell, Lewisville, Irving, Grapevine, Las Colinas, Valley Ranch, and Carrollton with accessible and affordable flu protection.
What makes us different:
- Open 7 days a week, with extended hours
- Walk-in flu shots — no appointment needed
- Convenient location near major neighborhoods and schools
- Family-friendly care for adults, children, and seniors
- COVID-19 testing and vaccines also available
Final Thoughts: Flu Season Starts Now — Don’t Wait
If you or a loved one falls into a high-risk group — or lives with someone who does — don’t wait for the flu to arrive in your neighborhood. The sooner you’re vaccinated, the better protected you’ll be.
AFC Urgent Care Coppell is your trusted resource for fast, reliable, and friendly flu shot services in Coppell, Lewisville, Flower Mound and beyond.
