Dale City VA Flu Shots At AFC Urgent Care, Dale City

Get Protection For The Upcoming Flu Season

Why Get a Flu Shot?

Flu shots are a great way to protect yourself against its strains that are likely to be prevalent this year. They only take a few seconds to administer, and they can keep you and your family from missing school or work due to illness–not to mention, they protect against some of the more dangerous side effects of the virus.

How Does The Flu Shot Protect Me?

It protects you by stimulating your immune system to produce antibodies against the influenza virus strains contained in the vaccine. When you get a flu shot, you're typically injected with inactivated or weakened forms of the virus strains expected to circulate during this sickly season. These viruses are unable to cause the flu, but they are still recognized by your immune system as foreign invaders.

Your immune system then responds, producing antibodies that are ready to recognize and attack the corresponding viruses if you are exposed to them later on. Essentially, it means your body can respond more quickly and effectively, reducing the severity of your symptoms or even preventing the flu altogether.

Who Is A Good Candidate For A Flu Shot?

Just about anyone who wants to avoid a trip to the doctor’s office is a good candidate to get vaccinated. We’ll go over the details when you stop in, but a few examples of people that can take advantage of this medical service are:

• Expecting mothers: According to a study published in JAMA Pediatrics, not only is the vaccine safe for pregnant women, it also protects them and their babies.
• Children 6 months of age and older
• Individuals who are at higher risk for infection
• Those with elderly relatives who may be especially susceptible to illnesses
• People who find it difficult to miss work or school
• Anyone who wants to avoid getting sick!

Effectiveness Of The Flu Vaccine

Yes, the flu shot generally reduces the risk of getting the flu and its complications. However, its effectiveness can vary depending on factors such as the match between the strains included in the vaccine and the strains circulating in a given flu season, as well as a person’s age and health.

According to the Centers for Disease and Control and Prevention (CDC), the influenza vaccine reduces the risk of getting the flu by about 40% to 60% when the vaccine strains are well-matched with circulating viruses. Even when the vaccine isn't a perfect match, it can still provide some level of protection and lessen the severity of symptoms if you do get sick.

It's important to note that the vaccine doesn't guarantee complete immunity, but it remains one of the best ways to protect yourself and others from the flu, along with practicing good hygiene habits such as frequent handwashing and avoiding close contact with sick individuals.

Stop in Any Time

We know you’re busy, and penciling in time for a shot isn’t always easy. AFC is stocked up with flu vaccines and is ready to serve your family whenever you’re ready. Either call your local clinic to make an appointment, or just stop in whenever it’s convenient. Just like our urgent care services, you can walk in any time to get yours.