AFC Urgent Care Sanford Flu Shots

Flu Shots

Get Protection for the Upcoming Flu Season

Flu shots are available at AFC Urgent Care Sanford, located at 2000 S Horner Blvd, Sanford, NC 27330. These vaccines are formulated based on predictions made by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and protect against the four influenza viruses most likely to be circulating this season. Getting a flu shot is the best way to help protect yourself and your family from catching the flu, missing school or work, and avoiding complications. At AFC Urgent Care Sanford we make it simple and convenient to get vaccinated.

The flu can be unpredictable — one person might suffer a few days of illness, while another may face serious complications. By receiving your flu shot early in the season, you give your body the best chance to build immunity before flu viruses begin spreading widely. Whether you’re a busy parent, a working professional, a student, or a grandparent, protecting yourself through vaccination is a smart move.

Who is a Good Candidate for a Flu Shot?

In almost all cases, anyone aged six months or older should get a flu vaccine every year. It’s especially important for individuals in high‑risk groups, such as:

• Children six months to four years old
• Adults aged 50 and older
• Pregnant women (and those up to two weeks after delivery)
• People with chronic conditions such as asthma, heart disease, or diabetes
• Healthcare workers and caregivers of high‑risk individuals

Who Should NOT Get a Flu Shot?

There are individuals who should not receive the flu vaccine, including:

• Children younger than six months of age
• People with severe, life‑threatening allergies to any ingredient in the flu vaccine (such as gelatin or certain antibiotics)
• Anyone who has had a severe allergic reaction to a previous dose of the flu vaccine

If you’re unsure whether you should receive a flu shot, our providers at AFC Urgent Care Sanford can review your health history and help you determine the right decision.

Stop in Any Time

We know your schedule is full and your time is valuable. That’s why AFC Urgent Care Sanford makes flu shots as easy as possible. You can simply walk into our location without an appointment, or if you prefer you can schedule online to Save Your Spot. Either way, our team is here to vaccinate you quickly and comfortably.

Come see us at 2000 S Horner Blvd and let us help you check one key health task off your list this season.

Preventing the Flu

While vaccination is the cornerstone of prevention, you can further protect yourself and others with simple daily habits:

• Get your flu vaccine each year.
• Avoid close contact with sick people.
• If you’re ill, stay home to avoid spreading germs.
• Cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue or your sleeve.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water or use an alcohol‑based sanitizer.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
• Clean and disinfect high‑touch surfaces regularly.
• If you have a fever, stay home at least 24 hours after it ends without using fever‑reducing medications.

FAQs ABOUT THE FLU AND GETTING THE FLU VACCINE AT AFC

Is it the Flu, a Cold or COVID‑19?

• Cold symptoms tend to come on gradually: sneezing, sore throat, stuffy nose, mild cough. Fevers and body aches are less common.
• Flu symptoms often hit suddenly and include fever, chills, body aches, headache, fatigue, and cough.
• COVID‑19 and flu share many symptoms, and because both can range from mild to severe, if you suspect either, visit AFC Urgent Care Sanford promptly for testing and treatment.

What Are Some Complications That Can Arise Because of the Flu?

The flu can cause serious complications such as:

• Pneumonia
• Respiratory failure
• Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS)
• Sepsis
• Heart attack and stroke
• Multiple‑organ failure
• Worsening of chronic medical conditions like asthma or diabetes
• Secondary bacterial infections

Who Is At Risk For Flu‑Related Complications?

Everyone is at risk of the flu, but certain individuals face higher risk of complications, including:

• Children under five years old
• Adults 65 years or older
• Pregnant women
• Individuals with chronic medical conditions or weakened immune systems
• Healthcare workers and caregivers of vulnerable populations

How Well Does The Flu Vaccine Work?

The flu vaccine is highly beneficial, though its effectiveness can vary year to year. The benefits include:

• Helping prevent you from getting the flu
• Reducing severity of illness if vaccinated but still infected
• Lowering risk of flu‑associated hospitalization
• Helping protect people with chronic conditions
• Potentially saving lives, especially in children and pregnant women
• Reducing the spread of flu within your family and community

Are There Side Effects From The Flu Vaccine?

Common side effects from the flu shot may include soreness at the injection site, mild headache, muscle aches, fatigue or low‑grade fever. These typically resolve within a day or two. The flu shot cannot give you the flu because it contains inactivated virus or pieces of virus. Rarely, a serious allergic reaction may occur — if you experience difficulty breathing, hives or swelling after the shot, contact AFC Urgent Care Sanford or seek emergency care immediately.

How Long Does It Take To Get A Flu Shot?

At AFC Urgent Care Sanford, the process is quick and efficient. The actual injection takes only a few seconds. Most people are in and out within minutes, thanks to our streamlined check‑in process and efficient care team.